Creative ways to add Hemp Oil to your diet

Not all oils are created equal – sesame oil is perfect for stir-frying and sauteing, while olive oil is best for salads and baking.

Hemp oil, on the other hand, is in a class of its own. Hemp oil is a healthy and versatile cooking oil that can be used in many different ways. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the characteristics of hemp oil and how to use it in cooking healthy meals.  

What Is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil comes from hemp seeds, a plant of the same species as cannabis (marijuana). However, hemp seeds lack Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance that gives marijuana its drug-like effects. 

Hemp oil is extracted the same way as olive oil.  The hemp plant seeds are cold pressed to get the oil, then kept in a cool, dark location for processing and transportation. Despite not being one of the most popular seeds right now, hemp seeds have long been a staple of the diets of Chinese and Indian people.

Hemp oil has a mild, nutty flavor and a light, delicate texture that makes it perfect for salads, dressings, sauces, and dips. You can also use hemp oil for baking biscuits, cakes, and other desserts. 

Aside from being cholesterol-free, hemp oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, which makes it a healthy addition to your diet. 

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil

Hemp oil contains minimal to no CBD content, which is what makes it different from CBD oil. The hemp seeds are cold-pressed to create hemp oil. CBD oil, on the other hand, is manufactured by extracting the chemical CBD from hemp buds, leaves, flowers, and stalks of a hemp plant. Both hemp oil and CBD oil, however, have their own set of health advantages.

Health Benefits of Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is made up of 70% to 90% polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are frequently referred to as healthy fats. It is also rich in tocopherols, linoleic and linolenic acids, and omega-3 essential fatty acids. 

The unusual composition of hemp seed oil, which has a 3-to-1 ratio of omega-6 (linoleic) to omega-3 (alpha-linolenic) essential fatty acids, increases omega intake. In general, a diet high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids improves the health of the skin, heart, and blood vessels, lowers pain and inflammation, and may even lessen some PMS symptoms like breast tenderness.

5 Recipes Using Hemp Oil

Hemp oil has a low smoke point, so it is not ideal for frying food. You can sprinkle this oil over your salads or make various rice meals and sauces, marinations, and hummus. Here are five recipes you can try using hemp oil. 

1. Sautéed shrimp with hemp oil

This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. Simply sauté shrimp in a pan with some hemp oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa. 

You can also try stir-frying veggies instead of shrimp. Hemp oil, garlic, ginger, chili, and soy (or tamari if you're gluten-free) can be the foundation of any great stir-fry. 

Whichever vegetables you choose to cook should be combined with your rice noodles before being topped with additional oil and coriander.

2. Roasted cauliflower with hemp oil

This healthy side dish is packed with flavor. Simply roast cauliflower florets in a pan with hemp oil, salt, and pepper. You can also roast potatoes and other vegetables in the same way. 

Serve as a side dish or add to a salad. 

3. Chocolate chip cookies with hemp oil

This classic cookie recipe gets a healthy makeover with the addition of hemp oil. 

Simply replace the butter in your favorite recipe with hemp oil. This trick also works for other baked goodies, such as brownies or bread. 

4. Banana bread with hemp oil

This moist and delicious banana bread is made with hemp oil instead of butter. Simply replace the butter in your favorite recipe with hemp oil.

5. Salad dressing with hemp oil

Hemp oil makes a great salad dressing. Simply combine hemp oil and vinegar in equal parts, and add a little salt and pepper to taste. 

You can add other herbs and spices to create your unique dressing. There are a lot of salad varieties you can make with hemp oil, depending on the ingredients available and your preferences. Simply combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well. Serve over your favorite salad.

Tips When Cooking With Hemp Oil

When cooking hemp oil, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind. First, hemp oil has a low smoke point, so it’s best to use it for low-heat cooking methods like sautéing and baking. 

Terpenes included in hemp oil give recipes more flavor and therapeutic advantages. But the oil breaks down at a lower temperature than other cooking oils. Hemp oil must always be used without direct heat exposure or boiled at low temperatures. 

And finally, hemp oil should be stored in a dark, cool place and used within six months of opening.

These recipes are just a few examples of how hemp is used in the kitchen. When it comes to using this heart-healthy, skin-balancing, plant-based ingredient in your cooking, the sky's the limit. 

Whatever recipe you choose, your body and overall health will benefit.