Sunday, April 20, 2008

NSW Green Light For Hemp Nearly Finalized

New South Wales is set to smooth the path for farmers wanting to trial Hemp as a commercial crop. New measures to be put in place will allow farmers to trial Hemp without getting approval from the Health Department. A comprehensive article in the 'Northern Rivers Echo' explains the new rules and also provides an informative read about the many positives of commercial Hemp.

Unlike the cannabis smoked by 1 in 3 Australians, industrial Hemp has extremely low THC levels, but has a myriad of uses, including oil, paper and biofuel. The seed is highly nutritious and contains high levels of Omega - 3 and Omega-6 oils.

Happy Planet products has a good description. Here is an excerpt:

So omega-3 and omega-6 are essential to health. But why? Omega-3 (LNA) has been shown to protect against certain types of cancers and positively modify immune and inflammatory reactions. It has been demonstrated that renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and dermatological conditions are improved by including omega-3 in the diet. Omega-6 (LA) can help protect against acne, loss of hair, poor blood circulation, and cardiovascular disease as well as liver, kidney and gallbladder problems. EFAs are also necessary for maintaining the structure of cell membranes and the permeability of the skin. Health Canada recommends that pregnant and lactating women increase their omega-3 intake as found in the equivalent of approximately 1 tablespoon of hemp oil per day.

EFAs actually assist in the most basic of bodily operations, such as helping with the transfer of bioelectric currents from cell to cell and contributing to brain function and development. EFAs convert lactic acid (often responsible for aching muscles during heavy exercise) to harmless water and carbon dioxide.

EFAs are important precursors to eicosanoids that are required by energy and oxygen demanding tissues such as the brain, retina, adrenal and testicular tissues.

The metabolism of all these fats occurs in the liver. Fats must be converted into substances the body needs, used as energy, or ejected as waste. Enzymes, found only in raw and mainly unprocessed foods are used to change the structure of fatty-acids.

EFAs, because they become part of the structural components of cell membranes, also play an important role in the transfer of nutrients and wastes to and from the cell. The ability of EFAs to hold oxygen in our cell membranes helps to protect cells from toxins.

For the full story about NSW's new Hemp industry, check out the Northern Rivers Echo article.

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