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A Better Life with Hemp

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Hemp is one of the most versatile plants on our planet, and in addition to being a perfect protein, hemp can be used as a great renewable and strong source for any paper products, environmentally-friendly plastic substitutes and a clean-burning fuel source. If you don’t have access to hemp products or food, or you aren’t quite sure how to infuse your life with hemp, we’re here to help. In honor of Hemp History this month, (June 5-11)  we have put together a list of different ways you can utilize the many different nutrients and benefits that hemp offers for your diet and lifestyle.

FOOD

We all want to be healthier, have longer lives and get the nutrition our body needs and deserves, but figuring out exactly how to do that can be expensive and difficult. Relying on other people’s products and the availability of said products can be costly and hard to find, leaving us disappointed and under-nourished. Depending on where you live, you could have great access to hemp products and foods, and if you do have that access, there is no reason why your whole life shouldn’t be infused with hemp in many different ways.

Hemp Seeds

The seeds from hemp plants are versatile and tasty delights. Hemp seeds are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 6, omega 3 and insoluble fiber. They are a good source of tocopherols (vitamin E antioxidants). They’re packed with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and phosphorus, plus micro-elements like strontium, thorium and chromium. Both the complete protein and the oils contained in hemp seeds (rich in lanolin and linolenic acids) are in ideal ratios for optimum human nutrition. You can eat them raw (hulled), roasted like nuts, or you can use them to make other things! You can use blended hemp seeds to make hemp cream, hemp seed cheeses, mayonnaise, pesto sauce, Alfredo sauce, non-dairy sour cream or even a creamy and nutty butter.

Hemp Oil

Hemp oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is converted to the protective hormone prostaglandin PGE1, which helps regulate hormonal balance (and supports menopausal health). Hemp oil can help lower cholesterol; it can help moderate blood sugar levels, prevent psoriasis, boost immunity, and it can even prevent varicose veins.

Hemp oil is a great to use whenever you’re in need of making a salad dressing, an infused oil for dipping (rosemary, garlic, chili or shallot-infused oils are easy and tasty for dipping breads), or lightly sautéing vegetables in. It is not recommended for high heat though, as the high temperatures can denature the unsaturated fats of hemp oil and turn them into saturated fats.

Hemp Milk

Organic hemp milk is also a great alternative to cow’s milk. In just one ounce of hemp milk, you get vitamins A, B1, E, D, and Folic Acid, magnesium, iron, 4 grams of digestible protein, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, phosphorous, 900mg of omega 3, 2800mg of omega 6, all 10 essential amino acids and 46 percent of your daily allowance of calcium—all with no cholesterol.

You can use hemp milk as a milk replacement in all baking and cooking, in your tea or coffee, or even in your cereal. Hemp milk is a quick nut milk to make because unlike almonds or cashews, hemp seeds don’t need to be soaked before blended. All you need is one cup hemp seeds (also called hearts or shelled hemp nuts), three-to-four cups filtered water, one tablespoon coconut oil (optional), two tablespoons Stevia or agave, one-half a tablespoon of organic vanilla powder and a pinch of sea salt. In a high-speed blender, add hemp seeds and water,, and blend on high until fully liquefied. Using a cheesecloth or milk bag, strain into a wide glass bowl, and discard the hemp fibers (or keep for cheese-making later) from the bag, and pour the milk back into a clean blender.

Hemp Protein

Hemp protein powder is a common powder sold at health food stores and can be a great addition to shakes and baked goods. You can also find hemp protein bars, and hemp seed snacks available at most health food stores as well.

LIFESTYLE

No other natural resource offers the potential of hemp. Hemp is capable of producing significant quantities of paper, textiles, building materials, medicine, paint, detergent, varnish, oil, ink and fuel. Unlike other crops, hemp can grow in most climates and on most farmlands throughout the world with moderate requirements. Look no further for creative ways to incorporate hemp into your everyday lifestyle.

Hemp Clothing

Hemp clothing absorbs and releases perspiration quickly and breathes well, making it ideal for a textile in clothing. Hemp clothing absorbs dye easily, retains color well, holds up to repeated washings (never needing dry cleaning) and also is naturally anti-microbial. It is uniquely resistant to mold and mildew, and believe it or not, hemp fabric gets softer the more it’s washed and worn. Many companies all over the world use hemp fabrics, including major brands like Patagonia, Royal Apparel and Barneys New York.

Cannabis Facial

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids are powerful antioxidants and can aid in cell repair and cellular regeneration. In recent studies, it’s been proven that non-psychoactive Cannabidiol (CBD) is a more powerful antioxidant than vitamins A, C and E. When applied topically to your skin, these antioxidants tackle fine lines and wrinkles with supreme skin conditioning power. THC is also an anti-inflammatory agent and is heavy in omegas, which are essential for moisturizing dull skin.

Consider creating a D.I.Y. hemp-infused facial. All you need is one ripe avocado, one-fourth cup hemp oil, two tablespoons spirulina powder (to kill toxins and brighten skin), several drops of patchouli oil (because this essential oil fights acne and sagging skin) and a blender. Blend until the mixture is creamy, smooth and bright green, and with a steamed-cleaned face, apply and sit for at least 15-20 minutes, wash it off and voila! You’re on your way to bright, clean and blissful skin.

Hemp Oil Cleanser

Hemp seed oil is a fantastic cleansing oil, and is safe to use on sensitive or acne prone skin; it will not clog your pores. Paired with jojoba oil and a little of your favorite essential oil, you’ve got the makings of a natural, healthy cleanser! Jojoba is an anti-bacterial and also reduces sebum production in our skin, so it’s a great addition to any cleanser; you can also use safflower oil or evening primrose oil. Facial cleansers with lathering ingredients disrupt the skin’s natural oil balance, which can make dry skin drier and oily skin produce even more oil to compensate. When you use the right types of oils in the right combinations to cleanse the face, you’ll be able to gently yet effectively cleanse the skin of pore-clogging oils and bacteria while also maintaining moisture balance.

Start by massaging the oil into dry skin using circular motions, focusing especially on where pores are clogged or where you’re wearing a bit more makeup than usual. Saturate a clean washcloth with hot tap water, then wring it out and gently remove the oil and the makeup with it.

For combination skin, switch to a 1:4 ratio (one part castor oil, four parts carrier oil), and for dry and/or sensitive skin, a 1:10 ratio seems to work best.

Hemp Toothpaste

Hemp toothpaste can be a really effective and excellent way to care for your teeth. It effectively calms and prevents tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums and minor sores or cracks in the mouth. Making your own toothpaste is cost efficient, healthier than store bought toothpaste and just as effective. To make your own hemp toothpaste, all you need is one-fourth cup of coconut oil, one-fourth cup of hemp oil, two to three tablespoons of baking soda, two small packets of stevia powder (to add some sweetness to the mix), 15-20 drops of peppermint or cinnamon essential oil, and 10 drops of myrrh extract (optional). Mix it all together, and keep it in a cool dry place.

There are many other ways to utilize hemp in your lifestyle, and the products available with hemp already in it are vast and varied. You can find fantastic hemp seed shampoos and conditioners, hemp lotions and creams; you can even find after-tattoo care infused with hemp like with brand Ink 20/20.

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