The CBD market was already worth billions of dollars by 2018. Now, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market still shows high demand for CBD products. Whether it’s because of CBD’s purported anti-stress properties or because of other reasons, people have not lost their interest in CBD.
Since CBD has gained awareness in the market, enthusiasts want to expand their options. People know that they have more choices than just vapes and tinctures, and they want to see which choices are right for them. One available choice is called CBD hemp oil. The benefits of CBD hemp oil are similar to the benefits of other CBD products. However, CBD hemp oil does carry some distinctions of its own.
CBD Oil, Hemp Oil, and Hemp Seed Oil
Before going any further, let’s nail down some terminology. People often confuse CBD oil, hemp oil, and hemp seed oil because these substances have so many similarities. However, the subtle differences between these products matter.
CBD oil is generally extracted from hemp plants. In some cases, CBD oil may be extracted from cannabis plants. However, this kind of CBD oil is not legal on a federal level, while hemp-derived CBD oil is. CBD is one of many compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants, and it’s been used as medicine for thousands of years. Unlike THC, however, CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn’t produce a “high” on its own. Once the CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, it’s mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil.
CBD hemp oil is oil made from the plant material of hemp, including the flowers, stems, and stalks. It contains CBD by default, and because it lacks a high THC content, it’s legal on the federal level. Like CBD oil, hemp oil is also combined with a carrier oil. Hemp oil is gaining more attention among CBD enthusiasts, and many people are increasingly curious about CBD hemp oil benefits.
Hemp seed oil contains virtually no CBD on its own. It’s made from crushed or pressed hemp seeds, and it contains no other plant material. Though hemp seed oil does not contain CBD, people often use it for its other nutritional properties.
CBD Hemp Oil Benefits
It’s important to note that researchers don’t know all there is to know about CBD yet. Until 2018, CBD was illegal on the federal level and therefore ineligible for many health-based research studies. Researchers have done a lot of catching up over the past couple of years, but research takes time, and most of what we know about CBD comes from pre-clinical trials.
Nevertheless, more studies will reach their clinical phases soon, so we’ll likely learn much more about CBD benefits in the future. In the meantime, we do know a few things about potential CBD hemp oil benefits, and many users have reported positive results.
Nutrients in CBD Hemp Oil
Some CBD hemp oil benefits have nothing to do with the CBD content. Apart from CBD, the hemp oil itself provides plenty of essential nutrients that many people may miss in their diets.
Fatty Acids
Hemp oil contains fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. These two fatty acids are both found in plants and have several health benefits. For example, both of these fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation. Both may also help prevent certain chronic diseases and may have heart-protective properties.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are another plant-based nutrient. They may help with all of the following:
- Brain health
- Heart health
- Digestive health
- Diabetes prevention
Polyphenols can do a lot for the human body, but it’s generally best to get them from a whole plant source rather than from a pill. CBD hemp oil is often rich in polyphenols, and so those who have a diet low in polyphenols may experience some CBD hemp benefits. People don’t always get the plant-based nutrition that they need, but CBD hemp oil may provide a better polyphenol alternative than overly-processed powders and pills.
Antioxidants
Even if one takes CBD out of the equation, one may still experience CBD hemp oil benefits thanks to the oil’s rich antioxidant content. CBD hemp oil is high in antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin E. Antioxidants provide cell protection, which may help slow the aging process, protect against certain diseases, and lead to overall better health and wellness. Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, but once again, not everyone gets the privilege of a whole-foods diet these days. Hemp oil may provide a helpful supplement for those who want to boost their antioxidant intake.
CBD and other Cannabinoids
Now, all of the CBD hemp oil benefits above have nothing to do with CBD, so where do the CBD benefits come in? Again, CBD research is still in the early stages. However, early studies have found several potential benefits of CBD, so hemp oil users may experience these benefits. Perhaps the most widely studied benefit of CBD is its anti-inflammatory impact. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is partially responsible for the body’s pain and inflammation responses. The ECS also helps the body maintain homeostasis, keeping everything in balance. When CBD interacts with ECS receptors, it may encourage the ECS to keep the body in a state of equilibrium, minimizing inflammation and other unwanted effects.
CBD has also been studied for its anti-anxiety properties. Some studies have focused on specific types of anxiety, such as social anxiety. While more trials are needed, many CBD users report reduced tension, reduced anxiety, and relief from insomnia.
The Future of CBD Hemp Oil
Among other benefits, CBD hemp oil is natural, vegan-friendly, and appeals to those who take their health seriously. As the CBD market grows, and as more people are educated about CBD, more users will likely want to see those benefits for themselves.
For those who do want to add CBD hemp oil to their lives, the key is to start small, give the product at least two weeks to work, and pay attention to the body’s response.
