Health benefits of hemp

Hemp is a botanical variety of Cannabis sativa that is grown specifically for industrial and medicinal use. Low in THC, it’s a highly versatile plant, with a number of health benefits due to its high content of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds. Hemp products are now legally available in Australia and many other countries.

Along with bamboo, hemp is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet. Here are twelve potential health benefits:

1. Hemp seeds are a good source of protein and essential amino acids. They are also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.
2. Hemp oil, which is made from pressing hemp seeds, is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and has been shown to improve cholesterol levels.
3. Hemp seeds and oil are also a great source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
4. Hemp seeds contain high levels of arginine, an amino acid that has been shown to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
5. Hemp seeds are also a good source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes hemp seeds and oil useful for people with conditions such as arthritis and asthma.
6. Hemp seeds are high in fibre, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation.
7. Hemp seeds are also a good source of iron, which is important for maintaining healthy red blood cells and preventing anaemia.
8. Hemp oil has been shown to improve symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions due to its high content of essential fatty acids, which have been shown to improve skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting skin repair.
9. Hemp oil has also been shown to have anti-ageing effects, due to its high levels of antioxidants.
10. Hemp oil has been shown to have anti-tumour effects in animal studies, and may have potential as a cancer treatment. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
11. Hemp seeds and oil also appear to have benefits for brain health. They are a good source of chlorophyll, which has been shown to have neuro-protective effects, and hemp oil has been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression in some studies.
12. Last but not least, hemp seeds are high in protein and low in calories, which can be a very helpful combination for weight management.

Overall, hemp is a nutritious and versatile plant with a number of potential health benefits, either taken in seed form, as milk or oil.

More research is still needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits and to determine the ideal dosage (and form) of hemp products for different medical conditions and situations.

Happy hemping!