Community Corner
Rasta Canna Bar - Hemp and Hunger
Hemp seeds could become a vital weapon in battling world hunger while also helping cool the planet.
This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.
There are very few things humans must have to survive and thrive. Food is one of those critical elements all carbon-based lifeforms cannot do without. Yet, according to nutritionists and environmental and agricultural experts, there will have to be a radical change to the human diet to sustain a projected global population of nearly ten billion people by the year 2050.
Fortunately, Mother Earth has abundant alternatives to help meet that daunting challenge. One prized option is hemp seeds produced by the multi-faceted and versatile hemp plant. Hemp seeds are incredibly nutritious and provide high levels of calories, fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorous and vitamins A, B, D, and E.
They are also a healthy alternative to meat because they contain the daily suggested protein requirement, meaning they can assist in preventing one of the deadliest forms of hunger - protein-energy malnutrition. Likewise, hemp is a fast-growing crop that can thrive and proliferate in various climates and environments.
According to registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, hemp seeds are one of the six best seeds a person can eat. Despite their name, hemp seeds are from the nut family, but not tree nuts. So, they are safe for people with peanut and other food allergies. Zumpano says, "In many ways, hemp seeds are a superfood."
Some of the more dramatic health benefits provided by hemp seeds include:
1. Protein to curb hunger
As mentioned above, hemp seeds are a great source of protein, with a single serving containing almost 10 grams of protein. Most importantly, hemp seeds are a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.
"Your body needs essential amino acids for a healthy metabolism, immune system and brain function. You can only get essential amino acids through foods," says Zumpano.
2. Antioxidants and omega-3s to fight disease
High amounts of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seeds may help to:
- Lower blood pressure and reduce a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Protect against free radicals, molecules that cause chronic inflammation and contribute to diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions.
3. Fatty acids to protect skin and hair
Scientific studies suggest that hempseed oil and hempseed oil supplements, which contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, may relieve eczema-induced itchy skin and prevent hair loss in women while thickening hair strands.
4. Healthy fat and fiber to lower cholesterol
One serving of unshelled hemp seeds contains 1 gram of soluble and insoluble fiber. While that may not seem like a lot, Zumpano points out that most Americans have very fiber-deficient diets. A diet high in fiber is essential in helping promote weight loss, prevent constipation and lower cholesterol.
5. Linolenic acids to reduce PMS symptoms
One more unexpected and welcome benefit of consuming hemp seeds is its impact on the female menstrual cycle. The seeds are an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid and has been shown to reduce the adverse effects of prolactin, a hormone that causes breast tenderness and other PMS symptoms.
Hemp seeds could also be vital to producing enough protein for human consumption while keeping the planet cooler and environmentally sound. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), by 2050, humans will need to produce 60% more food to feed a population expected to exceed 10 billion people.
Finding healthy, sustainable and affordable protein sources to maintain healthy human nutrition and viable economic development will be critical. Simply put, humanity cannot financially or environmentally afford to feed 10 billion people on an animal-based protein-rich diet.
It takes 1,500 liters of water to produce a kilogram of cereal. Conversely, producing one kilogram of meat requires an astounding 15,000 liters. There's not enough water left on Earth to maintain that production level. Likewise, the carbon emissions associated with livestock farming will literally kill the planet.
Hemp may seem like a cool novelty to the casual consumer. However, in the coming decades, hemp seeds may become one of the most important food sources on the planet. At Rasta Canna Bar, hemp is already the most super of all superfoods. It helps provide the foundation for all the custom beverages served to customers. Keeping cholesterol levels low and hair thicker and more lustrous is just one of those fantastic bonuses.
What a perfect way to introduce this week's featured drink – The Pineapple Express. Comprised of blended pineapple, banana, ginger and simple syrup this frozen creation will definitely raise the chill and remove all ill following a long day of meetings, emails and deadlines.
Customers are also encouraged to add their choice of Rasta Feeling derived from hemp as an added boost to this colorful and tasty treat.
Cleverly modeled after traditional popular drinks, Rasta Canna Bar cocktails and beverages include fun concoctions like the Stoner Sunset, High Cosmopolitan, and Dank Colada. However, what makes the experience unique and potentially healthier is that all offerings contain hemp-derived cannabinoids instead of alcohol. By perusing the full menu, customers will find a wide range of creative and tasty options.
Along with custom cocktails, RCB offers shots inspired by traditional spirits, such as delta-9 THC-infused versions reminiscent of tequila, fireball and cognac. The bar will also provide delta-9 THC seltzers, THC-infused N/A beers, and a variety of smoothies containing CBD, CBG, CBN and delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Finally, traditional non-alcoholic drinks are also available for those seeking a less elevated time.
Rasta Canna Bar is in the heart of Grand Central at 2531 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. Feel free to swing by and enjoy live music provided by resident DJ (DJ Aly) on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 - 10 p.m. RCB is the perfect place to begin, end or spend the entire evening. There's a new place to unwind from the grind and connect with a more elevated and enlightened community. Come and Experience a Higher Bar.
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