The wide range of uses for the hemp plant

In recent years we have seen the popularity of hemp and products made from hemp absolutely skyrocket. So what’s the deal? There are a number of factors at play here. First, hemp was able to distance itself from its close family member, marijuana, and it’s ability to get you high, which was a major player in hemp’s recent jump in popularity.

Hemp is making a name for itself with its nutritional benefits, both for your health, as well as your skin and hair. With hemp enhanced products becoming more accepted and mainstream, hemp’s environmentally friendly alternatives to paper and plastic are also contributing to its rise in popularity. Hemp is truly seeing its day.

Top Hemp-Based Products

Hemp is popping up everywhere, and for good reason.  As a food, it is nutritionally dense and rich in protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. So, parts of the hemp plant, like it’s seeds and flowers, are appearing in many health food products and dietary supplements. The seeds of the hemp plant are edible and delicious all by themselves, and they make an excellent addition to any meal. The seeds can be ground into a powder-like consistency and can be added to baked goods like muffins or cookies. Finally, the seeds can also be cold-pressed to extract hemp seed oil. This oil can be used as a dressing, it can be used for low-heat cooking, and is also commonly used in hair and skin care products. Hemp seed oil strengthens and moisturizes dry, damaged hair, and is great for acne-prone skin as it can hydrate and balance out your skin’s natural oils without clogging pores.

Hemp Protein Powder 

This nutritional product is being marketed as a great protein source from hemp seeds. It is a complete protein that boasts antioxidants, minerals, fiber as well as unsaturated fats. Hemp protein is a good choice for anyone looking to up their protein consumption, but it’s especially for vegans looking to avoid animal-based proteins.

But it is the stalk of the hemp plant, and not the seeds or flowers, that create the more industrial type products we have started to associate with this powerful plant. The fibrous stalk can be made into hemp-based clothing, paper and other fabrics. The fiber and stalks of hemp plants can even be processed into a type of biodegradable plastic.

Hemp Clothes and Paper

Clothing made from hemp fabric, in particular, is durable and versatile, often being compared to canvas in feeling and texture. Hemp paper can potentially help reduce the environmental effects associated with tree-based paper-like deforestation, not to mention that its quality is often better than that of traditional wood-based paper.

Hemp Plastic

Finally, one of the most exciting uses for hemp might just be hemp-based plastic. There are various types of hemp plastic, ranging from typical plastics that have been reinforced with hemp fibers, all the way to 100% hemp plastic which is made entirely from the hemp plant. The benefits are numerous: hemp-based plastic is recyclable, is biodegradable and will help us alleviate much of the environmental concerns related to traditional plastic products.

Hemp and the multitude of products that it can produce are on the rise in popularity due to its healthfulness, versatility, and potential for major relief from common environmental pollution. Try adding hemp to your kitchen, your bathroom, or even your wardrobe and reap the benefits for yourself!