Hemp

Hemp is an annual plant of the Cannabaceae family, which also includes the hops found in our beers. Its real name is Cannabis sativa L., but it is also known as Indian or industrial hemp in Canada.

Hemp contains less than 0.5% THC, so it has no psychotropic effect. Its seeds are very nourishing and its fibre can be used in a thousand different ways.

It is one of the oldest plants cultivated by humankind. Used all over the world as food and as an essential fibre for survival, it has clothed, sheltered, warmed, and fed people for millennia.

Contrary to cannabis, hemp can be legally consumed in all its forms. It is available mainly in the form of oil or peeled seeds,also called hemp hearts. Make sure you get quality products that have been processed and stored in optimal conditions.

Even if you over do it and ingest more than two kilos of seeds at a time, you won’t feel any euphoric effect! Industrial hemp contains only a tiny, almost undetectable amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and it is THC that gives a euphoric effect. Health Canada’s criteria are very high and require that industrial hemp contain a maximum THC content of 0.3%. You can, therefore, consume hemp safely!

Hemp is an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, contained in a perfectly balanced ratio to meet human needs. It is also packed with proteins, fiber, minerals, and vitamins essential for good balance of health and metabolism. It is a complete food, highly nutritious, highly assimilable, and easy to digest, making it suitable for everyone.

Shelled hemp seeds have a hazelnut-like taste. Rather tender, they are small and white, with green and brown sparkle. Whole seeds have an edible husk, which gives them a good crunchy taste that reminds of sunflower seeds. When grounded, they produce a rather dark greenish powder. The green oil, thanks to the chlorophyll it contains, has a pronounced, delicious, and spicy vegetable taste. Some people find it has a fishy aroma…perhaps it’s the smell of Omega? Who knows?

Shelled hemp seeds, also known as hearts, can be used almost anywhere: added to salads, soups, smoothies and other healthy juices, protein drinks, or eaten as it is! They are a snack of choice and can be a safe part of your child’s lunch box. They should be eaten raw to maintain their properties and nutritional value.

Whole hemp seeds can be used like shelled seeds, as their salty taste and crunchy character will be a good addition to most of your recipes! They are the perfect replacement for chips when you are hungry! Highly nutritious, they are a good source of fibre and protein, making them an optimal healthy snack.

Protein powder is obtained from whole seeds.

Hemp is consumed raw. It should not be cooked or heated in order to preserve its precious virtues. Essential fatty acids are degraded by heat and light, and oxidize easily. It is, therefore, necessary to preserve hemp from heat, light, and oxygen to fully benefit from all its properties.

Hemp is a complete food and it can be eaten by everyone, adults and children. It is safe for children and it will even be very beneficial to their health! Hemp is non-allergenic, so it is safe for your child to consume at school. It is a healthy and nutritious snack, and definitely has its place in a healthy lunch box.

Children can easily digest hemp hearts, which can be eaten as they are, or added to your favourite dishes and desserts. They will also love the crunchy, salty taste of the whole seeds, which they can nibble on at any time of day. In addition, the oil is a healthy seasoning for salad dressings, vegetables, dips, and smoothies.

Hemp oil is protective, regenerating, nourishing, moisturizing, revitalizing, softening, and emollient. Its nourishing and protective properties make it an oil of choice for delicate skin care, and ideal for sensitive, fragile, chapped, inflamed, and eczematous skin.

It is totally suitable for the delicate skin of toddlers and babies. Entirely natural and plant-based, it replaces chemical products that can be harmful to children’s health and to yours!

Moreover, it is non-allergenic and without risk of skincare dependency.

It relieves as soon as it is applied and quickly soothes itching.

Hemp’s many essential fatty acids promote good cell regeneration and help the skin with its metabolism and healing.

In addition, consumed internally on a regular basis, hemp oil acts on the immune system and helps to reduce inflammation. This helps to reduce the symptoms of eczema and allergies.

Hemp, in all its forms, is excellent for animals.

Ingested in the form of oil, it is healthy, nutritious, and provides immense benefits for your pet.

Hemp fibre can be used as litter. Without chemical additives, it is a smart alternative to commercial litter, which is often dusty and contains chemicals that can be irritating and dangerous for your pet.

Toys made of hemp fibre are also ideal for your four-legged friend to chew on, because they are natural and very resistant to humidity, mold and mildew…and fangs!