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Frequently Asked Questions

NUTRITION

Hemp Seed Oil is a rich source of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid), Omega 3 (Alpha Linolenic Acid) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) that are important for optimum health in the body. EFAs cannot be produced by the body itself and are vital for the structure and functions of all tissues in the body.

Essential Fatty Acids can also be obtained from eating Hemp seeds, which are also a rich source (approx. 25%) of high-quality protein, containing all 20 Amino Acids (including the 9 essential Amino Acids).

Omega 3, 6, and 9 in Hemp Oil are present in a bio chemically optimal ratio of 3:1:1 respectively.

Hemp Seed Oil also contains GLA, the active component in Evening Primrose & Borage Oil.

Hemp Seed Oil contains a high amount of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and other essential compounds

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that humans cannot synthesize and must be obtained through dietary sources. EFAs are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from Linolenic, Linoleic and Oleic Acids. There are two families of EFAs: Omega 3 (Linolenic Acid or “LNA”) and Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid or “LA”). Omega 9 is necessary yet “non essential” because the body can manufacture a modest amount on its own, provided other EFAs are present.

EFAs support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and nervous systems. A primary function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in children, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory systems, with male children having higher needs than females. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother’s dietary intake.

The biological effects of Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids are largely mediated by their mutual interaction. In the body, Essential Fatty Acids serve multiple functions. In each of these functions, the balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids strongly affects their function. The recommended balanced ratio between Omega 6 and Omega 3 is around 3:1.

One may take spoonfuls of the oil directly or sprinkle it over foods like salads etc. One should never cook with the oil as heat destroys the EFAs in the oil.

Hemp foods have been used for centuries. As Hemp is lactose and gluten free, Hemptons products will be of particular interest to anyone on a lactose free, dairy free, vegan, low sugar, low fat, and wheat free diets. Hemptons advises that anyone suffering from allergies or disease of any kind would benefit from consulting a registered dietician, qualified nutritionist, a General Medical Practitioner or a registered naturopath and or homeopath for advice before embarking on any self medication.

The proportions of EFAs in Hemp matches the ratios that have been determined by nutritionists to be most beneficial to human nutrition. Hemp Seed Oil contains Omega 6 and Omega 3 EFAs in an ideal long-term ratio of 3:1. It also provides the derivative Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Its content of GLA makes it unique among edible seed oils. No other common seed contains GLA. Hemp seed oil’s unusually well-balanced profile means that one could use it for a lifetime without ever suffering an EFA deficiency.

EFA Content of Hemp Seed Oil:
Omega 3 (Alpha Linolenic)  19%
Omega 6 (Alpha Linoleic)57%
Omega 9 (Oleic)12%
Palmitic6%
Stearic2%
Gamma Linolenic1.7%
Other2.3%

Hemp Seed Oil also contains antioxidants in the form of Vitamin E, (antioxidants prevent the deformation of cells and assist the metabolism. In addition, they have been linked in research to the prevention of the growth of cancerous cells), Carotene (pre cursor to Vitamin A) and a number of minerals including Calcium, magnesium, Sulphur, Potassium and Phosphorous and a modest amount of Iron and Zinc. Hemp Seed Oil is also an excellent source of Chlorophyll.

Hemp oil is a dark emerald green colour and has a characteristic nutty taste and smell.

Hemp seed is technically an achene, that is, a small, indehiscent fruit that is dry and usually containing an oily germ. (Sunflower seeds are another example of an achene). The Hemp Seed (although sometimes called Hemp Nut) is therefore in fact a fruit and not a nut. It also does not contain the enzyme inhibitors that block protein digestion, such as those found in legumes (soybeans), grains (wheat) and nuts that normally cause food intolerances or allergies.

The Anaphylaxis society has no reported cases of Hemp seed or Hemp Seed Oil causing reactions to people with nut allergies. However, Hemptons advises people with nut allergies who want to try Hemp Seed Oil, to try small amounts initially, testing reaction.

As with some foods, some people have developed an intolerance to Hemp Seed Oil.  Others find it to cause their hair, skin and nails to become too oily.  After all, Hemp Seed Oil is an oil.  (The amount of Oil consumed also plays a role in this though).

The key to using Hemp Seed Oil either internally or externally is to take your time and evaluate the results that you experience over time. Some bodies can’t handle the richness of this oil.

Yes. Hemp Seed and Hemp Seed Oil is safe for babies. Dosages will be smaller for children and babies than for adults. (See dosage information above). You cannot overdose on Hemp.

No. Hemp seed products will not make you high. Typically, Hemp seeds contain less than 0.03% Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive substance found in the Hemp plant’s distant relative   “marijuana”. Hemptons Foods, Oils and Capsules contain 0% THC due to a recently improved seed cleaning process (SGS International teste

No. Industrial Hemp and Marijuana are not the same thing. Hemp is an agricultural crop presently being grown in the USA, Canada, England, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and China to name only a few. Botanically, the genus Cannabis is composed of several variants (much like broccoli and cauliflower are both classified under the genus Brasica and may look similar, but anyone who has eaten them will know they are vastly different).

