What's all the hype about hemp?

Hemp is often called a ‘superfood’, with a huge range of nutritional benefits.

Hemp is commonly confused with marijuana, but the plants are different. Hemp contains less than 0.5% of the active compound THC, so has none of the psychoactive effects of marijuana. This means that it is legal, safe, and readily available.

What are the benefits?
Edible hemp is a great source of lots of essential nutrients, such as fats, vitamins and minerals, protein, and fibre.

Hemp seeds contain the ‘good’ fats found in plant-based oils, essential for maintaining good cholesterol levels and carrying vitamins and minerals to the body. Hemp seeds and hempseed oil are particularly good sources of Omega 3 and 6. Hemp is one of only a handful of plant-based sources of these essential fatty acids. This makes it a perfect choice for vegetarians and vegans who may have struggled to find these without supplements.

Hemp seeds have a good amount of dietary fibre, contributing to a healthy digestive system. Hemp seeds are good sources for vitamins A and E, and many of the B vitamins. They also have high levels of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron, which are essential for many of our bodily functions, a strong immune system, and general health.

A hemp seed comprises more than 35% protein – a highly concentrated, complete protein source, containing all of the amino acids necessary in a healthy diet.

Where can you get edible hemp products?
Until recently, edible hemp was mainly found in health food shops in the form of supplements. As it increases in popularity, hemp is becoming available in a wide variety of products, and is now found in mainstream shops and on the menu in cafes.

With a faintly nutty flavour, it’s good in both sweet and savoury forms. The simplest way to eat hemp is just to get the seeds – they’re versatile enough to be sprinkled over almost any meal, blended into a smoothie, or mixed into your muesli. The internet abounds with simple, delicious recipes for meals and desserts containing hemp seeds or hempseed oil, which can be a healthy addition to your regular diet.