An increasing number of people have been introducing hemp products into their lives and routines over the past few years. Hemp has been shown to have a variety of effects on the body and is often used as a natural remedy for various ails. With more research being carried out, it is easier to understand how hemp products can affect you and how you can get started in using them should you want to.
What Is Hemp?
Hemp is a plant that is scientifically the same species as the marijuana plant. The legal difference is that hemp plants contain less than 0.3% of THC (the chemical in marijuana plants that gets you high). People like the professionals over at https://mrhempflower.com are trying to break the stigma around the plant to give hemp and cannabis a better reputation; they are doing this by explaining the many benefits the plant can offer. This includes the chemical CBD found in the plant which is sought after for its medical uses, such as treating epilepsy and reducing symptoms of some mental illnesses. These are just a couple of ways that hemp products can benefit people, but this goes beyond medical use too.
Uses and Products
Hemp is also noted for its nutritional value in particular, which is why hemp oil (made from hemp seeds) is a popular addition to a diet. Hemp comes in different forms that you can use in food prep such as hemp oil in a salad dressing, hemp seeds blended in smoothies and
Hemp contains a lot more than just CBD though, including nutritional and healthy minerals:
Iron
Omega-3 fatty acids
Magnesium
Vitamin C
Calcium
The hemp plant can also be used to produce a fabric to be used in clothes and other products. It can also be used to make paper, plastic, textiles, and animal feed. Some people use hemp oil and absorb it through the skin to treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions because it contains polyunsaturated fats that have been shown to improve the symptoms of these conditions.
Did you know: hemp also contains more protein than beef by weight?!
Benefits
Because of the many nutrients that hemp contains, it can provide numerous health benefits, such as treating skin conditions, as mentioned before. But it can also aid in the following.
Reducing Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids contained in hemp have been shown in studies to have anti-inflammatory properties. Untreated inflammation can contribute to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
Controlling Seizures
In some cases, CBD found in hemp is used to treat rare forms of epilepsy. Epidiolex was the first, and currently only, FDA-approved prescription to treat these conditions which just goes to show the power of the marijuana plant.
CBD has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and even PTSD.
Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Hemp has arginine which is an amino acid that can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is because it can lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
Is Hemp Legal and Safe?
Because of its low THC content, consuming things like hemp in the USA (yes, all 50 states) is legal. If you live elsewhere, be sure to check your local laws and restrictions to be sure. You will not get intoxicated as you would with a product high in THC, but there are some things to be aware of, as there are with consuming any kinds of chemicals and treatments. Consuming hemp can have a range of effects on different people so always be sure to listen to your body and monitor any changes (positive and negative). Here are some things to watch out for:
Skin reaction - an allergic reaction is possible and your skin may become irritated
Digestive issues - diarrhea or discomfort in the stomach
Reduced appetite
Fatigue
You can start by taking small doses when trying hemp products to see the benefits and potential side effects it has on you. Make sure to speak to a doctor if you’re worried or have any questions.
Hemp products can have many great health benefits when consumed and can be a great addition to your diet. Hemp seeds and oil contain many precious nutrients and minerals that can improve heart health and circulation, the condition of your skin, and reduce inflammation. However, like adding anything new to your diet, you should introduce hemp slowly in a controlled setting so you can monitor the effects on you.
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