Benefits of hemp
If you pay any attention to the world of marijuana or even the world of politics, you have probably heard about this plant called hemp. So, what is hemp? Hemp is a close relative in the marijuana plant—both members of the cannabis family. For decades, in other areas of the world, hemp has been one of the most versatile crops in popular circulation, used for paper, textiles, manufacturing, and even medicinal purposes.
A Sustainable Future With Hemp | 10 Benefits for People and Planet
Products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant are hitting the market like a tidal wave. Popping up everywhere from upscale lifestyle stores to trendy coffee shops, hemp and its isolated compounds, like CBD, seem to be everywhere right now.
So why has hemp suddenly stepped into the spotlight? It all comes down to some pretty amazing health benefits. First, if you didn't know, hemp and marijuana are actually the same plant , Cannabis sativa, that has been bred differently, much the way cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are technically the same plant.
Hemp is the variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains high amounts of CBD, or cannabidiol a nonpsychoactive component in the plant , in addition to other healthy compounds and very low amounts of THC the psychoactive component in marijuana and is legal, whereas marijuana is Cannabis sativa bred to have high amounts of THC and remains illegal in most states. There are a lot of different types of cannabis-derived extracts, and a lot of confusion, so let's start with some definitions.
When it is derived from the seed of the plant for culinary purposes, it is referred to as hemp seed oil.
While hemp seed oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids and is a great addition to a healthy diet, it does not contain any of the phytocannabinoids that have made hemp oil so popular. The dominant, and most famous, cannabinoid in hemp is, of course, cannabidiol CBD. But CBD is just one beneficial phytocannabinoid compound, and you have so much more to gain from the whole hemp plant.
For this article, we are focusing on the benefits of a hemp oil extract that contains a significant amount of CBD, among other cannabinoids, not culinary hemp seed oil. Hemp oil extract is rich in many health-promoting compounds, especially those that interact with our endocannabinoid system —a widespread regulatory system that affects digestive and immune functions, brain health, and more.
The shaky, sweaty, nervous-stomach stressed state appears to be no match for phytocannabinoids. Inflammation is responsible for the pain, swelling, and discomfort in musculoskeletal disorders like arthritis and gout.
Phytocannabinoids have properties that can help manage these symptoms. While more research is needed, animal studies suggest these patients may be on to something. In one animal study, it was found that arthritic mice that were given phytocannabinoids had lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines than those who were not. The endocannabinoid system closely interacts with and supports healthy immune function.
Endocannabinoids exert an immune-modulating effect , enhancing immune function when needed, as well as down-regulating immune function in cases of autoimmune conditions.
Although endocannabinoids are the cannabinoids the body produces itself, plant cannabinoids phytocannabinoids like those found in hemp, can also interact with and bind to endocannabinoid receptors. One in three American adults reports not getting enough sleep , according to the CDC.
Lack of sleep, whether it is due to anxiety, diagnosed sleep disorders, or other disruptions, causes more than just groggy mornings; over time it can affect overall health.
Phytocannabinoids might help put some of those issues to bed. According to other research , phytocannabinoids do not negatively affect sleep cycles and can enhance REM sleep, the most restorative phase of sleep.
Hemp has antioxidant properties that help to nourish, revitalize, and support skin health. Enteric glial cells are cells in the intestines that release pro-inflammatory cytokines in the GI tract. These glial cells are vital for surviving an infection, but they can also stimulate chronic gut inflammation , triggering and perpetuating digestive issues. Hemp oil extract has been shown to help manage mast cells cells that hold histamine and the adverse effects of endotoxins toxins contained within certain bacteria.
Which, as renowned integrative physician Robert Rountree, M. So, phytocannabinoids are substances found in the Cannabis sativa plant, as well as other plants like clove , that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. Hemp oil extract labeled as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum incorporates the whole hemp plant, is high in CBD and other phytocannabinoids, encourages a synergistic effect, and enables the plant's compounds to influence the body's stress response, brain and immune function, gut health, fertility, and more.
Here's why: Products made from the whole plant rather than just an isolated ingredient such as CBD work together on your behalf, giving you more benefit. When you give your body access to all of hemp's beneficial compounds, such as terpenes aromatic essential oils , flavonoids, phytocannabinoids, fatty acids, and more, you magnify hemp's heath-inducing effects.
The federal Farm Bill legalized hemp, as defined as the cannabis sativa plant with less than 0. So it's no wonder you've been seeing CBD shops popping up around town. Hemp oil can be purchased in various forms, including oil, capsule, and topical products. Although there is no standard dosage, integrative neurologist Ilene Ruhoy, M. Studies apply a range of doses, with most varying from 5 to 50 mg per kg of body weight per day or standard doses of 25 to 1, mg per day.
