Hemp
Known and cultivated as early as the Neolithic, Hemp is an incredibly versatile plant with excellent nutritional properties. Its seeds were considered reconstituting and toning, with therapeutic properties, while its oil, derived from the squeezing of the seeds, was used to fight inflammation of the skin.
From the cold pressing of the seeds you get an oil with excellent properties, suitable not only for food consumption, but also for skin care and preparation of cosmetics. This oil, with a delicate taste that slightly resembles hazelnuts, must only be used raw to preserve its exceptional antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, currently the subject of several studies. The quality of the fatty acids contained in hemp seed oil is at the base of its beneficial properties. It contains in fact high percentages of essential fatty acids – that is, not synthesized by our organism -, about 15-25% of Omega 3 α-linolenic, and about 50-70% of Omega 6 (linoleic 45-65%, in addition to 4% of γ-linolenic). This oil is therefore one of the few plant sources of alpha linolenic acid, in addition to linseed oil and fish oil. On the total of fatty acids, saturated ones represent only 9-11%. These characteristics make hemp oil a great help in preventing cardiovascular problems, thanks to the lowering of cholesterol levels in the blood, and a protective in case of myocardial damage due to heart attack. Most of the cardiovascular disease is caused by the formation of fat deposits on the inner walls of the blood cases and by the progressive loss of elasticity of the latter, processes accelerated by high levels of cholesterol, stress, smoking and an excessive intake of fat saturated. Also important is the presence of some phytosterols, including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at an extremely low level, which does not cause any psychoactive effects, and Cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have a psychoactive effect, but is able to modulate the responses of our immune system and facilitate cognitive and mental functions. Finally, it is worth mentioning the presence of other phytosterols that hinder the absorption of cholesterol and contribute to its decrease; lecithin, a phospholipid that helps the metabolism of fats by the liver; the carotenes, predecessors of vitamin A, necessary for growth and vision. Applied to the skin, this oil has an anti-aging, moisturizing, elasticizing and protective effect. Applied directly to the scalp with a gentle massage it also helps to rebalance its functions in case of sebum or dandruff and is an excellent nourishing and restructuring for the hair, on which it can be applied and left in place for about 15 minutes before shampooing. Thanks to its vitamin complex and its proteins, it visibly improves the condition of skin and hair, supporting its metabolic functions and a healthy balance.