One of the most controversial meal ingredients is about to be legalised as a food in Australia.[1]
On November 12th 2017, the Australian government will be legalising the consumption of Hemp, joining a growing global industry worth over $US570 million in the US and Canada alone[2].
Acknowledged by Food Standards Australia New Zealand as a highly nutritious food, hemp has many health benefits. Furthermore, hemp as a plant is one of the most versatile of crops with a wide variety of uses in fibre, fabrics, building materials, paper and bio plastics.
‘Hemp also removes more CO2 from the air than trees do and is highly pest, weed and drought resistant’says Hemp Foods Australia CEO Paul Benhaim.
‘Unlike corn, cotton, soy, wheat and rice, Hemp uses a lot less water and doesn’t require pesticides or herbicides. It also yields food that is more nutritious than all these others combined and isn’t plagued by their allergies.’
HEALTH BENEFITS
Hemp seeds come from the same plant species as cannabis (marijuana), however they contain little or no THC, so you won’t test positive on a drug test. They are in fact highly nutritious and exceptionally rich in healthy fats, protein and various minerals. With a mild, nutty flavor, Hemp is a delicious and nutritious addition to many foods.
Hemp Seeds are the second highest source of whole vegetable protein, containing all 21 essential amino acids, and the optimum Omega 3 : 6 profile (1:4)[3].
Health Benefits
● Nutritious, whole protein, containing 21 amino acids, including all 9 essential amino acids
● Whole hemp seeds contain over 30% healthy fats and are exceptionally rich in Omega 3, essential for brain function, growth and development. A diet rich in Omega 3 has also been shown to contribute to reducing inflammation, heart disease, blood pressure and depression
● High amounts of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc
● High amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber, which may benefit digestive health
● Contains more protein than both chia seeds and flaxseeds
● Hemp seed oil has been used as a food/ medicine in China for over 3000 years
The hemp plant is as versatile as it is nutritious, and can be consumed as a seed, oil, flour or protein powder. It can be used to bake, can be added to a smoothie, salad or meal ingredient. The seed is fully digestible, and can be consumed directly without heating or soaking.
NEW FOOD SOURCE FOR OUR GROWING POPULATION
In a paper published on October 2011, Australian Trade Minister Dr Craig Emerson noted that by 2035, the Asian population is set to increase by over 1 billion people[4] and the Australian population is anticipated to be approaching 35 million at that time. According to Minister Emerson demand for protein rich foods is set to soar.
With an increasing reliance on grain stock for human consumption and livestock contributing 10% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions[5], it is a social, environmental, and food security imperative that Australia looks beyond animal products to service this demand.
A nation that prides itself on agricultural output, Australia is an important contributor to the world’s food security. Development of agriculture is paramount with the massive demands put on Australian resources by overseas interests, and a growing middle class worldwide.
Hemp can be grown using significantly less water than cotton, needs fewer pesticides and no herbicides. It also has significant environmental benefits with a 90 – 140 day harvest cycle, and capacity for carbon fixing in a range of products making hemp the single best candidate for the carbon farming initiative.
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