Using Hemp Products for Health

Hemp is a very versatile plant, though at first glance one should be careful not to confuse it for a marijuana plant. Hemp has a slightly different leaf structure and is grown in a manner than keeps THC production levels very low (0.03%), if not absent so that it can primarily be used for its many non-THC benefits.

The benefits of hemp for the earth are amazing enough. It is very self sustaining, meaning that it does not require pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or fertilization. Hemp also produces more oxygen than 25 acres of regular forests; meaning it would also absorb mass amounts of carbon dioxide and methane gases for cleaner air. The roots of a hemp plant also pull metals and toxins from the soil and turns into organic material, creating healthy soil.

But for this article, I’m focusing primarily on hemp nutrition that can be found in hemp products made for consumption and topical use, and the benefits of hemp from such.

It is said, that people and animals can live off of Hemp nutrition alone and maintain great health. Edible hemp products contain the following nutritional sources and benefits:

Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 6 fatty acids
Contains all 20 known forms of essential amino acids
More than 8 of the essential fatty acids
Protein (contains 30% protein in a highly digestible form)
GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acids)
LNA (linolenic acids)

As well as a high source of fiber, carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and E can also be found in foods made with hemp products.

Essential fatty acids serve to govern growth, vitality and state of mind. LA and LNA are involved in transferring oxygen from the air in the lungs to every cell in the body. Hemp oil may help to prevent many of today’s increasingly common degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, weakened, immune functions, arthritis, behavioral problems, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, skin affections (including dry skin & hair and even hair loss), pms, sterility, helps balance hormone levels, metabolic rate, body temperature & stomach acids.

Hemp nutrition can be found in many types of foods. Here is a list of some of the foods you may find made with hemp products

Hemp milk
Hemp ice cream
Hemp seed cooking oil
Hemp Cheese
Hemp Butter
Hemp Flour & baked goods
Hemp cereals & granola bars
Hemp tofu
Hemp burger (tempeh)
Roasted hemp seeds
Hemp tea
Hemp beer

It may not be possible to state exactly where you can purchase any consumable hemp product, as the availability of these hemp products will vary in different locations. Where I reside, foods made with hemp nutrition can be found in just a few places, such as Co-op’s, Whole Food/ Natural Health stores, Stores with a natural health/organic section, or online.

The EFA and GLA content found in hemp seed oil naturally moisturizes and replenishes the skin while helping the skin to rebuild cell membranes. While all the nutrients from hemp nutrition help the skin to be healthier.

The benefits of hemp go far beyond hemp products for the body. It also has many other great uses. The lightweight, yet strong fibers in hemp can be used for…

fabrics & textiles

Building materials (fire resistant even)

Construction materials

Car panels and interiors

Ropes & Twine

Paper

Hemp seed oil can be used as a bio-fuel alternative and energy source; to make strong, biodegradable plastics; and also paints that are safer to use.

“Grow it everywhere, hemp is greatly viable for winning the war and sustaining a future fantastic for America.” - General George Washington

Hemp used to be widely and legally grown up until the 1900’s for its many versatile uses. By challenging false claims and bringing facts about the benefits of hemp to light, industrial hemp farms have been making a come back in areas around the world, and even in some states in America.

Photo obtained from: http://www.networlddirectory.com/images/blogs/8-2007/sunn-hemp-9350.jpg