In a world brimming with dietary trends and wellness buzzwords, there's one hero that is worth the hype—hemp. Marion from Grass Roots has joined the Unprocessed podcast to unpack why hemp is quietly emerging as a powerhouse of nutrition and sustainability.  

At Grass Roots, they're on a mission, and it's a straightforward one: to make healthy living easy. They do this by fostering simple, sustainable habits that anyone can embrace. What sets them apart is their innovative approach to hemp products – they've taken this versatile plant to new heights, transforming it into convenient, tasty and affordable options; whether you sprinkle some hemp hearts over your oats or add a dash of hemp seed oil to your salad, you can’t go wrong. Marion, a passionate advocate for hemp's potential, delves deep into the world of this versatile plant. She guides us through the often-misunderstood terrain of hemp, offering insights that will challenge your perspective – for starters, their hemp won’t send you on a hallucinogenic trip – and leave you eager to explore the myriad ways hemp can enrich your life. So, join us as we embark on a journey to discover the true potential of hemp and how it can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future. Let’s take a look at the major benefits of this earthy plant.

Omega 3 Ratio

“The omega three and six are in the perfect ratio in hemp seeds,” Marion says. “Whether you consume it in the form of oil or, or in the form of the heart, you’ll get that essential fat content, which your body actually cannot produce.”

Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are rich in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6. As Marion says, what sets hemp apart is its nearly perfect ratio of omega-3 to omega-6, typically around 3:1 or 4:1. This ratio is considered ideal for human health, as it supports various bodily functions, including heart health, brain function, and the reduction of inflammation. A balanced intake of these fatty acids is crucial for overall wellbeing.

It's a Complete Protein

“The hemp protein is actually considered to be what we call a complete protein because it has all the nine essential amino acids which are the actual building blocks for your body,” Marion says.

Hemp seeds are one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, meaning they provide all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. These amino acids are essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and more. Hemp seeds are particularly valuable for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to increase their protein intake without relying on animal products.

Environmentally Friendly 

Hemp is considered an environmentally friendly crop for several reasons. It grows quickly, requires minimal water compared to many other crops, and typically doesn't require synthetic pesticides or herbicides. Moreover, hemp plants are efficient at capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This makes hemp cultivation a potential tool for carbon sequestration, helping to reduce greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. Additionally, hemp can be used in a variety of eco-friendly products, including biodegradable plastics and sustainable building materials. 

Australia’s Rocky Start with Hemp

Australia has a complex history with hemp. For many decades, hemp was unfairly associated with marijuana, leading to stringent regulations and restrictions. The confusion between industrial hemp and marijuana, both of which belong to the Cannabis sativa family, hindered the progress of hemp legalisation. In the past decade, there has been a notable shift in public perception and government policies regarding hemp. Australians have become increasingly aware of the economic and environmental benefits of hemp cultivation and its various applications. This change in attitude has paved the way for a more hemp-friendly environment. 

Australia has taken several legislative steps to promote hemp cultivation and its use in various industries. In 2017, Australia rescheduled hemp from a narcotic to a controlled substance, recognizing the clear distinction between hemp and marijuana. Many Australian states have legalized hemp cultivation for industrial purposes, allowing farmers to grow this versatile crop. These state-level regulations have helped expand the hemp industry.

Food Consumption: In 2017, the Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Code was updated to allow the sale of hemp seeds as a food product. This change opened up new opportunities for hemp-based foods and supplements. The Australian government has also facilitated export opportunities for hemp products, enabling Australian hemp producers to tap into international markets – money talks, right? Despite these positive steps, challenges remain in Australia's journey toward hemp legalisation. Some of these challenges include:

• Regulatory Hurdles: The regulatory framework for hemp varies between states, creating inconsistencies and complexities for hemp producers.
• Market Development: The Australian hemp market is still in its infancy, and more effort is needed to develop and expand the industry.
• Education and Awareness: Public and industry education about the benefits and uses of hemp is crucial for fostering greater acceptance and growth.
• Global Competition: As the global hemp industry continues to grow, Australian producers face competition from established hemp-producing nations.

But, in the meantime, we’ve got delicious, nutritious hemp products from Grass Roots! Take a look at their products:

Organic Hemp Hearts: Organically grown in France, these hemp seeds are the classic Grass Roots superfood. They’re your one-way ticket to a healthy diet, packing in a good dose of those healthy fats for brain and heart function.

Organic Hemp60 Protein Powder: If you’re working on building muscle, strengthening bone density and improving your blood flow, add some of this tasty powder to your smoothies and milkshakes. It’ll provide those essential omegas, protein and iron to keep you – and your body – going. It’s the perfect partner to your workout, whether it's resistance training, cardio or even body-building.

Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp doesn’t just come in seed form, Grass Roots offer hemp oil too. It’s perfect for salad dressings, drizzling on sourdough bread or adding to your soup. It’s also a more heavily concentrated product, meaning you’ll get more omegas, more protein and more vitamins. Win, win.

Other products: Grass Roots have an extensive product range that expands beyond hemp – including the nutrient-dense chia seeds. They offer healthy fats, protein and make for a delicious chia pudding. Look out for their cacao powder too – rich in fibre, these are ideal for sprinkling over your oatmeal, adding to baked goods or even dropping some in your morning shake.

Head on over to their website to get yourself some of these nutritional powerhouses for your heart, brain and gut health.

Keen to learn more about the interesting benefits of hemp and the changing market around hemp? Head on over to check out this fun episode of the podcast with hosts Clara and Grace.