The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of industrial hemp. Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the products harvested from industrial hemp and is used to treat a variety of health challenges, including chronic pain and insomnia. Hemp products can also be used as a nutritional supplement in the ingestion of CBD edibles and hemp seeds.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Hemp seed is a wonderful source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are good for the heart and cardiovascular system as a whole. For those who either cannot or do not consume seafood, low levels of these critical healthy fats can make it more difficult to maintain cardiac health.
Fish oil is a popular supplemental source of Omega-3 fatty acids, but many cannot tolerate the supplement. A sprinkling of hemp seeds over your morning granola and oatmeal may provide you with all the benefits of Omega-3s without any unpleasant aftertaste.
Additionally, hemp seed is high in phytosterols. In addition to a high-fiber diet, phytosterols are one of the best ways to remove fat from blood vessels around your heart before they harden into plaque.
Proteins
Hemp supplements contain a surprising amount of protein. For every 100 grams of hemp seeds, you get 30 grams of protein. If you are working to reduce your intake of meat but struggling to feel sated with your new food choices, adding hemp seeds to your meal will not only bump up your protein intake but your fiber intake as well.
Magnesium
Bumping up your intake of magnesium can reduce your risk of coronary artery disease and stave off osteoporosis. Hemp seeds and hemp gummies can be a good way to bump up your magnesium levels as you age. For those who cannot tolerate seeds because of colon issues, culinary hemp oil may be a good alternative.
Brain Health
Hemp can be extremely protective of your brain. If you struggle with insomnia, hemp oil under the tongue can make it easier to fall asleep. For those who can’t stay asleep,hemp edibles, which take longer to digest, can be taken before bed and will impact your sleep after digestion, or within about 60 minutes.
Small or micro-doses of hemp can also be incredibly healthy for your brain. If you struggle to focus or tend to become overwhelmed by too many tasks, a single puff on a CBD vaping tool can allow you to stay awake and shut out intrusive or unhelpful thoughts.
Pain Management
Too many people face unhealthy choices when managing pain, particularly chronic nerve pain. If you are facing the necessity of using an opiate-based pain treatment, you may want to try a CBD or hemp-based product.
Again, dosage consideration is key. A full dose of hemp products can be a sleeping aid, but many of us need to control our pain throughout the day. Instead of taking a full dose, consider ways to incorporate a small amount of hemp into your daily routine.
Microdosing with a vaping pen is a simple choice. For those who don’t care to smoke, adding a single drop of hemp oil under the tongue may give you a pain-free window of time.
You can also extend the effectiveness of edible hemp products by taking them with your biggest meal of the day. As you digest your meal, your hemp supplement will be absorbed more slowly and you may get a much longer window of relief.
Customize Your Intake
Consider keeping a journal to track your dosage, your response, and your overall relief. Hemp products are not addictive in that you cannot build up a tolerance for them. In fact, once you get into a regular pattern of edibles or vaping, you may be able to back off your dosage and still get full benefits.
The science around hemp is constantly expanding. If you find a product that works for you, track your intake. Find a dosage that allows you to function and that helps you to rest deeply.
