Hemp - a wonder plant
- daphne3144
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The world's oldest and most versatile crop hemp, produces an extraordinarily nutrient dense seed and the plant has the potential to replace all major non-renewable raw materials. Hemp is a path to nourishing & sustainable living in harmony with the environment and eco-systems we depend on.
· grows well in various soils
· relies on minimal inputs
· tolerant of pests and diseases
· suppresses weeds
· in a rotation system good weed break potential
· soil conditioning abilities
· long taper root brings up nutrients from deep in the soil
· shedding leaves return nutrients to the soil
· construction material - hempcrete, is a lightweight, super strong building material
· could be used to replace significant quantities of tree-derived products
· can be used to make plant based plastics
· makes a stronger and more versatile fibre than chemically laden cotton
· can be used to make ethanol fuel a natural alternative to toxic fossil fuel
· makes biodegradable paints and varnishes
· perfectly suited for body care products
· and the seed is a nutritious food – excellent protein, balanced EFA’s, mineral rich.
Key nutrition benefits
Essential fatty acids
Hemp provides a ratio of essential fatty acids (EFA’s) considered excellent for human nutrition. Omega 6 is around 60% and omega 3 around 20% a 3 to 1 ratio generally considered a good ratio.
In addition hemp, uniquely among common seeds, contains long chain fatty acid Gamma- Linolenic acid (GLA) In theory the body should be able to make GLA from omega 6, but GLA metabolism is often impaired. GLA has potent anti-inflammatory properties Hemp oil also contains stearidonic acid from the omega 3 family as well as mono-unsaturated oleic acid, omega 9.
Protein
Hemp seeds are made up of 25% - 30 % protein. Hemp is a complete protein with 65% of the total protein content of hemp seed coming from the globular protein edestin, which is easily digested, absorbed, and utilized by the human body. Edestin has the unique ability to stimulate the manufacture of antibodies against foreign invaders.
Fatty acids
Hemp provides a ratio of essential fatty acids (EFA’s) considered excellent for human nutrition. Omega 6 is around 60% and omega 3 around 20% a 3 to 1 ratio generally considered a good ratio.
In addition hemp, uniquely among common seeds, contains long chain fatty acid Gamma- Linolenic acid (GLA) In theory the body should be able to make GLA from omega 6, but GLA metabolism is often impaired. GLA has potent anti-inflammatory properties Hemp oil also contains stearidonic acid from the omega 3 family as well as mono-unsaturated oleic acid, omega 9.
Minerals & vitamins
Hemp seed is a source of 19 of the 21 essential minerals (lacking chlorine and fluorine) and contains vitamin A, B complex, C, D & E.
Phytonutrients
Hemp seeds are rich in phytochemical compounds, especially terpenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols. These compounds possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Hemp contains cannabinoids with trace amounts of cannabidiol (CBD) and no Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). known for its psychotropic effect.
