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Health & Fitness

Hooray for Hemp!

Hemp is a miracle plant, and one of the world’s greatest, most versatile fibers.

Now, before you get all like, “Wow, hemp is cannabis – is she really writing about weed?”, let me educate you as to the many benefits of this amazing plant.

A sustainable “cash crop”, hemp comes from Cannabis Sativa, a variety of cannabis which is grown for its long fibers and seeds. It is also grown because of its incredibly low level of THC, the derivative of marijuana and hashish that “gets you high”. It has been grown for over 12,000 years in multiple areas of the world; George Washington even grew it himself. For that matter, it has been grown and used by several other presidents such as James Madison, James Monroe and Andrew Jackson, to name a few. Industrialized hemp does not produce the "high" that is found in cannabis that is grown primarily for marijuana and hashish.

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Hemp is grown in many parts of the world; China is the largest exporter of the crop, although Canada is closing in fast with their ability to export the plant as well. The Canadian export trade has shown that Canada is the number one leader on the global market today; the estimated boost to their economy is upwards of $100 million. It is grown in Australia, Chile, North Korea, Austria, Chile, Great Britain and India, to name a few. It is not grown in the United States due to the Marijuana Protection Act; however, in February 2014, Congress passed an agricultural bill that eased restrictions on cultivation of the crop in ten states (Colorado, Vermont, California and North Dakota have issued legislation for growing the plant in their states.)

Hemp has a vast number of uses. Fibers are used in rope, paper, clothing and canvas. The fibers have also found their way into the plastics industry. Some automobile manufacturers have used hemp plastic in the manufacturing of auto parts, such as glove boxes. This amazing crop has also been used in fuels; biodiesels and alcohol fuels made with hemp can power diesel engines. This product is also known as “hempoline”. In Australia, hemp is being used as a “mop crop”, removing impurities from waste water.

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Hemp clothing is incredibly strong, insulating, absorbent and durable, making it an excellent choice for wear against sensitive human skin. The fibers last three times longer than cotton, making it an excellent choice for saving money in the long run. Hemp can be used to make socks, shoes, purses, jewelry, and even animal bedding.

Hemp is an incredibly nutritious food, as well. Hemp seeds contain 80% essential fatty acids, omega-6’s, omega-3’s, linoleic acids, and alpha-linoleic acids. It’s considered a “complete” amino acid, which contains 21 essential amino acids, as well as 9 that the body cannot produce. It’s a complete protein, comparable with eggs, soy, cow’s milk and some meats. It’s a vegan’s protein of choice. Hemp seeds can be ground and eaten raw. It can be found in milk, tofu, tea, ice cream, bars, protein shakes, and gel caps. Hemp oil can be used in salads and for cooking. However, hemp oil can turn rancid and oxidize in a short amount of time, so storage in a dark airtight container in the refrigerator is suggested. Hemp flour is an excellent choice for those on gluten free diets. Raw, fresh leaves have been employed in salads, which are delicious. The Swiss even use it in beer! Industrial hemp is grown with a lower content of THC, due to regulatory limits for the amount of THC in foods produced with hemp. This is why the United States uses sterilization techniques of hemp.

Hemp is planted between the months of March and May in the Northern Hemisphere, and between September and November in the Southern Hemisphere. It takes approximately three to four months for the plants to mature, and they are harvested between mid-April to mid-May. The plants are subject to bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses, which decreases the fiber quality and kills the plants. However, since these factors don’t affect an entire crop, pesticides are not widely used.

Because of its close relation to marijuana and hashish, as well as confusion as to what it truly is, hemp has gotten a bad rap. However, as many reports and studies have shown, this incredibly nutritious, sustainable crop is something that would be a boost to our economy, if we opted to grow and export it. With the advent of “all things healthy”, “eating clean”, and “going green”, hemp fills the bill for all of these adages. It’s up to us to explore the options, educate ourselves about its many uses, and become adventurous. It’s tasty, it’s versatile, and it’s hardy. I know firsthand, because I’ve used the milk, powders, and oil. I’ve also purchased towels and socks made with hemp, and they are truly remarkable items. Don’t just take my word for it – go out and explore it for yourself. It’s something that’s definitely worth looking into.

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