We all know how beneficial hemp oil is and how it positively affects our body. It cures and prevents a number of diseases; it is used for cosmetic purposes and as a food supplement. But is it so safe to use and are there any side effects of hemp oil?
Contents
PUFA
Polyunsaturated fatty acids can be up to 70% in the hemp oil. If to add this number to the number of PUFAs consumed daily (for example, an average American diet), this may affect your health negatively. PUFAs include Omega 3 and Omega 6, which also may be unhealthy, much to the surprise, because we all know that it is good to consume Omega 3. Yes, it is good, but only in moderate amounts. Speaking about Omega 6, our body cannot take too much of it, and inaccurate consumption may cause serious imbalance.
Brain development problems
Child and Family Research Institute discovered that for developing in culture, neurons require Omega 3. However, Omega 6 is not recommended, and thus, the consumption of hemp seed oil may result in fatty acid imbalance, which can lead to brain development problems.
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Cardiac dysfunction
The University of British Columbia stated that a high-fat diet, rich in Omega 6, may develop cardiac dysfunction.
Immunosuppression
Dr Newsholme from Oxford University thinks that PUFAs greatly suppress our immune system, meaning the effectiveness and its activation is decreased. Even though PUFAs are considered to treat inflammatory symptoms, linked to cardiovascular diseases and arthritis, at the same time the suppression of immune system increases the receptivity to bacteria and infections.
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Reproduction of tumor cells
Hemp seed oil is known to increase the reproduction of the cells, which normally help the body to heal. Therefore, it is effective for treating skin and other diseases. However, if a diet is rich in PUFAs and especially linoleic acid, promotion of cancer cells can also be observed (particularly prostate cancer). More research on this issue is still needed, but it is advised that if you have a risk of prostate cancer, you rather not consume hemp oil.
Diarrhea
If you consume hemp oil in high doses, it may cause diarrhea and abdominal pains.
Not suited for hot temperatures
You should not cook with hemp oil or heat it, as it turns unsaturated fats into saturated, which are less healthy.
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Anticoagulant
Hemp seed oil may have an anti-clotting effect on the blood, so it has to be avoided, if you are taking blood thinners.
Oily hair
If you use hemp seed oil for a cosmetic purpose (hair care), it may make your hair too oily because of high amount of fats.
Conclusion
As any other product, hemp oil has its side effects. But it doesn’t’ mean the oil should not be consumed at all, because as we know, it has a great number of health benefits. So don’t get scared by the side effects of hemp seed oil. But remember: before starting to use it, either for medical or cosmetic reason, it is advised to visit a doctor for consultation and judge from the overall state of your health.