Hemp is a highly versatile plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family. There are several varieties of hemp, some of which are used for their psychotropic properties (cannabis), and others for their fibers, seeds, oils, or industrial applications (industrial hemp). Industrial hemp is distinguished from cannabis by its low THC content, the substance responsible for psychoactive effects. Industrial hemp must have a THC content equal to or less than 0.2% to be legally cultivated in France.
Hemp is a plant with numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. It can be used to manufacture textiles, building materials, cosmetics, biofuels, food, medicines, and many other products. Hemp is also beneficial for soils, biodiversity, climate, and human health. Here are some examples of hemp uses:
Textiles: Hemp fibers are strong, durable, absorbent, and antibacterial. They can be used to make clothing, bags, ropes, carpets, canvases, or sails. Hemp is an ecological alternative to cotton, which requires a lot of water and pesticides. Hemp can also be blended with other natural or synthetic fibers to create innovative fabrics.
Construction: Hemp can be used to manufacture building materials such as hempcrete, hemp wool, hemp panels, or hemp bricks. These materials are insulating, lightweight, fire-resistant, mold-resistant, and rodent-resistant. They help reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and construction waste. Hemp can also be used for interior decoration, such as wallpaper, floor coverings, or furniture.
Cosmetics: Hemp oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. It has moisturizing, nourishing, regenerating, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to manufacture cosmetic products such as creams, balms, soaps, shampoos, or massage oils. Hemp oil can also be used for hair, skin, nail, or lip care.
Biofuels: Hemp can be used to manufacture biofuels such as biodiesel, ethanol, or methane. These biofuels are renewable, biodegradable, and less polluting than fossil fuels. Hemp can also be used for biomass production, which can be converted into electricity or heat.
Food: Hemp seeds are a source of protein, fiber, minerals, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They have beneficial effects on the immune system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and digestive system. Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, toasted, ground, or pressed to obtain oil or flour. They can be used to manufacture food products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, bread, biscuits, energy bars, or drinks.
Medicines: Hemp contains cannabinoids, chemical compounds that act on the human endocannabinoid system. Some cannabinoids, like CBD, have recognized therapeutic properties for treating diseases or symptoms such as epilepsy, pain, anxiety, inflammation, glaucoma, or multiple sclerosis. Hemp can be used to manufacture medicines in the form of oil, capsules, softgels, creams, sprays, or inhalers.
Hemp is therefore a multifaceted plant, offering sustainable and innovative solutions for the future. Hemp is cultivated worldwide, but its legislation varies by country. In Europe, hemp is supported by the common agricultural policy and the European Green Deal, which aim to promote more environmentally and health-friendly agriculture. Hemp is also a source of jobs, income, and rural development for farmers, industrialists, and consumers.
Manufacturing of hemp seed oil
In a screw press, healthy and cleaned seeds are pressed in a first cold pressing, without any solvent or chemical intervention. The oil is then filtered successively through blotting paper. The oil is then stored away from light and heat.
Properties of hemp seed oil
It is important to distinguish between the properties of hemp seed oil and the properties of cannabinoids, which are active compounds not found in the seeds but in the upper parts, or flower tops, of the plant.
What is called virgin hemp oil is actually hemp seed oil.
Properties of hemp seed oil on the skin
Hemp seed oil is Non-comedogenic (the comedogenicity of a substance is the tendency of an ingredient to clog the sebaceous glands, responsible for sebum production). It strengthens the hydrolipidic film of the epidermis and helps reduce transepidermal water loss.
Better:
Hemp seed oil is a vegetable oil with many beneficial properties for the skin. Here are some of its virtues:
It deeply moisturizes the skin, thanks to its richness in essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which strengthen the skin barrier and prevent dehydration.
It regulates sebum production, making it suitable for oily and combination skin. It helps reduce imperfections, blackheads, and pimples by purifying pores and calming inflammation.
It fights against skin aging by stimulating collagen production and protecting the skin from free radicals. It reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and spots, and restores radiance and suppleness to the skin.
It soothes sensitive, irritated, or reactive skin by relieving redness, itching, burning, or sunburn. It has healing, antiseptic, and anti-infectious properties that promote the repair of damaged tissues.
To use hemp seed oil on the skin, simply apply a few drops to the face or body, massaging gently until fully absorbed. It can also be added to your day or night cream, or to your moisturizing mask. Hemp seed oil is a dry oil that does not leave a greasy film on the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
Hemp seed oil is a natural and safe oil, with no particular contraindications. However, it is recommended to perform an allergy test before use by applying a small amount to the elbow crease and waiting 24 hours. If no reaction appears, it can be used without fear. It is also important to choose quality hemp seed oil, from organic farming and without chemical additives.
Properties of edible hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is a vegetable oil with many nutritional properties. Here are some of its virtues:
It is rich in essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the cardiovascular system, nervous system, immune system, and skin health.
It contains high-quality proteins, which provide all the essential amino acids to the body. It is particularly interesting for vegetarians, vegans, and athletes.
It is a source of vitamins, especially vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties, and B vitamins, which are involved in energy metabolism.
It is a source of minerals, such as magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and copper, which participate in many vital functions.
It has a pleasant, nutty taste that pairs well with salads, raw vegetables, soups, pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Hemp seed oil is therefore a nutritious, healthy, and tasty oil that can enrich your diet and bring you many benefits. It should only be consumed cold, as it cannot withstand cooking, which destroys its omega-3s. It is recommended to consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of hemp seed oil per day to cover essential fatty acid needs. It is also important to choose quality hemp seed oil, from organic farming and without chemical additives.
Fatty acid composition
Palmitic acid (SFA): 5 to 12%
Palmitoleic acid (MUFA omega 7): ≤ 1%
Stearic acid (SFA): 1 to 4%
Oleic acid (MUFA omega 9): 10 to 16%
Linoleic acid (PUFA omega 6): 45 to 65%
Alpha-linolenic acid (PUFA omega 3): 14 to 30%
Arachidic acid (SFA): ≤ 2%
Eicosenoic acid (MUFA omega 9): ≤ 1%
Gamma-linolenic acid (PUFA omega 6): 2 to 6%
Stearidonic acid: ≤ 2%