Not to be confused with CBD oil (sometimes referred to as hemp oil), hemp seed oil is extracted from a different variety of plant within the same species (cannabis satvia). CBD oil is made by extracting the oils from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, blending it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or even hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil on the other hand is made by extracting the oil from the seeds of the hemp plant. 

The fact hemp oil (CBD oil) and hemp seed oil are often used interchangeably can create confusion around products containing either property. But the two are vastly different in terms of profile and use.

Aside from being extracted from two different varieties of plant, the main difference between (CBD oil) hemp oil and hemp seed oil is the level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in the plants. CBD oil is used medicinally and hemp seed oil is used in health foods and beauty products. Hemp seed oil, which is extracted from the hemp plant, contains little to no trace of THC the psychoactive properties found in the cannabis plant that are responsible for making people feel ‘high’.

Hemp seed oil has been legal for use in cosmetic products for years in Australia but has only been legal for consumption since 2017. When used as a food ingredient it provides a host of valuable nutrients for the body.

Considered a valuable plant-based source of protein, hemp seed oil contains all 20 amino acids including the nine essential amino acids the body cannot make on its own. It has a brag-worthy fatty acid profile being rich in essential fatty acids with the ideal 3:1 ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). As for the vitamins and minerals, there’s plenty of those too with vitamins E & D3, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc just to name a few. In fact, it’s the only food source containing vitamin D.

With such an impressive nutrition profile it’s no wonder hemp seed oil is thought to come with a variety of benefits. Here’s a look at some of the most praised benefits of this often underrated ingredient.

Benefits of hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil for skin

The benefits of hemp seed oil for skin care are rooted in the rich oils found in hemp seeds. Hemp seed oil consists mostly of essential fatty acids with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids the majority of its constituents. Gamma-linolenic acid is a type of omega 6 fatty acid and is thought to act as an anti-inflammatory. In terms of skin care, this may help calm symptoms associated with conditions like acne or psoriasis. Experts have cited the connection between diet and psoriasis with numerous studies into the benefits of essential fatty acids and dietary supplements for sufferers.

Hemp seed oils is rich in GLA

This omega 6 fatty acid is responsible for helping the body manage inflammation and is essential to stimulating skin and hair growth among other things. With a history that dates back centuries, GLA is thought to be beneficial for symptoms associated with diabetes, arthritis thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, and is widely studied in relation to other ailments with promising results.

It’s the ‘perfect’ plant based protein

With all 20 amino acids found in hemp seed oil, including the nine essential amino acids we must obtain from food because our bodies can’t produce them, hemp seeds are hailed as the perfect plant based source of protein.

Good for heart health

Hemp seed oil contains high levels of linoleic acid, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol significantly including LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol levels can help promote heart health and lower your risk of developing heart-related diseases.

Lower blood pressure

Hemp seed oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and extensive research has been conducted into its ability to help lower blood pressure. Studies have shown omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial in reducing blood pressure with this study revealing omega 3 helped to reduce blood pressure significantly without adverse effects on lipid profiles.  

Australian hemp seed oil

There are some fantastic Australian hemp brands available and the industrial hemp industry in Australia is growing each year. The variety of products containing hemp seed oil made from Australian grown hemp is vast and extends beyond just health foods, with everything from hemp seed oil capsules to CB2 oil and terpene blends available.

Why buy Australian hemp seed oil?

There are lots of benefits to buying Australian hemp seed oil. Like any other product, when you buy Australian made hemp seed oil you’re supporting the Australian economy. It’s also good for the environment thanks to the lower food miles associated with buying a product that’s produced and packed right here in Australia. Plus, hemp is one of the most environmentally sustainable crops around. The plants require minimal water and are considered carbon negative thanks to their Co2 sequestration, and they’re naturally resistant to pests too.

Best Australian hemp seed oil products to try

Untamed Health’s Hemp seed Oil Capsules are made with Australian grown hemp, the seeds cold-pressed to preserve their rich source of plant-based omegas and other nutrients. Hemp seed oil capsules are an easy way to reap the benefits of hemp seed oil without the fuss. Untamed Health use chemical residue-free capsules with no mercury, produced with 100% traceability in a Good Manufacturing Practice facility.

ECS Botanics are a Tasmanian brand growing industrial hemp from their dedicated farm in Tasmania’s pristine midlands. Their CB1 and CB2 oil Terpene Blends are designed to instil wellness using a careful selection of terpenes and cannabit satvia seed oil. CB2 oil is thought to have a heap of benefits with proponents using it for skin conditions, digestive issues, and other potential benefits.