Forget those much-talked-about millennials, it’s the over-60s who are the early adopters when it comes to this particular healthy habit. New figures show that sales of hemp extracts to this age group have trebled in the last year – but they’re keeping the habit close to their chests because of the stigma around cannabis. No need! Although hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis plant, hemp has virtually none of the psychoactive ingredient found in the latter. In fact, it’s legal and packed with benefits from essential fats, which help balance hormones; protein, so it’s great for vegans; fibre; and host of vits and minerals, from antioxidants to iron. Hemp is popping up in foodstuffs(hemp milk, seed butter, chocolate) and beauty products (it’s great for hair and skin; thank those healthy fats). Plus, it’s good for the environment – this habit is too good to be restricted to the over-60s!
• Plamil No Added Sugar Shelled Hemp Seed Dairy Free Chocolate, £2.59 for 100g.
• Holland & Barrett Hemp Seed Oil, £5.29 for 60 capsules.