A Review of Hemp as Food and Nutritional Supplement

Abstract

The term ''hemp'' refers to Cannabis sativa cultivars grown for industrial purposes that are characterized by lower levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active principle responsible for Cannabis psychotropic effects. Hemp is an extraordinary crop, with enormous social and economic value, since it can be used to produce food, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paper, paint, biofuel, and animal feed, as well as lighting oil. Various parts of the hemp plant represent a valuable source of food and ingredients for nutritional supplements. While hemp inflorescence is rich in nonpsychoactive, yet biologically active cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), which exerts potent anxiolytic, spasmolytic, as well as anticonvulsant effects, hempseed has a pleasant nutty taste and represents a valuable source of essential amino acids and fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and fibers. In addition, hempseed oil is a source of healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids, and hemp sprouts are rich in antioxidants. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive outlook from a multidisciplinary perspective on the scientific evidence supporting hemp beneficial properties when consumed as food or supplement. Marketing of hemp-derived products is subjected to diversified and complex regulations worldwide for several reasons, including the fact that CBD is also the active principal of pharmaceutical agents and that regulatory bodies in some cases ban Cannabis inflorescence regardless of its THC content. Some key regulatory aspects of such a complex scenario are also analyzed and discussed in this review article.

Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa) as an Emerging Source for Value-Added Functional Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals

“…Furthermore, Guang and Wenwei [ 132 ] developed a process for using hemp protein powder in treating anemia. Though the most popular part of the hemp plant to ingest is the seeds, sprouts, leaves, and flowers can also be consumed raw in juice or salads [ 133 ]. The inclusion of juice obtained from hemp in alcoholic beverages is speculated to have digestive benefits [ 134 ].…”

“…The two primary compounds identified in sprouts that provide nutraceutical benefits were linoleic acid and gluconic acids, which act as intermediaries in the production of vitamin C [ 135 ]. Terpenes, which are also found in hemp, have anti-inflammatory and some antiallergic properties, can treat pain, prevent the production of ROS, and act as potent antioxidants [ 133 ]. Due to the presence of a wide variety of nutrients, including high levels of PUFA and essential amino acids, hemp seeds are praised for providing adequate quantities of different nutrients to satisfy human dietary requirements [ 136 , 137 ].…”

It Is Our Turn to Get Cannabis High: Put Cannabinoids in Food and Health Baskets

“…The variety of THC products is less than the CBD products due to its limitations, but still some products such as cannabis tea (also known as weed tea, pot tea, ganja tea, or a cannabis decoction), THC coffee, and gums and cookies are sold on the market. Hemp has many applications and can be used for the production of fiber, clothing, paper, textiles, rope, biodegradable products, hempcrete, paint, lubricants, biofuel, flour and oil, food, lotions, shampoos, cosmetics, drinks, animal feed, organic compost, and mulch [ 181 , 182 , 183 ]. Hempseed can be consumed as whole, hulled seed, or dehulled (hempseed kernel), oil, flour, and protein powder [ 183 ].…”

“…Hempseed can be consumed as whole, hulled seed, or dehulled (hempseed kernel), oil, flour, and protein powder [ 183 ]. Hempseed, hempseed oil, hemp snacks, and hemp protein have been considered as major sources of healthy ingredients and most nutritionally complete food [ 181 ]. Hempseed contains 20–30% carbohydrates, 20–25% proteins (20 amino acids that the body cannot produce itself), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) especially omega-3 and 6 (ideally 3:1 ratio), soluble and insoluble fiber, minerals (zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, and selenium), vitamins (A, B complex, C, and E), antioxidants, carotenoids, phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenes, and terpenoids [ 183 , 184 , 185 ].…”

Immune Responses Are Differentially Regulated by Root, Stem, Leaf, and Flower Extracts of Female and Male CBD Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Plants

“…The Cannabis market is currently experiencing revived interest and strong growth fueled either by the opening of the new markets from a political/legal point of view due to an increasing number of countries adopting laws that allow its medicinal and/or recreational use [5], or by the development of new products in several non-traditional sectors such as textiles, auto industry, food, biofuels, bioplastics, construction, and pet products, among others [6]. It is reported that by 2025 the growing market for this plant will exceed $24 billion in sales and create an excess of 250,000 new jobs in the USA alone if it remains in its current form [7].…”