As a lotion oil, I added it for its Omega 3 benefits, that all diets and skin care products are lacking in. Hemp oil does make a "shiny" finish on your skin, so I would add other carrier oils such as sweet almond and grapeseed oils.
Hemp seeds are among the best omega 3 foods, and have more essential fatty acids than flax seeds. They are said to contain nearly every single vitamin and mineral needed by the body.
Hemp is one of the highest sources of complete protein of any plant-based food, containing all of the essential amino acids (like flax). It also has high amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 (as well as other essential fatty acids) in a balanced ratio of around three to one.
The hemp seed is the world's most nutritious seed -- they're a rich source of phytonutrients that provide benefits such as protecting your immunity, bloodstream, tissues, cells, skin and organs.
Hemp is one of the earliest known plants to be cultivated by humans, with a recorded history of over 12,000 years. Various parts of this hearty plant have been used for a multitude of purposes, including using its fiber for textiles and paper, its oil for vehicle fuel, and its seeds for food.
With these benefits, putting hemp oil in soap is a great idea!
Nutritional Composition
Hemp seeds contain 25 percent protein content, second only to soy among plant foods. However, soy has very high amounts of a substance called phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that prevents your body from absorbing certain minerals. Hemp seeds don't contain phytic acid and are highly digestible, giving them an advantage over soy.
In addition, these seeds contain vitamins (especially vitamin E), phytosterols and trace minerals. They're also a great source of dietary fiber, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium - this is a true superseed. Compare them to soy (or flax seed) and they wins hands down in both taste and nutrition.
Hemp seeds are nature's best omega 3 foods, with the highest botanical source of essential fatty acids, more than or any other nut or seed, except for perhaps chia seeds. Hemp's essential fatty acids also come in a perfect 3:1 ratio of omega 6 linoleic acid to omega 3 linolenic acid. These fatty acids have been shown to improve cardiovascular health and the strength of your immune system.
Omega 3 fatty acids are probably the most important fats for your health. This is because they help reduce inflammation, a primary cause of many of the degenerative diseases so common today - heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimers, arthritis, and more.
Typical modern day diets are usually lacking in omega 3 fats. Instead, we're consuming lots of omega 6 fats, largely through vegetable oils like corn, canola, soy and others. An imbalance of omega 6 and omega 3 foods in the diet leads to inflammation, which contributes to the onset of degenerative diseases.
Most nutrition experts believe that a health-promoting ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fats is no higher than 4:1, and many believe the optimal ratio is 2:1. The typical American diet, however, contains almost 10 times as much omega-6 as omega-3 fatty acids.
Using Hempseeds
Hemp foods are expanding onto the shelves of grocery and natural food stores across North America. Examples include protein powders, salad dressings, nutrition bars, breads, cookies, granola, waffles, nut butter, chips, frozen deserts and cold-pressed oil supplements.
Besides using hemp oil in soap, you can also add the seeds to your soap base for a scrubby bar, or add a sprinkling on the top for a great looking bar. The hemp bar I made was scented with orange, sandalwood and nag champa (the incense scent) and called it "Deja vu".
Hemp seeds look similar to sesame seeds in color and size, and taste much like sunflower seeds, but a little milder and with an added, distinctive richness. You can enjoy these seeds by themselves, or try them sprinkled on just about anything: granola or yogurt, salads, soups, dips. The seeds can be ground into powder or flour that can be mixed in with a variety of bakery goods, such as cookies and breads.
One of the easiest ways to add the benefits of hemp seeds to your daily routine is by using it as an ingredient in smoothies. They won't affect the taste at all, they just increase the thickness. They'll also give your smoothie more fiber and a boatload of omega 3s!
From "hemp oil in soap" to another carrier oil for soap and skin care . . .
Or maybe you'd like some skin care recipes where you can use hemp oil . . .
Opening two paragraphs of Hemp Oil in Soap is by Courtney Findlay and the balance of the article by Stan Mrak, who has had a passion for antiaging nutrition for over 30 years. Visit his website at www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com for the most practical and useful information on antioxidants anywhere. Discover how antioxidants hold the secret for staying young and avoiding degenerative diseases. hemp oil in soap
