One of the highly controversial topics of today is Hemp, the magical plant, which we use for a diverse set of purposes, including commercial and sometimes medical. Along with Marijuana, Cannabis, weed, and a range of trendy words used today, the plant remains one of the most disputed topics of our time, with a range of opinions regarding its purposes, uses, and potential threats.
Although in previous years words such as Marijuana were an absolute taboo, today there is a more liberal approach to the magical plant, allowing for the spread of more information based on research and studies. The medical use of both Marijuana and Hemp has been revealed through scientific research and today, more people are turning an eye towards this natural remedy.
Hemp certainly plays a role in our health and it is worth exploring the ways in which it can affect us. But in order to avoid confusion regarding the words we use, let’s start off by explaining what exactly Hemp means and how it differs from Marijuana.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a species, which belongs to the plant family Cannabis along with Marijuana. The plant can also be seen as industrial Hemp, which is predominantly used for the creation of products such as shoes, rope, clothes, and more. A distinction can be made between Marijuana and Hemp on a number of factors, including cultivation, use, the effect on the body, and more. Industrial Hemp is non-psychoactive, meaning that it carries no more than 1% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – the psychoactive substance found in Marijuana, which makes consumers feel “high” and go through mind-altering experiences.
From a visual perspective, Hemp can be described by skinny leaves, which increase towards the top part of the plant, with a larger height when compared to Marijuana. There are almost no branches on the lower part of the plant. When cultivated, Hemp plants are positioned very close to one another and can successfully grow in a diverse range of climate conditions, unlike Marijuana. Hemp’s growth cycle is between 110 and 120 days.
Is Hemp legal?
Although Hemp is legal for the production of industrial materials such as paper, animal bedding, fiber boards, insulation, rope, or other textiles, the legality of Hemp for human consumption is still controversial.
The main factor indicating whether Hemp is legal or not is its concentration of THC. The majority of U.S. states have legalized Hemp, which includes no more than 0.3% THC. In other parts of the world, Hemp is legal if its THC concentration is no more than 0.2%. Hemp can be found in a range of products, which can be officially purchased from stores or pharmacies, such as lotions, oils, and some foods, as the THC substance in these products is at minimum levels.
The power of Hemp seeds
Apart from its powerful role as an industrial resource, Hemp is also appreciated as a superfood, with rich and nutritional seeds. Thanks to the lack of psychoactive substances, Hemp can be a great addition to your nutrition diet.
Hemp’s seeds are valuable as they contain a lot of protein, fiber, and fatty acids, which are healthy for the body, such as omega-6 and omega-3. The antioxidant effect of Hemp’s seeds is sought after for a range of purposes, such as treating the symptoms of different illnesses or contributing to the better function of the joints, skin, or even heart. But how is this made possible? Where does the supremacy of the Hemp seeds come from?
You may be surprised to find out that the protein levels found in Hemp are similar to those of soybean. To put that in numbers, there are 9.46 grams of protein in 30 grams of Hemp seeds. All nine essential for the body amino acids can be discovered within Hemp seeds. Apart from protein, as mentioned earlier, Hemp seeds are rich in unsaturated fats, such as omega-3. Fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and our only chance of getting them into our system is via nutrition. To make things even better, Hemp seeds do not include trans fats.
Fiber is another valuable compound of Hemp. Although it is predominantly found in the shell, even seeds with no shell comprise of around 1.2 grams of fiber. And it doesn’t stop here. The Hemp seed is also a source of minerals and vitamins, essential for the body. The full spectrum of minerals and vitamins includes vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin B, iron, zinc, and more. Each of the listed has its own positive effect on the body and plays an important role in the normal functioning of our system.
Medical uses of Hemp
Now that we have looked deeper into the makeup of Hemp seeds, it is time to consider the health implications of the plant, having in mind its powerful variety of resources. For starters, fiber and its regular consumption has the power to help us cope with increased appetite, regulate our weight, control and manage sugar levels, and even stimulate a healthier gut. And these are just a few straightforward benefits of Hemp seeds. Let’s dig a little deeper.
Hemp as an antioxidant
Although not very concentrated, the Hemp seed includes a powerful compound called CBD or cannabidiol, which plays an active part in the fight with a number of health conditions. Due to its presence in Hemp, the plant can be used as an antioxidant source, in addition to other neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits. CBD has been proven to help with the treatment of brain conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and more. In other words, Hemp may be a useful protector of the brain.
Hemp can be a powerful pain relief substance
Consuming Hemp seed oil can have a positive effect on the reduction of pain or soreness, mainly due to the presence of CBD. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect on the body, Hemp seed oil can be used as a post-workout ingredient to help relax the muscles and prevent muscle burns, a great natural alternative to taking medication, right?
CBD also has a strong effect on other types of pain, including chronic pain or such derived from serious health conditions. The good news is that unlike other substances, CBD will not simply take your attention away from the pain, but will, in fact, remove it from your system, giving a more long-term effect.
Hemp improving the condition of the heart
In order to function properly, research has uncovered that the heart needs a certain amount of omega-3 fatty acids. With the presence of these useful fatty acids, the hearth can carry out its normal tasks and the risk of conditions such as arrhythmias or other failures of the heart to function properly can be omitted. Fatty acids are an ingredient of the Hemp seed their value can be exploited by the consumer.
Apart from helping the heart’s function, Hemp seeds are also beneficial for the walls of blood vessels or artery and vein dilation. This role is also important for managing the health of the heart and combined with a proper diet and regular exercise can lead to a healthy and comfortable life.
Hemp can revive the skin.
Well, maybe the magical effect of Hemp can’t completely revive the skin but it certainly plays an essential role in keeping it healthy and young. We have already touched upon the existence of fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 in Hemp. Apart from the other benefits they bring to the body, they are also great for your skin in making it look more elastic and young, while amino acids stimulate the production of collagen and elastin – two factors, which are essential for the skin’s moisture and young look.
Hemp’s effect on PMS
Premenstrual syndrome is a common discomfort, which the majority of women across the planet have experience with. The syndrome can lead to serious physical pain or emotional unease, which appears during the monthly cycle of women.
The dominant reason behind the discomforts associated with PMS is an imbalance in the body’s hormones, resulting in no gamma-linolenic acid in the body. However, this can be avoided through the consumption of Hemp seed oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid and has the ability to recover the hormone’s balance in the body.
How to make the most of Hemp’s health benefits
Now that we’ve covered the full spectrum of Hemp seeds and their effect on the body, you may be asking yourself how you can consume Hemp. Hemp products vary, from Hemp seeds, seed oil, milk, or even Hemp cheese. Hemp products can be found in the majority of health food stores and are easily accessible in countries, where the substance is legal.
You could get your regular intake of Hemp via the consumption of meal bars, granola bars, use Hemp seed oil as dressing for your salad. You could even add something different to your salad or oatmeal by sprinkling Hemp seeds on top. There are no boundaries, let your imagination run free with Hemp seeds and take advantage of the health benefits they have to offer.