How many uses of hemp are known?

Popular Uses Of Hemp Plant

As the year’s progress, we realize the carbon footprint that we have left on this world is huge and there’s no way to do away with it. However, scientists have always been on the outlook for materials that are low in carbon content that can substitute for our enormous carbon intake and help us reduce the overall carbon footprints.

Presenting, the tremendous uses of hemp plant, a plant belonging to the cannabis family. It has low carbon content and has been used in a multitude of ways to substitute the most popular used of carbon in the industry.

Hemp has been put to myriad uses for a very long time. People have gone on to make ropes, textiles, oil amongst many other things.

Besides, hemp requires little care to flourish. It is very tolerant to the bitter cold of USA and needs practically little to no pesticides or fertilizers to grow. The amount of naturally occurring hemp in the US is huge and can be easily put to a variety of industrial uses.

Here’s a list of the top 20 most popular uses of hemp plant:

1. Hemp oil, extracted from the hemp plant is used to create oil paints. Since the oil is created from a plant it is way more ecologically sustainable and doesn’t stress the environment as is the case with petroleum products.
2. Hemp oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, and is hence, used widely in the cosmetic industry. It contains very little of THC that causes people to get “high” when they consume marijuana. The oil is extracted from plant parts, particularly seeds and they contain little to no THC to cause any sort of intoxication. It works as a magic potion to improve skin health and prevent breakouts, thus, it often minds its way into the cosmetic industry.
3. Paper created from hemp is better than ones created from trees. The manufacturing process requires less chemicals and is hence a lot more sustainable. It can be used to make every kind of paper imaginable, from toilet tissues to papers used in books.
4. Timber industry in the US, is a big one that has a lot of different uses. Hemp is a good, durable and breathable substitute to wood. These days one of the uses of the hemp plant is in the building industry to compensate for the use of wood or timber.
5. Textile industry has been using hemp fibers since time immemorial. However, recently with the increase in consciousness of people towards animal rights and animal fibres as well as towards sustainable and biodegradable materials, hemp served as a good substitute. It is a plant fiber like jute and is easily available in the US and can be easily turned into clothes as well as shoes.
6. Hemp is also mixed with other fibres to create sturdy materials that are used in multiple industrial components like in cars. Companies like Audi, Volkswagen, and others have already put this to good use.
7. With the advent of boho culture and Minimalism, hemp jewelry had gained considerable popularity. Hemp strands are weaved together using macramé techniques and beads to create ornate patterns.
8. Another of the uses of the hemp plant is that it has also been used to create strong ropes. Such ropes are then put to numerous commercial and noncommercial uses. They have also been used in various DIY home decor ideas.
9. Hemp oil and other parts of the plant have been widely used in traditional and commercial medicine. Many use hemp oil and other CBD oils as painkillers to relieve them of pain.
10. Hemp seeds are a rich source of protein and hence are a good addition to one’s diet. It can be sprinkled over your greek yogurt for an added boost of protein, fiber, and omega 3 and 6s.
11. Hemp seeds and oil contain ingredients that help enhance the health of our brains and keeps Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other such neurological disorders at bay.
12. Hemp has anti-inflammatory properties and hence hemp seeds and oils can be used to soothe inflammations.
13. Hemp seeds and oils also help in betterment of the heart and keeps it healthy.
14. For those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disorder, hemp has numerous benefits. Hemp milk made from hemp seeds consumed regularly can ease the pain and help develop a healthy body.
15. Hemp has antioxidant properties and hence, hemp seeds can be consumed along with other nuts to boost metabolism and flush out toxins.
16. Hemp can also be used as cattle fodder.
17. Hemp is also used as fuel.
18. Hemp oil is used is numerous recipes as a finishing oil to add flavour and taste.
19. Hemp seeds are used in various Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese cuisines.
20. Hemp is used to extract CBD and put it to numerous uses.

Nutritional benefits of hemp seeds

These seeds are full of nutritious compounds, including:

1. Protein

Hemp seeds contain almost as much protein as soybeans. In every 30 grams (g) of seeds, or about 3 tablespoons, there are 9.46 gTrusted Source of protein.

These seeds are a complete source of protein, meaning that they provide all nineTrusted Source essential amino acids.

Amino acids are the building blocks for all proteins. The body cannot produce nine of these acids, so a person must absorb them through the diet.

Relatively few plant-based foods are complete sources of protein, making hemp seeds a valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Hemp seeds are especially rich in an amino acid called arginine, which has benefits for heart health.

2. Unsaturated fats

The health benefits of polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, are becoming increasingly well known.

Hemp seeds are a great source of essential fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3.

The body cannot produce essential fatty acids, and the body must absorb them from the diet. They are crucial for long-term health.

The ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s is also important.

In general, people tend to eat too many omega-6s and too few omega-3s, but adding hemp seeds to the diet may help to promote a balance.

According to results of a 2015 animal study, incorporating hemp seeds and hemp seed oil to hens’ diet led to eggs with increased levels of omega-3s in the yolks and a more healthful omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

Also, hemp seeds are low in saturated fats and contain no trans fats.

