Full-spectrum hemp oil refers to when the pure oil extracted from hemp contains all the same cannabinoids and compounds found in the original hemp plant. Unlike isolated or synthetic cannabinoids, full-spectrum hemp oil contains an array of cannabinoids, as well as many essential vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, protein, chlorophyll, fiber, flavonoids, and terpenes.
Cannabinoids
Full-spectrum hemp oil contains dozens of cannabinoids. The most abundant cannabinoid found in hemp oil is cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound shown to have many benefits in studies. CBD makes up over 90% of the cannabinoid content in full-spectrum hemp oil.
Hemp oil also contains the cannabinoid cannabidiolic acid (CBDa). In live hemp, CBDa is more abundant than CBD. Often times hemp oil will undergo a heating process called decarboxylation, which changes CBDa into CBD and offers those seeking the highest levels of CBD a more ideal product.
Other more major cannabinoids found in full-spectrum include cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabinol (CBN). You can learn more about these cannabinoids and what studies have so far discovered about their potential therapeutic benefits here.
Vitamins and Minerals
Extracted full-spectrum hemp oil also contains a wide list of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. Present are vitamins A, C, and E., and well as B complex vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. Hemp oil is also a source of vitamins that are commonly not sufficiently present in many diets, including beta-carotene.
Minerals are essential for a variety of bodily functions, nerve function and metabolic processes. They’re also important for building strong bones and the health of our blood, skin, and hair. Full-spectrum hemp oil contains minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, and iron.
Essential Fats and Protein
Hemp oil is a healthy source of protein, which is instrumental in building and repairing tissues. Health officials recommend refraining from regularly eating red meat because it’s higher in saturated fat, but hemp oil is a heart-healthy source of all 20 amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids that must be provided through the diet.
Essential fatty acids are necessary for maintaining heart and cardiovascular health. The two primary essential fatty acids — Omega 3 and Omega 6 — are ideally consumed at a ratio of around 3:1. Unfortunately, in the typical American diet, that ratio is close to 25:1. Full-spectrum hemp oil offers the two essential fatty acids in the optimal 3:1 ratio.
Why is Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil Important?
The health benefits of full-spectrum hemp go beyond it being a source of CBD. The array of cannabinoids and other natural constituents found in full-spectrum hemp oil work have been shown in studies to work together in what’s referred to as the “entourage effect.” Together, these compounds work harmoniously to magnify their therapeutic properties. The complex mix of cannabinoids, essential nutrients, protein, and healthy fats work synergistically to encourage homeostasis and balance in our health.
You can learn even more about the entourage effect here.
Are you looking for more information on CBD oil? Here are a few recent articles that offer more details about CBD’s therapeutic properties and selecting a CBD product:
