20 Extraordinary Reasons Why You Should Eat Hemp
Post# of 75003
By Rachel Garland
on June 16, 2016
hemp seed sprouts
You’ll wonder why we aren’t eating more hemp seeds after you read this.
Nutritious as they are delicious, humans have been consuming hemp seeds for thousands of years.
A complete protein, hemp seeds are loaded with essential fats, vitamins, enzymes, proteins, and more. This tasty treat is truly one of nature’s superfoods!
While often confused with cannabis, hemp is a different type of species of cannabis and contains very little THC (no more than 0.3 percent). In fact, pretty much anyone can consume hemp seeds. Even if you are being drug tested you can incorporate hemp seeds into your diet worry-free (and it’s totally legal to eat them).
Enjoyed in countless ways from smoothies to salads, here are 20 reasons why you may want to start eating these scrumptious seeds.
1.) Complete Protein Source
Did you know that hemp seeds are considered to be one of the most nutritionally complete food sources in the world? Hemp is unique in that it is a complete plant-based protein. Containing all of the essential amino acids, hemp provides a large dosage of protein – key to building and repairing muscle. In fact, neither beans, nuts, peas, nor grains provide the nutritional scope of hemp seeds.
2.) Boosts Immunity
Hemp seeds contain a high concentration of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, essential to the transportation of oxygen to cells throughout the body. And when cells have more oxygen, they’re better able to block bacterial, fungal, and even viral infections, making hemp seeds an all-natural immune booster.
3.) Contains All Essential Amino Acids
Amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of life. Responsible for vital functions such as repairing tissues, breaking down food, stabilizing hormones, the amino acids impact nearly every single process in our bodies. Hemp seeds’ unique composition contains all 20 amino acids along with all 9 essential amino acids.
4.) Alleviates Dry, Itchy Skin
Because hemp seeds are so high in fatty acids, they are incredibly effective for dry, itchy, or scaly skin. For maximum relief, why not turn to topical hempseed oil? Whether dealing with a serious skin condition or just dry winter skin, hempseed oil can be an effective remedy. In fact, when scientists compared hempseed oil to olive oil for individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis, they discovered that the skin retained more moisture after hempseed oil intervention.
hemps seeds and oil
The #1 way to embrace hemp as a society? Education.
5.) Facilitates Weight Loss
Did you know that hemp is a natural appetite suppressant? Fueling the body with a balanced dose of proteins, fiber, vitamins, and essential fats, hemp seeds can help you feel full longer while also reducing sugar cravings. Consider adding a couple of tablespoons of seeds to your breakfast to curb excess hunger cravings throughout the day.
6.) Loaded with Fiber
Women need about 25 grams of fiber per day while men need around 38 grams. However, according to the Dietary Guidelines, fiber is a nutrient most Americans are lacking in their diet. Eating an adequate amount of fiber is critical for lowering your risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, colon cancer, and more. Whole hemp seeds are comprised of 10 to 15 percent fiber!
7.) Improves Digestive Health
Fiber-rich hemp seeds are also beneficial for your digestive health. Whole hemp seeds are packed with insoluble fiber, which helps remove toxins from the body while also supporting a healthy digestive track. If you’re looking to keep your gut in great shape, there are few treats as nutritious and fiber-rich than a handful of hemp seeds.
8.) Nourishes Hair, Skin, and Nails
Tired of dull, lifeless, and dry hair? You may want to try hemp seeds. Infused into numerous high-end cosmetic products, hempseed oil penetrates the inner layers of the skin to promote healthy cell growth – a recipe for smooth skin, luscious locks, and strong nails.
9.) Consumed Raw, Cooked, or Toasted
Sprinkle raw hemp seeds on a salad or blend them into a smoothie for a healthy treat. Hemp seeds are a highly versatile snack that can be consumed in just about every way you can imagine. No matter your taste preferences, there’s a hemp seed recipe for you.
hemp seeds, tomatoes and peppers
How are you planning to incorporate hemp seeds into your diet?
10.) Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Hemp is a powerhouse plant-based protein loaded with vitamins and minerals. A single dose of hemp seed supplies the body with calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and potassium in addition to Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, and even Vitamin E!
11.) Superior Dairy Replacement
Although other alternatives to dairy milk exist, they pale in comparison to hemp milk. An ideal alternative for vegans and individuals with lactose intolerance, hemp milk is a great choice for those facing dietary restrictions or for people who are simply tired of drinking cow milk or soymilk. Not only is hemp milk easier to digest than soymilk, it also provides an ideal ratio of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
12.) Prevents Onset of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Hemp seeds are primarily comprised of unsaturated fats – key to fighting off the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, individuals with a diet high in unsaturated fats are at a reduced risk for developing memory impairment. Additional research suggests that the omega-6 in hemp seeds provide “high pharmaceutical value for degenerative diseases.”
13.) Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Adding hemp seeds to your meals is an easy yet effective way to keep your cholesterol in check. A fantastic source of essential fatty acids (aka the good fat), hemp seeds reduce levels of unhealthy fats by preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries. In addition, researchers have discovered that the elevated omega-3 levels in hemp seed are remarkably adept at breaking down cholesterol while preventing blood clotting – essential to keeping heart attacks and strokes at bay.
14.) Provides Increased and Sustained Energy Levels
Find yourself scrambling for an afternoon pick me up? Turns out you may want to grab some hemp seeds before another cup of coffee. Balancing blood sugar levels, hemp seeds have shown to possess anti-fatigue effects. While the impact on humans is limited, one study found that the immune systems of mice administered hemp seed protein displayed increased energy levels, allowing them to swim for longer periods of time.
elderly couple exercising
Consuming hemp seeds is totally legal … and healthy!
15.) Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is associated with life-threatening disorders such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The high intake of omega-6 fatty acids relative to omega-3 acids in the typical Western diet creates a chronic cycle of inflammation. Praised for its high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acid GLA, hemp seeds naturally reduce inflammation.
16.) Improves Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation is not only uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. Left untreated, insufficient circulation can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidney, liver, and limbs. Hemp seeds’ essential fatty acids make them highly effective in reducing blood cholesterol, plaque buildup, and high blood pressure for proper blood circulation.
17.) Healthy Substitute for Nuts
Have intolerance to nuts? If so, you may discover that hemp seeds are a great alternative. Featuring a rich nutty flavor, hemp seeds offer a safe and tasty substitute. Toss in a few seeds with some greens or roast them in the oven for a full flavor profile.
18.) Regulate Hormones
Hormones play an important role in the body. Functioning as chemical messenger...