Health inSite

Hemp—The Plant Kingdom’s Redheaded Stepchild

September 2009

Poor hemp. How does a plant Popular Mechanics called the New Billion-Dollar Crop in a 1938 issue go from a hero, used to produce over 25,000 products, to a complete zero—as in commercial production has practically disappeared in this country? This incredibly useful (and sustainable) plant got caught in the middle of politics, courtesy of the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act. Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) is part of the same plant as the illegal drug: marijuana. Curiously, the male part of the plant (hemp) does not have enough tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to create the “high” people get from the female part of the plant (marijuana). Yet, some people think you can get “high” on hemp. Unfortunately, this myth has contributed to hemp’s inability to recover its former glory as a versatile cash crop in the United States. That’s just too bad for us. Here’s why: Other countries battled through any red tap (or chose not to create any) and realized how important this flax-like crop is, so their economies continue to benefit from the popularity of hemp. Today, consumers use hemp seed, oil and powder in a wide assortment of products including food, cosmetics, paper, earth-friendly textiles and much more. Hemp seed and protein powder continue to gain in popularity among vegetarians and vegans, athletes, dieters and people who are lactose intolerant. Here’s how hemp protein benefits the body:

  • Contains branched chain amino acids (BCAAs): leucine, isoleucine and valine; crucial for muscle growth and recovery after exercise
  • Consists of proteins edistine and albumin; supports immune, blood and digestive health
  • Contains omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids; benefits skin, cardiovascular, vision health and more
  • Has a nutty flavor
  • Does not contain lactose
  • No estrogenic effects

Source: www.naha.org, www.nutiva.com

New to Natural Health?
Tools
Customer Service

Sign Up for Our Emails