Unlike popular belief, hemp does not have psychotropic effects. In fact, its seed has many healthy benefits, says ROHIT SHAH
According to Grand View Research’s Market Analysis Report of Industrial Hemp 2020-2027, the global industrial hemp market size is expected to register a revenue-based CAGR of 15.8 per cent over the forecast period, a sharp rise from USD 4.71 billion in 2019.
The expanding market of industrial hemp is driven by the growing demand for hemp oil and fibres in food and beverage, automotive, construction, textile industries and personal care. Additionally, low prices of crop encourage farmers to diversify their crop options, subsequently, increasing the number of producers. Further, increasing awareness regarding the dietary advantages of its oil, coupled with the growing demand from the personal care and cosmetics industries is expected to drive the market growth.
Unlike popular belief, hemp does not have psychotropic effects on the human body. In fact, its seed has many healthy benefits and is actually 33 per cent protein. The small, brown seeds are rich in fibre, protein, and healthful fatty acids, including omega-6 and omega-3s. Their antioxidant properties may reduce symptoms of numerous ailments in addition to improving the health of the heart. The nutritional power and hardiness of hemp seed could significantly address the global protein needs and starvation problems.
Raw hemp seeds are one of the richest sources of complete protein as it is packed with 33-37 per cent pure digestible protein. Only algae such as marine phytoplankton, AFA blue-green algae and spirulina exceed hemp in protein. Additionally, 47 per cent of a hemp seed is composed of good fats, a vital composition of omega-3 and omega-6. Here are a few benefits of hemp seeds:
May control the risk of heart disease
Hemp seeds contain good amounts of the amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in the body. It is a gas molecule that makes blood vessels relax and dilate, which leads to controlled blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. According to Pub Med, increased arginine intake coupled with decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and high levels of CRP is linked to heart disease in the majority of people.
Helpful in skin disorders
A balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the human body are significant to the immune system and hemp seeds are a good source of these fatty acids with about a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. Hemp seed oil relieves people from dry skin, itchiness, inflammation and thus, reduces the need for skin medication.
A source of plant based protein
Plants often lack the amino acid lysine which is why complete protein sources are rare in the plant kingdom. Hemp seeds are considered a complete protein source as they provide all the essential amino acids and contain high levels of arginine and glutamic acid.
Helps control stress and anxiety
Cannabidiol or CBD is considered a cannabinoid which is leaf extract of the cannabis plant. CBD is known to have benefits on stress, seizure disorders, anxiety and pain relief.
The writer is Director, Hemp Horizon