Organic hemp seed oil is a natural product derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Although hemp and marijuana belong to the same plant family, they have different chemical compositions and effects on the body. Hemp seed oil contains only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, and does not cause any intoxication or addiction.
Hemp seed oil is rich in healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can benefit your health in various ways. In this article, we will focus on how hemp seed oil can lower blood pressure and promote heart health.
Hemp Seed Oil and Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that affects about one in three adults in the US. It occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is too high, which can damage your blood vessels and organs over time. High blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems.
One of the factors that can influence your blood pressure is the type and amount of fat you consume. Some fats, such as saturated and trans fats, can raise your blood pressure by increasing inflammation and cholesterol levels in your body. Other fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can lower your blood pressure by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for your health but cannot be produced by your body. You need to get them from your diet or supplements. Hemp seed oil has a balanced ratio of 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which is considered ideal for human health.
Several studies have shown that consuming hemp seed oil can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. For example, a randomized controlled trial involving 86 patients with high blood pressure found that taking 15 ml of hemp seed oil daily for eight weeks significantly reduced their systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to a placebo group. Another study involving 36 healthy volunteers found that taking 10 ml of hemp seed oil daily for four weeks improved their blood vessel function and reduced their blood pressure.
The mechanism behind how hemp seed oil lowers blood pressure is not fully understood, but it may involve several factors. One of them is the production of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that relaxes and widens your blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow through them. Hemp seed oil contains high amounts of arginine, an amino acid that stimulates the production of nitric oxide in your body.
Another factor is the reduction of inflammation, which can cause your blood vessels to constrict and increase your blood pressure. Hemp seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. GLA can also help regulate the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that affect blood pressure and other bodily functions.
Hemp Seed Oil and Heart Health
Lowering your blood pressure is not the only way hemp seed oil can benefit your heart health. Hemp seed oil can also help lower your cholesterol levels, which are another major risk factor for heart disease.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in your blood and helps build cell membranes and hormones. However, too much cholesterol can accumulate in your arteries and form plaques that narrow them and reduce blood flow. This can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition that increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from your liver to your cells and can deposit it in your arteries. HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from your cells back to your liver for disposal.
Hemp seed oil can help lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol by influencing the activity of enzymes that regulate cholesterol metabolism in your liver. Hemp seed oil can also prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol by scavenging free radicals that can damage it. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is more likely to stick to your artery walls and cause inflammation.
By lowering your cholesterol levels and preventing its oxidation, hemp seed oil can help prevent or slow down the progression of atherosclerosis and protect your heart from damage.
How to Use Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is available as a liquid oil or as capsules or softgels. You can use hemp seed oil as a dietary supplement or as a cooking oil. However, you should not heat hemp seed oil above 160°C (320°F) as this can destroy its beneficial nutrients and produce harmful compounds.
The recommended dosage of hemp seed oil varies depending on your health condition and goals. Generally, a daily intake of 15 to 30 ml (1 to 2 tablespoons) of hemp seed oil is considered safe and effective for most people. However, you should consult your doctor before using hemp seed oil if you have any medical conditions or take any medications that may interact with it.
Some of the possible side effects of hemp seed oil include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and allergic reactions. These are usually mild and temporary, but you should stop using hemp seed oil and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen.
Conclusion
Hemp seed oil is a natural and nutritious product that can lower your blood pressure and promote your heart health. It contains a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as other beneficial compounds that can improve your blood flow, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and prevent oxidative stress. Hemp seed oil is easy to use and has few side effects, but you should consult your doctor before using it if you have any health concerns or take any medications. Hemp seed oil can be a valuable addition to your diet and lifestyle to support your cardiovascular health and well-being.
