hemp, (Cannabis sativa), also called industrial hemp, plant of the family Cannabaceaecultivated for its bast fibre or its edible seeds. Hemp is sometimes confused with the cannabis plants that serve as sources of the drug marijuana and the drug preparation hashish. Although all three products—hemp, marijuana, and hashish—contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that produces psychoactive effects in humans, the variety of cannabis cultivated for hemp has only small amounts of THC relative to that grown for the production of marijuana or hashish.
The hemp plant is a stout, aromatic, erect annual herb. The slender canelike stalks are hollow except at the tip and base. The leaves are compound with palmate shape, and the flowers are small and greenish yellow. Seed-producing flowers form elongate spikelike clusters growing on the pistillate, or female, plants. Pollen-producing flowers form many-branched clusters on staminate, or male, plants.
Hemp seeds are a nutritious plant-based protein source that may provide health benefits, including supporting digestion and heart health.
Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa.
They are from the same species as cannabis (marijuana) but a different variety.
However, they contain only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Hemp seeds are exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein and various minerals.
Here are 6 health benefits of hemp seeds that are backed up by science.
Hemp seeds contain over 30% fat. They are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).
They also contain gamma-linolenic acid, which has been linked to several health benefits (1).
Hemp seeds are a great protein source, as more than 25% of their total calories are from high-quality protein.
That is considerably more than similar foods like chia seeds and flaxseeds, whose calories are 16–18% protein.
Hemp seeds are also a great source of vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc (1, 2Trusted Source).
Hemp seeds can be consumed raw, cooked, or roasted. Hemp seed oil is also very healthy and has been used as a food and medicine in China for at least 3,000 years.
Hemp seeds are a great source of arginine and
gamma-linolenic acid, which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart
disease.
Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats. They
have a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which may benefit skin diseases and
provide relief from eczema and its uncomfortable symptoms.
About 25% of the calories in hemp seeds come
from protein. What’s more, they contain all the essential amino acids, making
them a complete protein source.
Hemp seeds may reduce symptoms associated
with PMS and menopause, thanks to its high levels of gamma-linolenic acid
(GLA).
Whole hemp seeds contain high amounts of
fiber — both soluble and insoluble —
which benefits digestive health. However,
de-hulled or shelled hemp seeds contain very little fiber.
Now for a few images of my trip to a CBD/Hemp Farm near Ambato Ecuador...read on below for more content on my experience at the farm.
As many you are aware of, I spend a considerable amount of time in Ecuador. I really love this country, the people, the agriculture and the history. With all forms of marijuana being legal in Canada, this is just beginning in Ecuador. At this time only CBD and Hemp products are legal, the rest I imagine won't be far behind. For now I will be working on CBD products for medical consumption in the form of edibles such as confections, chocolates and other food related products. We will be doing the same with the hemp products with the eventuality of also producing textiles for clothing and more.
Keep an eye out for some of our new and upcoming online programs including a certificate program in CBD production for food and medical purposes. Dinner Thyme Online Programs.
Cheers, and have a great hump day!
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