Hemp is one of the oldest domesticated crops known to man.
In the last decade, hemp has been widely promoted as a crop for the future. This is stimulated by new technologies, which make hemp suitable for industrial paper manufacturing, use as a renewable energy source (biofuel), and the use of hemp derivatives as a replacement for petrochemical products.
The increased demand for health food has stimulated the trade in shelled hemp seed. Hemp oil is increasingly being used in the manufacturing of body care products.
Not only is hemp oil rich in vitamins A and E, it also contains trace amounts of important minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus. It is also high in antioxidants, which are elements that prevent or slow cell damage.
Due to its high content of beneficial oils and natural emollient properties, hemp is becoming a common ingredient in cosmetic products. It is a good alternative to the toxic chemicals present in many petroleum-based lotions and cosmetics.
Hemp foods are becoming more and more popular as the public discovers the nutritional benefits and culinary uses of hemp.
Hempseeds and hemp oil are highly nutritious and delicious. Hempseeds are an excellent source of protein, minerals, and dietary fiber. Hemp is the only plant that contains all of the essential fatty acids and amino acids required by the human body. These essential nutrients affect a variety of body functions, including metabolism, the skin, mood, behavior, the brain, and the heart.
Many people eat fish and take fish oil supplements to get these essential fats, however concerns around overfishing and the chemical contamination of modern fish have made many choose to switch to hemp instead. It is an especially excellent option for vegetarians.
Hemp foods are becoming more and more popular as the public discovers the nutritional benefits and culinary uses of hemp.
Hemp is also good for animals, and some veterinarians recommend including it in the diets of pets and livestock. When hempseed is included in birdseed, songbirds will pick it out of the mix as they prefer it over other seeds.
Animals such as horses and cows respond well to hemp meal as a dietary supplement as it is high in protein as well as the residual EFA’s (essential fatty acids).
A further benefit is that Hemp is grown without pesticides or herbicides and is not genetically modified (in comparison to canola).
Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Seed Cake (meal) have great potential in the animal industry. Immediate applications include the addition of Hemp meal and its protein into animal food/concentrates and the oil as a supplement. Future areas of research and application need to involve clinical trials and specific essential fatty acid research in the animal model.
Hemp Seed Meal is sometimes known as hemp protein flour. This is not the same as hemp protein. Hemp Protein is made from hemp seed meal, which is the by-product of pressing hemp seed oil.
A final note is that Hemp is now being used as hypoallergenic bedding in farms. This has great potential in terms of double cropping.
Hemp can do a lot, but it can’t get you HIGH.
Industrial Hemp contains virtually zero Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the physco-active ingredient in Cannabis.
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