Hemp Happiness

Valued since ancient times, hemp grows like a weed, yet it can be used for virtually everything in our daily lives. Food, personal care products, textiles, paper, construction materials and even health. So what does one of the oldest crops in the world have to do with helping you live life well? 

What is difference between Hemp and Marijuana?

It's important not to confuse hemp with its cousin marijuana. Although they come from the same plant species, Cannabis sativa, they are notably different plants. especially when it comes to their ability to cause that hazy-head feeling. Hemp doesn't contain enough THC (tetrahydrocannabidiol) to produce the drug-like effects experienced in marijuana which has much higher levels. In fact, hemp seeds are notorious for their exceptional nutrition which have numerous benefits for the body.

7 Benefits of Hemp

1. Excellent source of nutrition - Hemp seeds are a great source of vitamins B and E as well as minerals like phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc. Hemp seeds have high levels of the amino acid arginine which has incredible anti-inflammatory advantages.
2. Heart health - With heart disease on the rise worldwide, it's great to find an option to help combat this. Interestingly, the amino acid arginine produces nitric oxide in the body which makes blood vessels dilate and relax, leading to effects on blood pressure. Some studies are also starting to show that hemp seeds and hemp seed oil may help in decreasing the risk of blood clot formation and help with recovery after heart attacks.
3. Rich in fatty acids - Hemp seeds are made up of over 30% fat. And not the bad fat! They contain the perfect ratio of 3:1 Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids which have amazing benefits ranging from regulating the immune system to treating skin conditions and heart problems.
4. Skin health - Fatty acids like omega 3 and 6 may affect the immune response of the body, meaning that it can be used to help with allergic skin reactions like eczema to relieve dry skin & itchiness. The oils in hemp are also absorbed well into the skin to lead to smoother, healthier skin.
5. May Aid Digestion - Whole hemp seeds are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fibre which both help with digestion in different ways. Soluble fibre is a valuable source of nutrients to help with feeding beneficial gut bacteria and insoluble fibre helps with adding bulk and helping food pass through the gut. However, shelled hemp seeds don't contain much fibre because all the fibre content is in the outer shell.
6. Great source of plant-based protein - Hemp seeds are a great protein source, with more than 25% of their total calories from high-quality protein. It contains 2 key proteins ' edestin and albumin ' which are considered 'high-quality storage proteins' encasing significant amounts of all essential amino acids. This makes Hemp a great vegan protein.
7. Decreases stress & anxiety - The high levels of magnesium, amino acids and B vitamins in hemp make it an excellent tonic against stress and anxiety. Magnesium is well known for its ability to help relax muscles and lower cortisol (the stress hormone) to give that calm, sleepy feeling to help unwind after a long day.