Why Hemp?
When Brad and Brendon first met, they immediately found a common passion for human health. They found that hemp could solve a range of issues that they were facing in their jobs and for their own health. Brendon, being a community pharmacist, had seen the first hand impact of poor diet and nutrition on people’s health and the impact chronic disease was having on our communities.
After Brad left Lincoln University in 2014 to follow a dream of playing professional rugby in Southland, he suffered a shoulder injury requiring surgery. Following the surgery, Brad discovered how difficult it was to recover while on a range of pharmaceuticals including painkillers and anti-inflammatories. He felt like a zombie for nearly six weeks following surgery and took a number of weeks to get back to work.
In 2017, Brad made the decision to return to rugby, and unfortunately suffered another dislocated shoulder, requiring the same surgery once again. This time, he was going to do everything he could to make his recovery faster and easier. The first thing he discovered was to revamp his diet, by removing processed food and dairy. He went through with the surgery and was back at work four days later without the pain medication and anti-inflammatories. He also felt the best he had ever felt, clear headed and had so much energy.
Omega 3
- Omega 3’s have long been known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Found in food such as hemp and fish, supplementing omega 3 has been used for countless years for improving joint health, improving brain function, increased immunity and healthy skin.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
- GLA is an anti-inflammatory omega 6, studied for its effects on swelling and general joint health in the body.
- In combination with omega 3, in the perfect ratio for human absorption of 3:1, GLA is found in the hemp seed and all of The Brothers Green products.
Terpenes
- Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants with many different properties with a range of benefits.
- Ones such as beta-caryophyllene are found in hemp and act on our central nervous system to tap into the human immune system.
Protein
- Hemp seeds are a rich source of complete plant-based protein, containing all nine essential amino acids vital for muscle repair and growth.
- With about 25% of their calories coming from protein, hemp seeds offer a nutritious option for anyone seeking healthy, complete protein.
Nutritional fibre
- Hemp seeds and their derivatives, like hemp hearts, provide a good amount of dietary fibre, promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
- The fibre in hemp can help regulate blood sugar levels and support gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
Magnesium
- Hemp is an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral essential for over 300 biochemical reactions, including muscle function and energy production.
- Consuming hemp products can help address magnesium deficiencies, potentially reducing symptoms like fatigue, cramps, and stress.
Iron
- Hemp seeds contain significant levels of iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing anemia.
- Adding hemp to your diet provides a plant-based iron source, making it especially valuable for those with limited access to animal-based iron.
Zinc
- Hemp is packed with zinc, supporting immune function, wound healing, and cell growth, particularly beneficial during cold and flu seasons.
- The zinc in hemp seeds is bioavailable, meaning the body can efficiently absorb and utilize it for overall health.
Soil health
- Hemp improves soil health by acting as a natural phytoremediator, removing toxins and heavy metals from contaminated land.
- Its deep root system prevents soil erosion, enhances soil structure, and adds organic matter, making it a regenerative crop for farmers.
Growing Requirements
- Hemp requires minimal water and pesticides compared to crops like cotton, making it an environmentally friendly option with low input needs.
- It thrives in diverse climates and can be grown in short cycles, offering farmers flexibility and resilience against changing weather patterns.
Scalability
- Hemp’s fast growth cycle—maturing in as little as 90–120 days—allows for multiple harvests per year, boosting its scalability for industrial and food production.
- Its versatility, from textiles to biofuels, supports large-scale cultivation and economic viability across various industries globally.