Hemp extract is a versatile, plant-based compound with many applications and benefits.

From academic research to medical discussions, the therapeutic promises of hemp extract are unfolding, revealing a potent blend of CBD, essential fatty acids, and vitamins.

This guide unwraps the mystery, exploring how hemp extract can be your ally in health and wellness.

Hemp extract is a concentrated liquid derived from different parts of the hemp plant, such as leaves, flowers, and stems. It’s packed with cannabinoids like CBD, terpenes, fatty acids, and essential vitamins.

Making hemp extract involves drying and grinding the plant material, then using methods like CO2, ethanol, or oil infusion to extract the beneficial compounds. This yields a potent product without harmful residues.

The hemp extract profile makes it a potent supplement for potential health benefits, such as reduced inflammation and improved skin health.

A common misconception about hemp extract is that it involves THC, the psychoactive compound associated with marijuana. Hemp extract contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%), which is not enough to produce a typical ‘high’.

For those seeking to avoid THC, broad-spectrum hemp extract or CBD isolate are good alternatives. CBD isolates are often purer, with practically all THC removed.

Unlike hemp seed oil, which is derived from seeds and lacks CBD, hemp extract offers a fuller profile of the plant’s beneficial compounds.

Hemp extract is backed by a nutritional composition that makes superfoods blush. It is rich in CBD and contains a mix of terpenes, flavonoids, essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6, commonly in a 3:1 ratio) plant sterols, and various vitamins (A, C, E, and B complex).

This powerful mix is what positions hemp extract to offer diverse health benefits.

The anti-inflammatory aspect of hemp extract is primarily attributed to CBD, which is believed to work with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a significant role in regulating inflammation and the immune system.

CBD can encourage the production of anti-inflammatory compounds in the body. Those who have conditions like arthritis find hemp extract particularly helpful for reducing inflammation and pain, helping to increase their mobility.

The fatty acids and vitamins present in hemp extract can help support skin health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin cell production, protect the skin’s natural barrier, and fight off environmental damage.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce inflammatory skin conditions related to an overactive immune response, such as acne, dermatitis, or psoriasis.

Hemp extract contributes to heart health through its unique plant sterols and fatty acids blend. Plant sterols can help lower cholesterol levels by blocking cholesterol absorption in the digestive system, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also help improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, lowering triglyceride levels, and decreasing the risk of artery hardening.

CBD’s interaction with the body’s serotonin receptors is critical to its anxiety and stress-relieving effects. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in mood regulation.

By modulating serotonin receptor activity, CBD can exert antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, potentially reducing anxiety levels and improving overall well-being without THC’s high.

CBD’s interactions with the ECS strike again when it comes to hemp extract’s analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. By influencing ECS activity, CBD can help diminish pain signaling and provide relief from chronic pain conditions such as neuropathy, joint pain, and back pain, offering a natural alternative to traditional pain medications.

Incorporating hemp extract into your diet unlocks a range of health benefits.

Here’s how to choose the right form based on your nutritional goals:

Oil

• Best for: Overall wellness, heart health, skin vitality.

• Nutritional Benefits: Rich in CBD and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

• How to Use: Add to salads, smoothies, or take it directly.

Protein Powder

• Best for: Muscle repair, energy boost, digestive health, post-workout recovery

• Nutritional Benefits: Complete plant-based protein, high in fiber.

• How to Use: Mix into shakes, smoothies, or baked goods.

Flour

• Best for: Gluten-free baking with a protein boost.

• Nutritional Benefits: High in proteins, fiber, and healthy fats.

• How to Use: Use in bread, muffins, and pancake recipes.

Flowers

• Best for: Immediate relaxation, anxiety relief, pain relief.

• Nutritional Benefits: High in CBD and terpenes, low in THC.

• How to Use: Make tea or use it as a smoking alternative.

Seeds

• Best for: General nutrition, heart health, immune support.

• Nutritional Benefits: Packed with fatty acids, proteins, and minerals.

• How to Use: Sprinkle on yogurt, salads, or blend into smoothies.

While it’s clear hemp extract offers various health benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone.

Certain individuals should take caution or avoid hemp extract altogether due to potential risks and the lack of extensive research in specific groups.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding: The effects of CBD and other compounds found in hemp on fetal development are not well understood. Potential risks could outweigh the benefits – The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends pregnant women avoid cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including hemp extract, to safeguard against potential developmental impacts. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid hemp extract. Compounds from hemp can pass into breast milk and might affect a nursing infant.

Children: The long-term effects on a child’s developing body and brain are unknown for general use, including nutritional supplementation. Hemp-derived products for children are allowed for specific FDA-approved conditions, like epilepsy.

Hemp Allergy: Those with a hemp or related plant allergy should avoid hemp extract. If you’re unsure about potential allergies, start with a small dose, monitor for any adverse reactions, or consult an allergist.

Medication Interactions: If you’re taking prescription medications, consult with a healthcare provider before using hemp extract. CBD and other cannabinoids can interact with various medications by affecting the liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism.

While hemp extract is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most adults, some individuals may experience adverse effects. Here are some of the most commonly reported side effects associated with hemp extract consumption:

• Headaches, usually related to dosage or product quality

• Digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, or stomachaches are possible, especially if a large dose of hemp is taken on an empty stomach

• Lowering in blood pressure that can lead to dizziness

• Drowsiness during daytime

• Dry mouth or ‘cottonmouth’

• Changes in mood, such as increased irritability or mild anxiety

While the potential health benefits of hemp extract are impressive and wide-ranging, it’s important to approach its use with informed caution. Paying attention to your body’s responses and starting with lower dosages can help mitigate adverse effects.

Quality matters, too; always opt for high-quality, lab-tested hemp extract products to ensure purity and potency.