Did you know that one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world has been gaining traction in recent years? No, we're not talking about wheat or corn. We're talking about hemp. This remarkable plant, often misunderstood due to its association with cannabis, has much more to offer.
This article takes you on a journey through the history of hemp, exploring its uses, and revealing the benefits it holds for both our health and our planet.
Interested in how CBD could enhance your wellness regimen? Shop FOCL to discover the difference that high-quality, organic hemp products can make in your life, or take our Product Finder Quiz to get matched up with the perfect products tailored to your unique needs.
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The Definition: Hemp is a strain of the Cannabis Sativa plant, recognized for its low THC and high CBD content, making it useful for various wellness and industrial applications. The Process: Cultivated in fields, hemp is harvested and processed, separating seeds, stalks, and flowers for use in different products - from oils to fibers. How To Take: The versatility of hemp allows its use in diverse ways. Its derivatives appear in cooking oils, wellness tinctures, and even textiles, offering different ways to incorporate hemp into daily life. History: Hemp's history stretches back over 10,000 years, playing a crucial role in human civilization. Despite its controversial relationship with its psychoactive cousin, hemp's usage today is more diverse than ever thanks to ongoing advancements and our growing understanding of its benefits. |
The Breakdown: Hemp
Hemp, a variant of the Cannabis sativa plant species, is grown primarily for its industrial applications.(1) It's robust, grows quickly, and has the flexibility to be turned into a myriad of products - think food, medicine, clothing, paper, biodegradable plastics, and beyond. One of its many advantages includes being a source of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound lauded for its numerous potential health benefits.
Hemp has been used for centuries to create materials such as rope and twine, paper production, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paints, and biofuel. It is also a food and animal feed source, and is a renewable resource that can be harvested and replanted repeatedly. This makes it an ideal choice for farmers.
How Does Hemp Work?
As a variant of the Cannabis sativa plant tailored for industrial applications, hemp stands out with its robust fibers used in making a range of products like rope, paper, and clothing. It's also known for its medicinal properties, courtesy of compounds called cannabinoids.
Hemp predominantly contains two main cannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD, the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp, doesn't give you a "high," but it's celebrated for its therapeutic properties. It's attributed to helping reduce inflammation, anxiety, and pain, improve sleep, lessen seizures, and potentially mitigate the risk of certain diseases.
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On the other hand, THC, another significant cannabinoid in hemp, is associated with psychoactive effects and a "high" feeling. It's used medically to treat certain conditions. However, in hemp, THC only appears in trace amounts and hence doesn't produce psychoactive effects.
Apart from CBD and THC, hemp also houses other compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids. They are believed to enhance each other's effects synergistically.(2)
What Are The Benefits of Hemp?
Hemp has quite the résumé of health benefits. (3) Let's dive into the ways this versatile plant can contribute to your health and overall well-being:
Antioxidant Properties
Hemp is a formidable antioxidant-rich plant. Its reservoir of vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, all work together to fight off free radicals. Its omega-3 fatty acids join the fight too, working against inflammation, making hemp a robust shield against oxidative stress.
Contribute To Essential Vitamins
Vitamins are the body's building blocks, and hemp delivers a powerful punch. With vitamins A, C, and E playing crucial roles in eye health, immune system function, and skin health respectively, hemp is a key player in maintaining overall wellness. Its supply of vitamin B supports energy production, metabolism, and skin health, solidifying hemp's position as a nutritional powerhouse.
Provide Important Minerals
Hemp is not only vitamin-rich but also a valuable source of essential minerals. It offers magnesium for bone health, potassium for blood pressure regulation, iron for oxygen transport, and zinc for immune support. Add in calcium for bone strength and muscle function, and you've got a complete mineral blend that supports overall health and wellness. (4)
Offer Beneficial Nutrients
Hemp is a nutritional powerhouse, with its seeds rich in essential fatty acids crucial for brain development, immune system function, and overall health. It also provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and cholesterol levels. Hemp contains essential amino acids, key for muscle growth and repair, and a variety of phytonutrients, which offer antioxidant properties.
