Tera Warner

Little Known Ways to Use Hemp as a Beauty Elixir

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by Melissa Fine

First things first: hemp is NOT a drug!

Yes, it comes from the same plant family as marijuana, but it lacks sufficient chemicals to induce a high.

Actually, hemp seed and its oil are perfectly-balanced foods, providing endless health benefits.

Currently, hemp is in the spotlight for being a skin saviour

New to this Superfood? Scroll down for some recipe ideas for including hemp in your diet.

Hemp Seed Nutrition

A complete protein, hemp contains all the essential amino acids (building braw food spotlightlocks of protein) needed for optimum functioning. And with a protein status similar to eggs and dairy, it’s ideal for vegans!

Of all the vegetable oils, hemp has the most ideal Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) balance, with an ideal Omega 6:Omega 3 ratio of about 3:1.

This is significant because the average Omega 6:Omega 3 ratio in the typical Western diet is 10:1, being too high in Omega 6, yet lacking Omega 3.

Hemp also contains generous amounts of the rarer polyunsaturated fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA). And it’s high in fibre and Vitamin E!

So what can these nutrients can do for your skin?

Benefits of Hemp Seeds and Hemp Oil for the Skin

  • Hemp heals acne: Lack of EFAs can prompt hormonal imbalances, wreaking havoc on your skin. Consuming appropriate amounts of Omega 3 and 6 can aid hormone regulation, which reduces your chances of a pimple outbreak.
  • Hail hemp for treating eczema! Fats in GLA and SDA help reduce the dryness, redness and itchiness of inflammatory dermatitis. Eczema can also improve with a regular digestive system, so hemp’s high fibre content helps eliminate waste and in turn, eradicate eczema.
  • Got dry or sunburnt skin? Applied as a moisturiser, hemp oil (unlike most oils) won’t just sit on your skin. Instead, it penetrates skin cells and plumps them up by providing lipid replenishment.
  • Hemp is also a great wound and scar remedy, as protein and antioxidant Vitamin E aid cell repair.

Hemp Food – Easy recipes

  • Make bircher muesli by soaking ground hempseeds overnight with mixed nuts and juice. Top with banana and raw honey for a breakfast that tastes like decadent dessert!
  • Make a dip or a spread. Blend 1 cup of hempseeds until they reach a peanut butter-like consistency. Add salt to taste. Alternatively, add tamari and ginger for a Thai-inspired sauce.

So have some hemp!

Its rich, nutty flavour will leave you licking your lips…and your skin will thank you!