Hemp seed products have only recently hit Australian health food store shelves.
And while the food source is nutritional and economical, more than two million Australians aren’t convinced the cannabis plant seed product won’t get you high, according to a new study.
The survey carried out by Galaxy Research, found nearly 40 per cent of those questioned believed hemp was similar to marijuana and that foods cooked using the seeds could contain illegal ingredients.
A study has shown that more than two million Australians fear hemp could contain illegal ingredients (stock image)
Laws passed in 2017 permit the sale of hemp products that contain 0.5 per cent of the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the drug compound found in marijuana.
While hemp and marijuana are from the same species, industrial hemp, as it is known, can safely be used as a food, without any fear of it causing an altered state.
The study also revealed that one in three Australians were not even aware that hemp foods could be eaten.
Only six per cent of those surveyed were aware that hemp foods actually contained any nutritional benefits at all.
Sydney-based nutritionist Zoe Bingley-Pullin (pictured) said she thought it was a shame many could be missing out on the health benefits of hemp seed products
Sydney-based nutritionist Zoe Bingley-Pullin believes there are innumerable advantages to including hemp – which has been hailed as a superfood – as part of a healthy diet.
But she said because Australians weren’t familiar with the product, they might be missing out.
‘These misconceptions are really going to get in the way of people realising the indisputable benefits of hemp seed foods which is a real shame.’
The Thompson’s hemp health range offers the product as seeds, wholefood power and oil
Ms Bingley-Pullin said one of the many benefits of adding the seeds to a balanced diet was that they came packed with fibre and were a great source of protein.
‘From a nutritional point of view, the amino acids help with healing and repair our muscle and tissue and essential fatty acids support the function of our cells.
For hemp newcomers, well-known health supplement providers Thompsons offers a hemp health range, including seeds, wholefood powder and oil.
Additionally the expert said the ‘little pocket rockets of the food world’ were packed with essential Omega-3 fatty acids.
The plant seed can be used in myriad ways, and is nutritious for all ages (stock image)
Other Australian producers of hemp seed products agree with Ms Bingley-Pullin that the seed is anything but a faddish health trend.
Speaking previously to Daily Mail Australia, Ms Burton of Lariese Purely Hemp explained hemp is not just a superfood but more of a whole food.
Ms Bingley-Pullin is such a fan of the superfood she uses it to cook for the family
‘It’s nutritious for all ages. It’s great for the family – adults and children,’ she said.
‘It’s great as a protein component, muscle building and recovery – and it helps to reduce sugar cravings. The folate found in hemp is great for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
‘No whole food incorporates all nutrients into one food – so you don’t have to be taking multiple supplements and vitamins to get the same benefits.’
Ms Bingley-Pullin also shared she’s a big fan of using hemp seeds in her cooking.
‘My daughter Emily loves my hemp banana pancakes and they are really simple to whip up so we can do it together.
‘Hemp seeds are one of the best kept secrets for healthy living,’ she concluded.