To make sure you are buying a quality product, look for full-spectrum or broad-spectrum hemp oil extract to get the whole plant benefits, and ask for a third-party certificate of analysis if not readily available to ensure there are no contaminants, such as heavy metals. The safety profile of hemp oil extracts and CBD is well-known and outperforms many other drugs' safety profiles.
Hemp oil extract appears safe for nearly everyone over the age of 2, even at a wide range of doses. It is not yet known if hemp oil extract is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. And are you ready to learn how to fight inflammation and address autoimmune disease through the power of food? You are now subscribed Be on the lookout for a welcome email in your inbox! Main Navigation. Log in Profile.
Saved Articles. Contact Support. Log Out. Your cart is empty. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Explore Classes. Integrative Health. December 16, Share on:. In This Article. What is hemp oil? Article continues below. Hemp seed oil. Hemp oil extract. The research is quite compelling. It can help manage stress.
It can soothe aching joints. It can support healthy immune function. It can help you sleep. It's good for your skin. It can support digestion. Phytocannabinoids and the entourage effect. But is it legal? Anything else I should know about hemp oil? It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.
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Seeds May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease. Seeds and Oil May.
The hemp plant has been cultivated for more than 12, years and, while it has great economic significance, it still gets a bad rap. Keep reading to learn the truth about some common misconceptions about consuming hemp and to learn the top 5 health benefits of hemp seeds. Due to its association with the recreational drug marijuana, many people have a negative opinion about the hemp plant and related products. While it is true that both hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species — Cannabis Sativa L. It is the flowering tops and the leaves of the Cannabis plant that contain the psychoactive elements as well as the tetrahydrocannabinol THC that most people associate with the drug marijuana.
Forward-thinking people are looking to the past for ways to create a sustainable future for people on this planet. An ancient plant has a long history of use throughout the world for many purposes.
Hemp Cannabis sativa L. The various parts of the hemp plant are used to make different products.
The Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
In many circles, hemp tends to have a negative connotation, due solely to its association with marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are both products of the cannabis plant, which means that the association does have merit. However, there are several notable differences between hemp and marijuana. Marijuana leaves are high in tetrahydrocannabinol THC , the chemical that produces the psychoactive effect that marijuana consumption provides. Hemp, on the other hand, is very low in THC and is most often used for industrial purposes such as the creation of fabrics, paper, plastics and more more than for any type of consumption.
10 Health Benefits of Hemp
Products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant are hitting the market like a tidal wave. Popping up everywhere from upscale lifestyle stores to trendy coffee shops, hemp and its isolated compounds, like CBD, seem to be everywhere right now. So why has hemp suddenly stepped into the spotlight? It all comes down to some pretty amazing health benefits. First, if you didn't know, hemp and marijuana are actually the same plant , Cannabis sativa, that has been bred differently, much the way cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are technically the same plant. Hemp is the variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains high amounts of CBD, or cannabidiol a nonpsychoactive component in the plant , in addition to other healthy compounds and very low amounts of THC the psychoactive component in marijuana and is legal, whereas marijuana is Cannabis sativa bred to have high amounts of THC and remains illegal in most states. There are a lot of different types of cannabis-derived extracts, and a lot of confusion, so let's start with some definitions. When it is derived from the seed of the plant for culinary purposes, it is referred to as hemp seed oil. While hemp seed oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids and is a great addition to a healthy diet, it does not contain any of the phytocannabinoids that have made hemp oil so popular.
The seeds are cold-pressed to produce one of the most diverse and nutritionally strong oils available.
People are often confused about hemp seed nutrition and whether or not the seeds contain cannabinoids, like CBD. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that actually has a long history of use in the U.
12 Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for Great Health
You totally had a hemp necklace back in middle school. But these days, you'd probably rather eat hemp than wear it. To reap the benefits, Shapiro suggests adding one daily tablespoon of hempseed—also known as hemp hearts—to your diet in a variety of ways. Mix them into to your smoothie or bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. And at dinner or lunch, sprinkle them on top of your salad, grain bowl, or plate of pasta. You can also try hemp milk—a non-dairy option made from blending hemp hearts with water. And there's hemp oil, which Shapiro says may bonus! Meanwhile, hemp butter—ground-up hemp hearts—makes a healthy peanut butter substitute. And yes, hemp does come from the same family of plants as marijuana. But no, it won't get you high—there's a distinct difference between psychoactive and non-psychoactive forms of hemp, according to the journal Nutrition and Metabolism.
Hemp Seeds Benefits for Pain, Weight Loss and More
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