Potentially Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease
Hemp might play a role in minimizing heart disease risk. Its richness in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to enhance cardiovascular health, and antioxidants, which guard the body against oxidative damage, could contribute to a healthier heart. Hemp's cholesterol-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, and overall heart health properties might also reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. (5)
Alleviate Symptoms Of PMS
Hemp might alleviate PMS symptoms, thanks to its high concentration of essential fatty acids which help balance hormone levels and reduce inflammation. By lessening cramping, bloating, mood swings, and irritability, boosting energy, improving sleep, and reducing stress, hemp can be a natural remedy for those dealing with PMS.(6)
Improved Digestion
Hemp's high fiber content can improve digestion by increasing stool bulk and promoting gut health. Hemp is a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, balancing gut pH levels and reducing inflammation. Its omega-3 fatty acids can further improve overall digestive health.
Reducing Eczema
Hemp products, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, might ease eczema symptoms. Topically applied hemp oil soothes irritation and reduces redness, while orally taken hemp-derived CBD oil reduces inflammation from within. The high essential fatty acid content in hemp seed oil nourishes and hydrates the skin, providing further relief. (7)
Source Of Plant-Based Protein
Hemp is a fantastic plant-based protein source, crucial for maintaining muscle mass, body composition, and overall health. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is easily digestible compared to other plant-based proteins.
It's low in carbohydrates and fats, making it ideal for weight management. Hemp protein can be added to various meals to boost their protein content or used in vegan and vegetarian dishes.(8)
FOCL FAQs: Hemp
What Are The Different Uses Of Hemp?
Whether you're looking for sustainable clothing, eco-friendly paper, or renewable biofuel, hemp has got you covered:
Clothing: Hemp clothing is winning hearts due to its durability, breathability, and natural UV resistance. Not to mention, its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characteristics make it a perfect fit for those with skin sensitivities.
Paper: Hemp's sustainability credentials are on full display in the paper industry. Requiring fewer chemicals to process and growing more rapidly than traditional paper sources, hemp paper outlasts conventional paper by up to five times.
Textiles: Need a strong, reliable material for your outdoor or crafting needs? Hemp has got you covered. Its strength makes it ideal for ropes for camping, sailing, and twines for gardening and crafting.
Insulation: The cellulose-rich hemp makes an effective insulator, trapping heat and keeping your energy costs low. What's more, it is fire-resistant, offering an added layer of safety.
Biofuel: If you're eco-conscious and want to shrink your carbon footprint, hemp's role in the biofuel industry is becoming a game-changer. Hemp oil, an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, powers vehicles and contributes to a more sustainable world.
What Is The Recommended Dosage?
When it comes to hemp dosage, it's not a one-size-fits-all scenario. For instance, daily doses of CBD oil often start around 10-25 mg. But, dealing with serious ailments like chronic pain or anxiety may necessitate a larger dose.
The key is to start small and gradually increase until you find what works best for you. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any hemp-based products. And of course, always read the product label.
How To Choose The Best Hemp?
Choose certified organic hemp, non-genetically modified hemp, and hemp grown in a controlled environment with specific temperature, humidity, and light levels for the highest quality and contamination-free product. Do your homework by reading the label, researching the company, asking questions, and reading other users' reviews to ensure the best hemp product fits your needs.
Where Can I Buy The Best Hemp Products?
When exploring the benefits of hemp, it's important to source your products from a reliable and reputable supplier. Look no further than FOCL for premium hemp-derived products, specially crafted to cater to a variety of needs. With FOCL, you're not just purchasing hemp products - you're investing in a lifestyle rooted in wellness.