3. Fiber

Much of the fiber in a hemp seed lies in its outer hull, or shell. If possible, purchase hemp seeds with the hulls intact.

However, even without the shells, hemp seeds are a god source pf fiber, with three tablespoons containing approximately 1.2 gTrusted Source of fiber.

Consuming enough fiber every day can:

• reduce the appetite
• help with weight management
• work to stabilize blood sugar levels
• promote the health of the gut

4. Minerals and vitamins

Hemp seeds contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals and are especially rich in:

• vitamin E
• magnesium
• phosphorous
• potassium

They are also a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including:

• niacin
• riboflavin
• thiamine
• vitamin B-6
• folate

Health benefits of hemp seeds

Alongside the nutritional benefits, some research suggests that hemp seeds have a wide range of positive health effects. They may:

5. Protect the brain

A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that hemp seed extract has antioxidant effects in lab tests. These effects may result from the seeds’ cannabidiol (CBD) content.

Results of a reviewTrusted Source from 2018 suggest that CBD and other compounds in the seeds may have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, effects and may also help to regulate the immune system.

The review suggests that, because of these potential properties, CBD may help with neurological conditions, including:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• multiple sclerosis
• neuropathic pain
• childhood seizure disorders

6. Boost heart health

The medical community believes that omega-3 fatty acids improve the health of the heart and reduce the risk of issues such as arrhythmias and heart disease.

Hemp seeds contain high levels of omega-3s and a healthful ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.

The seeds also contain high levels of arginine, an amino acid that turns into nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide is essential for artery and vein dilation, and it helps keep blood vessel walls smooth and elastic.

Lowering blood pressure, eating a healthful diet, and participating in varied forms of exercise may help to decrease the risk of heart failure.

7. Reduce inflammation

The amount of omega-3s in hemp seeds and the seeds’ healthful omega-3 to omega-6 ratio can together help to reduce inflammation.

In addition, hemp seeds are a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid which may also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Some studies on animalsTrusted Source suggest that GLA can act as a potent anti-inflammatory. However, recent studies in humans suggest that the acid is not always effective.

A review in The European Journal of PharmacologyTrusted Source states that humans process GLA in a very complicated way, which may explain why the studies in humans produce more varied results than those on animals.

When looking at these studies, it is important to note that researchers usually use high concentrations of hemp seed extracts and that eating the seeds may produce less dramatic effects.

Reducing inflammation may help manage the symptoms of chronic diseasesTrusted Source, such as:

• metabolic syndrome
• type 2 diabetes
• arthritis
• heart disease
• non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease

8. Improve skin conditions

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and acne can both result from chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory compounds in hemp seeds may help.

Among other possible dietary causes, acne may be linked toTrusted Source a deficiency in omega-3s. The high omega-3 content in hemp seeds may help to manage and reduce acne symptoms.

A 2018 review explored the effects of dietary changes on skin diseases. While the authors found evidence that eating more omega-3s may improve symptoms of acne, determining the extent of the effects will require more research.

The authors also note that prebiotics and plant fibers may help to manage symptoms of AD. Hemp seeds are a rich source of plant fiber.

9. Relieve rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. It causes the immune system to attack its own tissues, which leads to inflammation in the joints.

In 2014, research conducted in human cells suggested that hemp seed oil could have anti-rheumatic effects.

However, a 2018 reviewTrusted Source found a lack of conclusive evidence to suggest that cannabinoids could effectively treat rheumatic diseases. The authors noted that more research is needed.

Hemp is a very versatile plant and almost every part of it can be put to some use or the other. Every part of the plant, from its seeds to leaves to stem and even its roots are put to various uses. It proves to be a sustainable and resourceful alternative to various non-biodegradable items for instance synthetic textiles amongst others.

Hemp seeds, hemp oil and hemp milk can be used in every food recipe and cuisine imaginable for its versatility and since it does not add a very strong flavour hence it doesn’t very much alter the taste of the dish.

The earth is the only inhabitable planet that we know of and it had to be taken care of. The carbon footprints that we have already left behind are difficult to erase and pose a significant threat to the future generation. The tons of plastic and synthetic fibres that cover the planet are huge and their rate of decomposition is slow.

We have used up most of our fossil fuel reserves and very little is left for the next generations. We have destroyed the flora and fauna of the plant, polluted the water and the air, and defiled the soil. Everything produced has to be specifically taken care of to ensure that it is not contaminated by pollutants already present in the air, water or soil.

At such a juncture use of alternative and sustainable sources of energy, food, fuels or raw materials are a good walk towards a better future. Hemp is thus one of those miracle cures that can be used to get the US to become self-sufficient and eco-friendly. Hemp has been cultivated and farmed by numerous civilizations across the globe and it has been put to a multitude of uses.

Although cannabinoid substances have been abused for intoxication purposes yet hemp, that has very little of THC, the component that induces any sort of feeling of intoxication. It can thus be used safely by anyone for a variety of purposes and everyone can reap it benefits.

Hemp grows naturally in America as a wild plant and needs little care or grooming. Such a huge natural resource if not well harnessed would only be utterly wasted.