The Return of Hemp

If you think that hemp plantations are just making excuses for growing marijuana, you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Although a relative of the marijuana plant, the hemp plant that used for nutritional products, paper and cloth fiber has almost no THC, the compound that makes the other plant a favorite smoke-able pastime for many. No, the hemp plant is poorly understood and vastly under-utilized, given its amazing qualities. It suffered from a negative PR campaign back in the days of George Washington, who was, in fact, a hemp farmer. According to history, the cotton growers ran the hemp farmers into the ground to put cotton on the top of the heap, as it were. As a result, our founding father died poor and the world suffered the loss of the hemp industry. But natural health and green living enthusiasts have gotten behind some of the more exciting products that come from hemp. And with more and more companies jumping on the trend…we’re benefiting from lower prices and more variety in the products available to us.

Hemp Oil

Most natural health enthusiasts know that Flaxseed oil is probably the best oil you can get for its Omega-3 fatty acid content. It has more Omega-3s than any other oil and a fair amount of Omega-6 (which although we need in greater amounts than Omega-3, is less essential in our diets due to its presence in so many other foods we eat). But did you know that hemp oil is the second richest in Omega-3 fatty acids? Plus, hemp oil is among the highest in Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), a special fatty acid that helps with hormone balance and many other things. In fact, hemp oil is perhaps the most balanced oil of all, providing Omegas 3 and 6, plus GLA and very small amounts of saturated fats. Hemp oil is over 80 percent essential fatty acids (the good fats) and its nutty taste makes it perfect for salads and pastas.

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is a terrific milk substitute for those who are willing to try something new. Similar to soy milk in texture and flavor, hemp milk has more protein and more Omega fatty acids than soy and even almond milks. It’s probably the healthiest of the non-milk drinks and it goes well in coffee and on cereal. I suggest the vanilla flavored version, as the plain is quite flavor-less and takes some getting used to.

Hemp Protein

When the hemp seeds are pressed to extract their oils, what’s left is not thrown away by a long shot! The dry seed is a high source of protein…more easily digestible than soy or animal protein. About 40 percent of the hempseed powder is protein and it’s full of amino acids. Hemp protein is especially good for children, as it contains high levels of arginine and histine. It’s among the best sources of protein for muscle building and it has NO GLUTEN!

More from the Little Plant

The hemp plant is useful for more than nutrition. The fiber of the plant is used to make clothing, paper, and even construction materials, like dry wall and building adhesives. And it’s 100 percent renewable.

Where to Buy

The products shown here are from Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils, one of the best and most reasonably priced sources of organic, hemp foods online, but there are many sources of hemp products. Another good one is www.farmgenesis.com. Check online for others.