At FOCL, we offer a comprehensive range of top-tier hemp-infused products, making sure you can reap the full spectrum of hemp's benefits. Our catalog includes delectable CBD Gummies designed for day and night use, CBD Drops in three exciting flavors for a quick and convenient pick-me-up, soothing CBD Topicals for targeted relief, and even CBD Pet products to keep your furry companions happy and healthy.
All products are expertly crafted from organically grown, non-GMO hemp, with each product's quality assured through rigorous third-party lab testing. It's all about delivering wellness in a bottle, without any compromises.
But that's not all. FOCL truly believes in providing value to their customers, so we offer free shipping on all orders for hassle-free shopping! FOCL goes a step further in appreciating and rewarding its customers with FOCL rewards program. You can earn points for every dollar spent, refer friends, or even just for signing up. Accumulate points and redeem them for discounts on your favorite products. It's our way of saying "Thank you" for choosing to make FOCL a part of your wellness journey.
With a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, FOCL stands out as a leader in the realm of hemp products. Discover the magic of hemp and the remarkable benefits it holds for your health and well-being with FOCL's range of premium products.
Shop today and step into a healthier, happier lifestyle.
Are Hemp And Marijuana The Same?
No, hemp and marijuana are not the same. They are distinct varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant species. Hemp contains trace levels of THC, the psychoactive compound present in higher quantities in marijuana. Primarily, hemp serves industrial and nutritional applications, while marijuana is largely utilized for medicinal and recreational purposes.
Is Hemp Illegal In Ohio?
No, hemp is not illegal in Ohio. Senate Bill 57, which was passed by the Ohio General Assembly in 2018, legalized the growth and processing of industrial hemp in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Agriculture now oversees this process.
Is Hemp A Narcotic?
No, hemp is not a narcotic. Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species with minimal THC content. Its primary uses include industrial and nutritional applications, contrasting narcotics which are typically used to manage pain or induce sleep.
How To Determine If Hemp Is Working In Your System?
The effects of hemp can vary from person to person, but some common signs that hemp is working in the system include improved mood, a sense of calmness and relaxation, and improved sleep. It is important to speak to a doctor before taking hemp to ensure that it is safe and effective for you.
How Long Does Hemp Last In Your System?
The amount of time hemp stays in the system can vary from person to person, but it typically lasts between one and four days. Consult a doctor before taking hemp to make sure that it is safe and effective for you.
What Does Hemp Taste Like?
Hemp has a mild, nutty flavor. It can be used in a variety of recipes, from smoothies to baked goods. Hemp can also be used in savory dishes, such as soups and stir-fries.
Sources:
- Andre, C. M., Hausman, J. F., & Guerriero, G. (2016). Cannabis sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.00019.
- Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
- Callaway, J. C. (2004). Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview. Euphytica, 140(1-2), 65-72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-004-4811-6.
- Mihoc, M., Pop, G., Alexa, E., & Radulov, I. (2012). Nutritive quality of romanian hemp varieties (Cannabis sativa L.) with special focus on oil and metal contents of seeds. Chemistry Central Journal, 6(1), 122. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-153X-6-122
- Kaul, N., Kreml, R., Austria, J. A., Richard, M. N., Edel, A. L., Dibrov, E., Hirono, S., Zettler, M. E., & Pierce, G. N. (2008). A comparison of fish oil, flaxseed oil and hempseed oil supplementation on selected parameters of cardiovascular health in healthy volunteers. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 27(1), 51-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2008.10719674
- Kim, J., & Shin, D. (2018). Necessity of omega-3 fatty acids for the relief of menstrual pain. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27(1), 186-195.
- Eagleston, L. R. M., Kalani, N. K., Patel, R. R., Flaten, H. K., Dunnick, C. A., & Dellavalle, R. P. (2018). Cannabinoids in dermatology: a scoping review. Dermatology Online Journal, 24(6).
- Teixeira, V., Voci, S. M., Mendes-Netto, R. S., & da Silva, D. G. (2017). The relative validity of a food record using the smartphone application MyFitnessPal. Nutrition & Dietetics, 75(2), 219-225. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12358
