Healthy Hemp

Hemp has certainly struggled to make it into the mainstream, having an association with marijuana. Why do people confuse the two? Well, both are members of the cannabis family, but that’s where the similarities end. What sets hemp apart is that it contains microscopic (less than .3%) levels of THC, which is the psychoactive component in marijuana that gets you high. That’s one-third of one percent!

Those who are educated about hemp are getting the word out that hemp is a super-food!

• Hemp seeds are nutritious
  Hemp seeds contain over 30% fat. They are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).They also contain gamma-linolenic acid, which has been linked to several health benefits (1).Hemp seeds are a great protein source, as more than 25% of their total calories are from high-quality protein.

  That is considerably more than similar foods like chia seeds and flaxseeds, whose calories are 16–18% protein.

  Hemp seeds are also a great source of vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc.

  Hemp seeds can be consumed raw, cooked or roasted. Hemp seed oil is also very healthy and has been used as a food and medicine in China for at least 3,000 years

• It’s packed with protein
  About 25% of calories in hemp seeds come from protein, which is relatively high.In fact, by weight, hemp seeds provide similar amounts of protein as beef and lamb — 30 grams of hemp seeds, or 2–3 tablespoons, provide about 11 grams of protein (1).They are considered a complete protein source, which means that they provide all the essential amino acids. Your body cannot produce essential amino acids and must obtain them from your diet.

  Complete protein sources are very rare in the plant kingdom, as plants often lack the amino acid lysine. Quinoa is another example of a complete, plant-based protein source.

  Hemp seeds contain significant amounts of the amino acids methionine and cysteine, as well as very high levels of arginine and glutamic acid.

  The digestibility of hemp protein is also very good — better than protein from many grains, nuts and legumes.

• Allergen-Free
  Hemp doesn’t contain whey, lactose or animal protein. It’s a great substitute for people with lactose intolerance or nut allergies, or people living on a vegan diet.

For this information and more you can read the full article at https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-health-benefits-of-hemp-seeds#section7

This blog is for educational purposes only. No product claims intended.