Even though many are moving toward CBD for its health benefits, the market is still crazy and confusing. Perhaps it’s time we all take a closer look at Hemp protein and Hemp seeds as the superfoods that they are. Discover the easy and logical way to give our body more balance nutrients from one source. Hemp is the power booster to reboot our bodies immune system engine! Btw – hemp smoothies are off the charts tasty with Hemp milk and your favorite fruits!
Hemp is made for human consumption which has become obvious just recently when we found out, in the last five years, we have an endocannabinoid system with receptors for cannabinoids! Who knew? We certainly didn’t know, and now, we do. Why wait to hemp up our endocannabinoid system when we have completely legal Hemp, Hemp proteins and Hemp seeds at our fingertips. *be sure to go with reputable companies for your products and read the ingredients!
These small, brown seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and healthful fatty acids, including omega-3s and omega-6s. They have antioxidant effects and may reduce symptoms of numerous ailments, improving the health of the heart, skin, and joints.
Although hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, they do not produce a mind-altering effect.
In this article from Medical News Today, we look at the various benefits of hemp as a superfood.
Nutritional benefits of hemp seeds
Protein
Hemp seeds are a complete source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids.
Hemp seeds contain almost as much protein as soybeans. In every 30 grams (g) of seeds, or about 3 tablespoons, there are 9.46 g of protein.
These seeds are a complete source of protein, meaning that they provide all nine essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks for all proteins. The body cannot produce nine of these acids, so a person must absorb them through the diet. Relatively few plant-based foods are complete sources of protein, making hemp seeds a valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Hemp seeds are especially rich in an amino acid called arginine, which has benefits for heart health.
Hemp contains an extensive list of naturally occurring vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and E. Also present are B complex vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin. Hemp further contains vitamins that are not sufficiently present in most modern diets, like beta carotene, helping users gain the nutrients they need to maintain health. Hemp is likewise a source of minerals like zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium.
Protein in your diet is essential in the receiving of amino acids, but it’s important that we obtain protein from the right sources. Eating even small amounts of red meat has been warned against by health officials. Instead, essential amino acids can be obtained through plant sources like hemp, which contains all 20 amino acids – including the 9 essential amino acids our body can’t make on its own.
The one fat you can never get enough of is Omega 3, but modern diets typically use other, less healthy fats. While both Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are essential to human health, they should ideally be consumed at a close ratio of around 3:1. Eating the right kind of Omega 6 fatty acids, like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a plant-based Omega 6 fatty acid found in hemp at the 3:1 ratio suggested, can reduce the negative effects of high-fat diets.
The shelled seeds of the hemp plant contain about 35 percent essential fatty acids and 33 percent plant protein. They are also rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. These high levels of protein, fiber, and healthy omega fatty acids mean that using hemp foods can benefit you by helping aid proper digestion and promoting healthy eating patterns, which may lead to weight loss.
Hemp seeds contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals and are especially rich. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, one tablespoon or 30 grams of hemp seeds contains:
- 166 calories
- 9.47 g of protein
- 14.62 g of fat
- 2.6 g of carbohydrates (including 1.2 g of fiber and 0.45 g of sugar)
- 21 mg of calcium
- 2.38 mg of iron
- 210 mg of magnesium
- 495 mg of phosphorus
- 360 mg of potassium
- 2.97 mg of zinc
Healthy Benefits
Protect the brain
The CBD compound found in hemp seeds may help with neurological conditions.
A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that hemp seed extract has antioxidant effects in lab tests. These effects may result from the seeds’ cannabidiol (CBD) content.
Results of a review from 2018 suggest that CBD and other compounds in the seeds may have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, effects and may also help to regulate the immune system.
The review suggests that, because of these potential properties, CBD may help with neurological conditions, including:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neuropathic pain
- Childhood seizure disorders
Boost heart health
The medical community believes that omega-3 fatty acids improve the health of the heart and reduce the risk of issues such as arrhythmias and heart disease.
Hemp seeds contain high levels of omega-3s and a healthful ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.
The seeds also contain high levels of arginine, an amino acid that turns into nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is essential for artery and vein dilation, and it helps keep blood vessel walls smooth and elastic.
Lowering blood pressure, eating a healthful diet, and participating in varied forms of exercise may help to decrease the risk of heart failure.
Reduce inflammation
The amount of omega-3s in hemp seeds and the seeds’ healthful omega-3 to omega-6 ratio can together help to reduce inflammation.
In addition, hemp seeds are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid which may also have anti-inflammatory effects.
Some studies on animals suggest that GLA can act as a potent anti-inflammatory. However, recent studies in humans suggest that the acid is not always effective.
A review in The European Journal of Pharmacology states that humans process GLA in a very complicated way, which may explain why the studies in humans produce more varied results than those on animals.
When looking at these studies, it is important to note that researchers usually use high concentrations of hemp seed extracts and that eating the seeds may produce less dramatic effects.
Reducing inflammation may help manage the symptoms of chronic diseases, such as:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease
Improve skin conditions
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and acne can both result from chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory compounds in hemp seeds may help.
Among other possible dietary causes, acne may be linked to a deficiency in omega-3s. The high omega-3 content in hemp seeds may help to manage and reduce acne symptoms.
A 2018 review explored the effects of dietary changes on skin diseases. While the authors found evidence that eating more omega-3s may improve symptoms of acne, determining the extent of the effects will require more research.
The authors also note that prebiotics and plant fibers may help to manage symptoms of AD. Hemp seeds are a rich source of plant fiber.
Relieve rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. It causes the immune system to attack its own tissues, which leads to inflammation in the joints.
In 2014, research conducted in human cells suggested that hemp seed oil could have anti-rheumatic effects.
However, a 2018 review found a lack of conclusive evidence to suggest that cannabinoids could effectively treat rheumatic diseases. The authors noted that more research is needed.
Source: Hempington Post
Hemp the Superfood