Hemp Products Explained: Seeds, Oils, Flour, Protein and Balms

The use of hemp is nothing new. It's one of the most versatile ingredients and is often used in food, nutrition, body care and everyday lifestyle products. If you're a wellness junkie then you're probably already sprinkling hemp seed oil over your breakfast, drinking hemp protein, using hemp flour in cooking, or using hemp-based balms in your everyday body care routine.

But what is hemp? And is it legal in Australia?

Hemp is actually a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, grown naturally. However, it's bred differently to marijuana and therefore is very different to the variety of cannabis that you're likely thinking of. The hemp products that we're referencing in health and wellness are low THC and are completely legal to buy and consume over the counter in Australia. Things like hemp seeds, hemp protein powder and hemp oil are all food authority approved products. The THC quantity in these products is very low, below one percent.

The reason that hemp has become so popular in the wellness space is that there have been lots of benefits that have come out of the scientific research behind hemp in nutrition and health.

For a lot of Australians the challenge is not necessarily in finding hemp products, it's about understanding the difference and when to use them. For example, hemp seeds, hemp flour, hemp protein, hemp seed oil and hemp creams all come from the broader plant family but they're used in very different ways. Some can be eaten, some can be used in cooking, some are used topically. Generally it's just about figuring out what works for you.

We generally find that it's helpful to introduce one product at a time. It'll make it easier to understand where hemp may fit into your rotation and how often you're going to actually use the product. For example, hemp seeds are a great starting point because you can add them into your breakfast, smoothie, salads or baking. Hemp cream may be most suited to someone who's looking for a post-shower or evening routine.

Let's start with the most popular version: hemp seeds.

Hemp seeds

Hemp seeds are small seeds of the hemp plant and contain no THC or CBD. They're extremely nutritious and can be eaten raw or even used to make other products like milk or oil. Full of protein and amino acids, hemp seeds can support digestion and heart health.

Hemp seeds are a really simple pantry staple for those who want to add more plant-based ingredients into their diet. Here are some easy ways to use hemp seeds:

• Sprinkle over yoghurt or oats

• Add into smoothies

• Mix into salads

• Stir through bliss balls or protein balls

• Add to homemade granola

Hemp flour

Hemp flour is made from ground hemp seed after the oil has been extracted. It's left with an earthy flavour and can be used in baking or added to meals for a natural boost. It's not usually a direct replacement for regular flour but it can be blended with other flours for things like pancakes, muffins, bread or protein baking. It's also gluten free and naturally full of nutrients.

Hemp protein

Hemp protein is by far one of the most popular ways to integrate hemp into your diet. In the same way that protein is typically added into smoothies or shakes or breakfast bowls, hemp protein is a great post-workout addition. Hemp protein is favoured by those looking for a plant-based protein. It's vegan and reduces inflammation, supporting muscle recovery, and is a complete protein which means that it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body needs.

Hemp creams and balms

Hemp is not just used in the kitchen. It's also often found in skin care and body care like creams, balms, ointments and moisturisers. The products are used topically and can form part of a skin care routine or a massage and recovery regime. The properties of hemp can help to keep the skin moisturised and hydrated and soothe any localised discomfort. Again, there's no THC or CBD in these products.

Hemp oil

Hemp oil comes directly from the plant source. There's no THC and it's rich in healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6. Hemp oil can be used for skin care and conditions like psoriasis or acne, but it can also be ingested as a dietary supplement.

So how do you know which hemp product is right for you? The key is not to just go out and buy every hemp product under the sun after reading about the benefits of hemp. The idea is to purchase products that you'll genuinely use. If you're someone that does a lot of baking and wants to make sure that you're using gluten-free or healthier options, then perhaps it's worthwhile getting some hemp seeds, hemp flour or hemp protein to start using in the kitchen.

If you're looking for more skin care or beauty options you can look at integrating hemp seed oil or hemp balm products or hemp creams for your skin or body care routine.

Like anything, if you're worried about changing your routine or introducing different products and not sure about integrating hemp into your lifestyle, always just have a chat to your doctor about any concerns that you might have. When it comes to the products listed above, they're completely legal, safe and do not contain THC or CBD.