Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the talk about the health and wellness potential of hemp? Well, the truth is, there are some pretty neat hemp facts that you may not be aware of.
We bet there are a few things you’ll find surprising, so prepare to be amazed! From its extensive uses in clothing and rope to its nutritional constituents, here are a few general facts about hemp you won’t want to miss.
Read on!
1. Hemp Is Naturally Antibacterial
Hemp is naturally antibacterial and can create natural fabrics that are highly resistant to microbes. Due to its antioxidant content, hemp can be a natural preservative for skin care products like lotions, soaps, and creams.
Hemp oil is also a potent anti-inflammatory, making it an amazing remedy for those who suffer from inflammation-related conditions like arthritis and eczema.
2. Hemp Seeds Are Protein Sources
Hemp seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, and you may be surprised to learn that they radiate several health benefits. Hemp seeds are one of the best sources of dietary proteins, including essential amino acids.
In addition, they are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support proper brain and cardiovascular function. Hemp seeds are gluten-free and contain vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Finally, hemp seeds are packed with dietary fiber, which is important for digestion and bowel health. They are an excellent source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which can help protect against disease and improve overall health.
3. The Founding Fathers Grew Hemp
It is often not well-known, but many of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America grew hemp. In fact, hemp farming was prevalent throughout the colonies at that time as hemp was a valuable crop due to the many different products that could be made from the fibers.
Hemp was used to make everything from clothing and rope to paper and even lamp oil. However, hemp is most commonly known for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits, and the Founding Fathers were very familiar with these benefits.
4. Homes Can Be Built Using Hemp
Yes, that’s right! Hemp hurds can produce wood-like materials such as particleboard and fiberboard. Hemp can be used to insulate walls, floors, and ceilings, and hempcrete – a mixture of hemp hurds and lime can be used to create walls.
Hempcrete is lightweight, breathable, fire-resistant, and eight times more insulating than concrete. Hempplast is a sustainable material created from hemp hurds, hemp fiber, and hemp extract, which can be used for roofing and insulation as well as furniture, flooring, and siding.
Hemp fibers are strong and resistant to rot and water damage, making them ideal for reinforcing concrete and plaster. Hemp is definitely an excellent sustainable resource for building homes.
5. Hemp Fights PMS
Hemp is emerging as a natural and powerful remedy for pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). The seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids that help to balance hormones and other changes in the body associated with PMS.
Hemp helps women with decreased symptoms of PMS, such as:
- mood swings
- cramps
- bloating
- headaches
- other physical issues
Hemp’s sterols offer another key PMS-fighting benefit. Hemp extract can also aid hormone balance, thus easing some of the stress and anxiety linked to PMS.
6. Hemp Can Save the Bees
Hemp is environmentally friendly, drought tolerant, eliminates erosion, and is a natural pesticide. This makes it an ideal habitat for bee colonies. Additionally, the sturdy stems of the plant offer protection from the elements of the beehives.
Moreover, hemp is an excellent source of nectar and pollen for the bees and can provide sustenance for them throughout the season. Lastly, the plant’s natural pesticides help keep other pests from wreaking havoc on the beehive. Hemp is a crucial resource for bee colonies; without it, their livelihood and ecological balance would be put at risk.
7. China Is the World’s Biggest Hemp Producer
This might come as a surprise to some, but hemp cultivation has been traditional in China for millennia. That said, hemp production in China peaked around 2000 and has since declined as international demand has increased.
The Chinese government actively encourages hemp production due to its many benefits. It has even created an industrial hemp industry to help farmers tap into the economic potential of the plant.
8. Hemp Captures Carbon Emissions
Hemp can absorb approximately Ѕ pound of carbon dioxide per every single pound of hemp. Hemp also accumulates more biomass (harvested organic material) with each harvest, as compared to other crops such as cotton. It also captures more carbon than trees, as it can be harvested annually rather than periodically.
Not only does this plant capture carbon emissions, but it also returns them back to the soil in a process known as carbon sequestration, where soil improvement results in a reduction of runoff and more efficient and healthier soils.
9. Hemp Fibers Can Be Used to Make Various Things
Surely, hemp products are limitless. Hemp fibers can produce clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories for humans and animals. Hemp fibers can also be made into paper products, bio-plastics, insulation materials, and composites, such as building materials.
It can even be used to make canvas and carpets! Hemp fibers are known to be up to 8 times stronger than cotton, as well as more durable and breathable.
10. Hemp Can Be Grown in Most Climates
Hemp is surprisingly versatile and can be grown in most climates. This is because it’s drought-resistant, has deep roots, and doesn’t require much water to grow.
It is not affected by extreme temperatures either, making it more capable of surviving in extreme climates.
11. Hemp Grows Well Without Chemicals
Hemp is an incredibly tolerant and adaptive plant that grows exceptionally well without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Many people are surprised to learn that its deep roots help to aerate and break up hard soils, allowing it to soak up more essential nutrients and water and, therefore, thrive without chemicals.
In addition, sheer plant density helps to compete with weeds, reducing the chances of weed infestation. So, if you are considering growing hemp, you may want to visit xxiicentury.com to learn some crop enhancement strategies.
Share These Cool Hemp Facts With a Friend
Hemp is a versatile and sustainable crop with amazing potential. With the right practices, hemp can improve our environment, economy, and lifestyle.
We must educate ourselves and continue to spread awareness of these hemp facts to create a sustainable future. So, start today!
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