Table of Contents
What is Hemp?
Hemp or Industrial Hemp is grown on cannabis sativa. It is an annual broad leaf plant with a taproot and can grow very rapidly under favourable conditions. Fiber Hemp plants grow around 2-5 meters tall without branching. The stem of the plant contains long tough fibers which are used to make ropes, textile and clothing. It is specially grown in northern hemisphere for purely industrial purposes and in order to gain benefits of the by-products produced therein.
Favourable soil for growth of Hemp:
Hemp is best grown in loamy soil containing a neutral pH. High clay content in the soil could be detrimental to the growth of this plant. They need moderate water supply.
Climate for growth of Hemp:
It grows in a high moisture laden climate. It requires about 400 mm of rainfall. Care must be taken to provide sufficient water supply for uninterrupted growth. Weed control is equally necessary measure to be adopted for a better crop.
Uses of Hemp:
As we read above, the fiber obtained from hemp is used for various purposes including making ropes, clothes, food, paper, textiles and plastics. The bast fibers are used in the textile with a combination of cotton, flax, wool to make woven fabrics. Hemp is also used as a potential biofuel.
Nutritional Benefits of Hemp Seeds:
Hemp Seeds are indeed a gift of nature to mankind considering the nutritional benefits that it holds. These seeds are high on protein nutrient; contain essential fatty acids, vitamins and enzymes. This all coupled with an absence of sugar content, starch and saturated fats. They contain Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. They have antioxidant properties. An anti-oxidant is a molecule that beats the oxidation of other molecules. They thus prevent oxidation of our bodily cells preventing various diseases like cancer. It also contains amino acids, fiber, zinc, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, vegan source of calcium, manganese, copper, potassium, phosphorous and enzymes which act as a catalyzer in bodily processes. Here is a list of all the benefits of Hemp Seeds:
- Excellent source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are essential fats for our body.
- Contains Vitamin E which works wonders for the skin and hair. It enables a healthy growth of hair and glowing skin.
- Vegan source of proteins as it is more digestible and a great alternative for proteins found in eggs, meat, chicken, milk and milk products.
- They are not known to cause any allergies and can thus be used as a source of nutrient for people allergic to milk products, nuts, etc.
Hemp Oil:
Hemp oil can be produced by pressing hemp seeds. The oil obtained by cold pressing of hemp seeds is unrefined and is dark green to light green in colour. Refined hemp seed oil is clear and colourless. However, they lose the vitamins and antioxidants during the process of refining. This refined oil is used in body care products.
As we earlier read, hemp seeds are primarily used for industrial purposes. These purposes include lubricants, plastics, paints, inks and fuels. They may also be used in shampoos, soaps and detergents.
13 Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil:
1. Can Lower the risk of heart disease: The essential fatty acids are attributable to prevent heart disease amongst the consumers. Studies have suggested that this oil prevents the blood clogging in the arteries and veins. It could provide support against stroke as well.
2. Helps in balancing hormones: Hemp seeds contain GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid). This helps in formation of a hormone like element prostaglandins. These prostaglandins help in regulating hormones amongst women. https://theplanetvoice.com/
They help her deal with effects of menopause and delayed periods. They have proved wonders for women in their phase of PMS situations. One gram of fatty acids has proved effective in dealing with mood swings.
3. Has shown effects in reducing PCOD symptoms: Nuts like almond, apricots, cashews, Brazil Nuts, flax, chia, Hemp Seeds are all power houses of the food industry. They contain vitamins, minerals, fibers, calcium and selenium.
It helps to improve insulin levels. They are also responsible in regulating hormone, improving skin, hair growth and regulation of menstrual cycles.
4. Reduces Inflammation: Hemp seed oil contains a lot of sterols and alcohols. These are compounds that have proven effective in reducing inflammation. Inflammation is a cause of various bodily disorders. It has proven itself in reducing organ disorders and related diseases.
Oxidative stress and inflammation has been found to cause various diseases including Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Hemp Seed oil prevents cancer: This is a common consequence of the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seed oil. All those elements which have these two qualities on consumption will contribute in some way or the other to preventing effects of cancer.
Due to antioxidants, free radicals will not be formed in our body. As a result, no cancerous cells will be able to invade upon our healthy and normal cells and tissues. If inflammation is reduced, the body becomes stronger to fight the antibodies that enter our system.
Presence of Omega 3 fatty acids adds feather to the cap.
6. Could relieve the pain of Arthritis: Arthritis is presence of pain in bodily joints and muscles which can be extremely excruciating and unbearable. It could lead to less efficiency amongst those who suffer.
People start to feel the effects from mid age which aggravates as the persons enter the phase of old age. Hemp seed oil’s high GLA content combined with its ideal ratio of omega-3/6 fats and other anti-inflammatory nutrients, is believed to be why it is so effective.
7. Helps in treating Diabetes: Some form of diabetes has been associated with the lack of essential fatty acids. It would be repetitive on my part if I have to mention that hemp seed oil is rich in these oil contents. Thus, it could lead to good effects on diabetic patients.
8. Hemp Seed oil for Brain Health: The chemical cannabinoids which is found in hemp seed oil has proven to be beneficial in treating anxiety especially social anxiety. Some studies support that the consumption could have anti-depressant effect. The essential fatty acids could improve the memory and concentration.
9. Weight Loss: The presence of GLA could help in reducing weight. There have been limited evidences to prove this but what’s the harm In trying?
10. Boosts Immunity: Immunity is the ability of your body to fight diseases caused due to germs and viruses. With all the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties coupled with the nutrients, your body is certainly well prepared to defend itself against diseases.
Benefits for Pregnant women: As the second trimester sets in, the nutritional requirement for a pregnant women change. The women are advised to consume Omega 3 fatty acids for the brain development of the child in her womb. Hemp seed oil can be a good consumption option for such women for the Omega 3 requirements as well as the various other nutritional benefits that it provides.
Good for Digestive Health: Due to the presence of fiber, soluble as well as insoluble, hemp seeds can be very advantageous for people suffering with constipation. Fiber acts as roughage and helps in excreting the waste from our body.
Benefits of hemp seed oil for the skin and hair: We already read about the presence of Vitamin E in hemp seed oil. Vitamin E is the key to beautiful and spotless skin that glows a lot. The moisture content is also high in this oil keeping the skin soft and moisturized naturally. Even works wonder for hair growth.
With so many qualitative aspects, what could prevent you from using hemp seed oil for consumption? It could be just one thing that it grows on cannabis sativa, the same plant known to produce marijuana. Thus, it may be difficult to be found. The cultivation of hemp seeds is illegal in a lot of countries.
However, there are legislations in the US to support that hemp seeds and marijuana are different with respect to separate species of the cannabis plant. Hemp is thus used for industrial purposes as well. The cultivation is also possible if the requisite permissions are obtained from the government.
Related Questions:
1. Is hemp oil as good as CBD oil?
Hemp oil contains fatty acids, Omega-3, proteins, but doesn’t contain any CBD. so they cannot be compared.
2. Can hemp oil help me loose fat?
Hemp oil has gamma linolenic acid which may help with loosing fat.
3. Is hemp oil addictive?
No, the hemp oil sold commercially in US is not addictive as it does not have any THC in it.
4. Can hemp oil make me high?
No, hemp oil cannot make you high because it does not contain THC.
