Did you know that the hemp plant can be traced back to 8000 BC? It was first found in Asia, where it featured prominently in food and pottery. It then quickly made its way to Europe, Africa, and South America.

Since then, hemp has been used to make paper, rope, textiles, food, and fuel. These days, it’s often considered a “superfood” and used for its health benefits. There are over 21,496 licensed hemp growers in the U.S.

But is hemp healthy for you? Let’s take an in-depth look at the hemp plant and its potential benefits.

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is a cousin plant of marijuana. They are part of the cannabis family. While both of these plants contain THC and CBD, they occur in different ratios.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a compound found in both hemp and marijuana. It has psychoactive effects, meaning it produces a high when consumed. Hemp has very low levels of THC.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another compound that occurs in both plants. Hemp has higher levels of CBD than marijuana does. CBD has been linked to a wide range of health benefits. One of the biggest advantages is pain management.

Because hemp has low levels of THC and high levels of CBD, it can be an effective way to get the benefits without risking the side effects of marijuana.

Is Hemp Legal?

Hemp used to be in the same category as marijuana until the 2018 Farm Bill classified it as an agricultural product. It is now legal in all states, as long as it contains no more than 0.3% THC.

Hemp products like oils, butter, and milk can now be found in grocery stores and farmer’s markets. You can also buy hemp products in artisan shops and straight from hemp farms.

Is Hemp Healthy for You?

The hemp plant has been an important component of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. But modern research about healthy hemp benefits is still in progress. Recent studies have shown some promising advantages.

Pain Management

Peripheral neuropathy results from damage to nerves throughout the body. It can often cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the hands and feet.

A study on patients with peripheral neuropathic pain used CBD spray as a test product. It showed that 30% experienced an improvement in pain levels after using the spray. Symptoms also continued to improve with time. This suggests that CBD can be an effective pain management tool.

Anxiety

Psychological disorders such as anxiety and PTSD are routinely treated with medicine. Recent research has shown that CBD can be very effective in treating these disorders as well.

Various studies have shown the potential benefits of CBD on patients with anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Chronic dosing is still something scientists are investigating. But the current body of research is promising!

PMS Relief

People who experience PMS symptoms like bloating, irritability, cramps, and anxiety may have a new solution. Anti-inflammatory properties in CBD might be the key.

It can act as a muscle relaxer, relieving back pain and cramps. Anxiety, depression, and irritability are also decreased through its calming properties. CBD might even help balance hormones during perimenopause.

Although there aren’t many studies to confirm this, some doctors have seen anecdotal evidence to support it.

Dietary Benefits

Hemp seeds are very high in protein, fiber, and fatty acids. They have an excellent ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.

These little seeds provide all 9 essential amino acids! Vegetarians and vegans should absolutely include these in their diet as a source of protein. Even meat-eaters can swap their usual choices for hemp a few times a week.

It’s also very high in fiber, helping to control weight, stabilize blood sugars, and heal your gut.

Brain Power

The same antioxidants that help with PMS can aid in neurological conditions. A recent review suggests that the CBD in hemp can help reduce the negative symptoms of several brain disorders. These include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis.

How to Get Hemp in Your Diet

With the wide availability of hemp products, it’s easy to find ways to include them in your diet. All you need to do is go to your local supermarket or check out some hemp artisans online.

Hemp Oil

If you want an easy way to reap the benefits of this plant, healthy hemp oil is the way to go! You can use it for cooking, drizzle it over food, or include it in homemade sauces.

Hemp oil has a slightly nutty taste that’s not too overpowering. It makes a perfect cooking substitute for other conventional oils. It will also add a unique taste to your meals.

Hemp Milk

Just like soy or almond, hemp milk is a healthy alternative to dairy. If you have dairy sensitivities, incorporating hemp milk into your diet can be very beneficial.

Store-bought hemp milk can often include added sugar and flavors. To make hemp milk healthy, try making your own! All you need is hemp seeds, water, and a pinch of salt. You can sweeten it naturally using dates or honey.

Hemp Seeds

If you don’t want to change your milk or oil choices, that’s fine too. Using plain seeds in your daily meals is the quickest way to include hemp in your diet.

Sprinkle them on your salads, potatoes, rice, or anywhere really! Concerned about your weight? Stick to a few tablespoons per day as hemp seeds tend to be high in calories.

CBD Hemp Flowers

If you’re looking for the purest hemp with the highest quality of CBD, consider the hemp flower. There are many CBD flower strains to choose from.

These CBD hemp flowers have high CBD, low THC levels making them an effective way to get the benefits. You can consume them by smoking or vaping so there’s no need to change your diet at all.

Hemp for Healthy Living!

If you’re looking for a natural way to improve mood, reduce pain, and decrease negative symptoms, try hemp for healthy living. With its high level of CBD, you’ll get all the benefits of marijuana without the THC effects.

Want to learn more about wellbeing and healthy living? Check out our Health section for more amazing articles!