However with a change in the Food Standard is it now legal to be sold as a food! And we are all cheering!
Hemp Vs Cannabis Vs Marijuana?
There has always been a little confusion over the understanding of Hemp, which is the main reasoning behind it’s legal battles.
So let’s put it simply, Cannabis is a family of plants with two primary classifications — Indica and Sativa. Both Hemp and Marijuana are species of Cannabis that are both members of the Cannabis Sativa family. This means they do have similarities, however with crucial differences in their physical appearance and most importantly their chemical composition.
Chemical compounds found in cannabis are called Cannabinoids,the two most dominant being Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is what is known for the psychoactive ‘High’ associated with Marijuana, where CBD is known for its ever-growing health benefits.
Hemp contains abundant levels of CBD and all Hemps nutritional benefits, while having a very low concentration of THC (under 0.3%), which means it does not cause the psychoactive effects.
Hemp and Health
Apart from its great taste Hemp harbors an extensive list of nutritional and health benefits. A vast array of research has been done and shown benefits in the following and the list is continuously growing.
- Reducing Inflammation
- Muscle and joint health
- Improving skin conditions
- Relieving rheumatoid arthritis
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Cardiovascular health and Heart Disease
- Non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease
- Brain, cognition, psychological health
Hemp contains an impressive array of vitamins nadminerals including:
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
- Iron
- B vitamins
- Calcium
- Zinc
All of which are essential for health, well-being and optimal daily functioning of the body.
Hemp and The Planet
The good news about hemp (if there could be any more!) is that the product is very sustainable to grow and produce in Australia, which means it’s a win-win for us, farmers and the planet!
Also both conventional hemp seed and certified organic hemp seed are both grown without the use of pesticides and/or herbicides and both are Non-GMO (genetically modified organism). The only difference is that conventionally grown hemp seed does use fertilizer at the beginning of the growing cycle.
How to Hemp?
Thanks to the change in Food Standard Hemp is now available in many forms, creating endless ways it can be incorporated into our lifestyle.
The seeds have a delicious creamy nutty flavour and texture and can be used on their own or added to almost anything you like savoury or sweet. All of the above can be a great nutritious addition to smoothies, salads, baking, pancakes, snacks and just eaten on their own. (See recipe Below for Hemp Pesto)
You can also find hemp in ready made products such as: COYO Hemp & blueberry yoghurt, Pure life Multiseed with hemp, Organic villageorganic hemp seed and mung bean tempeh and muesli’s such as: Living intentions Superfood cereal. Just to name a few.
SO TIME GET YOUR HEMP ON!
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