Although there has been a long-standing debate among taxonomists about how to classify these variants into species, applied plant breeders generally embrace a biochemical method to classify variants along utilitarian lines. Cannabis is the only plant genus that contains the unique class of molecular compounds called cannabinoids. Many cannabinoids have been identified, but two preponderate: Delta9 tetrahydroncannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient of Cannabis, and CBD, which is an anti psychoactive ingredient. One type of Cannabis –Cannabis Indica (Marijuana), is high in the psychoactive cannabinoid THC, and low in the anti psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD. Another type of Cannabis – Cannabis Sativa (Hemp/Industrial Hemp) is high in CBD and low in THC.

Essential Fatty Acids are damaged by exposure to light, heat and air, which is why Hemptons’ products are rigorously produced by cold pressing in a oxygen free environment and nitrogen capped. We recommend that Hemp oil should be stored in the fridge once opened. It can also be frozen for longer periods of storage.

An unopened container can be stored indefinitely in the deep freezer and 6 to 9 months in the refrigerator.

An opened container will last for ten to twelve weeks in the refrigerator but should optimally be used within one to two weeks.

An unopened container can last four to six weeks if stored below temperatures of 20° Celsius and away from direct sunlight, but again, should optimally be used within one to two weeks.

It is a delicious alternative to Olive Oil. Hemp Seed Oil can be used in salad dressings, poured on pasta, baked potatoes and vegetables.

No! Hemp Seed Oil should never be used for frying. It can be heated at low temperatures of not more than 20˚C for no more than 10 minutes. Gentle stir frying is preferable. At high temperatures unhealthy by products acids are formed known as trans fatty acids.

Other points of interest:
Saponification Value:     193
Melting Point:   8 C
Chlorophyll:        6ppm
Iodine Value:     166.5
Specific Gravity: 0.9295@200 C
Smoke Point:     1650 C

 

BODY PRODUCTS

Hemp Seed Oil comes closest to matching the exact EFA profile of skin sebum than any other botanical in the plant kingdom. In fact, Hemp Seed Oil contains the highest concentration of PUFAs among all natural and vegetable oils. It also contains Oleic Acid (OA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), both critical to healthy skin. Hemp Seed Oil can be used to nourish the skin and hair with both internal and external applications.

Clinical studies have shown that PUFAs, specifically the EFAs Linoleic Acid (LA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), when topically applied, can alleviate or even remedy skin problems such as neurodermatitis, dry skin, atopic eczema and psoriasis. These studies have specifically shown that the cracking or scaling associated with these conditions can be reversed by skin care products containing these Omega 6 fatty acids. Additionally, the proven anti-inflammatory properties of LA and GLA can aid in wound healing and improving the appearance of sun damaged, aged and chemically and laser treated skin.

Linoleic acid (LA) is particularly crucial for the formation and maintenance of skin and hair barrier lipids. LA contains certain ceramides, specifically Ceramide 1, which strengthen the links between skin lipids and corneocytes, the outermost skin cells of the skin. In addition, LA is the starting material for the biosynthesis of certain prostaglandins (PG), which have important immunoregulatory functions and influence epidermal keratinization.

An important factor in healthy skin is proper metabolism of keratinocytes to generate a healthy corneum layer. Keratinization and protein synthesis are also vital for proper hair growth.

Yes, as Hemp Seed Oil helps to improve the condition of damaged and aging skin by boosting the cell’s nourishing environment, thus increasing the rate of cellular reproductive activity
It acts as a natural barrier against moisture loss, reducing TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) and promoting skin smoothness and elasticity and works in conjunction with skin sebum, acting as ‘cement’ to retain cells in the corneum layer.
Repairs and revives skin barrier function either by replacing epidermal lipids that have been removed, allowing lipids to remain despite adverse environments, or renewing the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Yes, it Is an excellent carrier oil for transporting actives or other valuable substances to the skin and contains excellent lubricating and moisturizing properties.

Yes, as it functions as an excellent super fatting agent for hair care systems, replacing important barrier lipids removed by traditional surfactants

  • Supports immune function of the skin by attracting oxygen, which acts as a barrier to viruses, bacteria, fungi and other foreign organisms that can’t thrive in oxygen
  • Forms protein associations easily and is irreplaceable for the regeneration of skin cells
  • Protects skin from dehydration, cracking and environmental factors
  • Offers superior emollience with a minimum of greasiness
  • Partially supplements skin related symptoms of dietary essential fatty acid deficiency
  • Has clinically proven anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for sensitive, irritated and damaged skin