Harvested from gargantuan, shaggy bright green plant, hemp has an abundance of “superfood” properties packed into this tiny little bead sized shell. Hemp seeds are stealing the hearts of flaxseed and chia seed lovers everywhere due to its massive variety of health benefits and its versatile nature.
How it Grows
Hemp grows in humid climates where temperatures don’t get too low, so springtime is an optimal window of time for farmers to get their hemp seeds in the ground and ready to grow, and we’re not using the term “grow” lightly here. Hemp plants can reach up to a whopping 5 meters in height, making hemp farms appear more like rainforests. When the hemp is fully grown and ready to be harvested, farmers go after the hemp seeds which contain the properties that make hemp such a sought after superfood. These seeds are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, folate, and phosphorus, just to name a few.
Dubious About Hemp?
Hemp is often confused with marijuana plants, making consumers skeptical of its safety and benefits. Hemp and marijuana look very similar because they are from the same plant species, but contain a completely different genetic makeup. While hemp does contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, the percentage of THC in hemp is so low that it is almost virtually impossible to feel any kind of psychoactive effect from consuming hemp, making hemp 100% safe for everyone to eat!
The Benefits of Hemp
Hemp seeds are so nutrient-dense that only 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds contain 1.2 grams of fiber and about 9.5 grams of protein! Hemp can also protect and fight against chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart failure and inflammation due to its high contents of heart-healthy fats. Not only will hemp makes your insides feel phenomenal, but will leave you with a glowing exterior! Hemp is making a name for itself in the skincare industry for its anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the effects of skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD), and severe acne.
Adding Hemp to your everyday Regime
So how can you incorporate this magical seed into your everyday diet and start reaping these undeniable benefits? Since hemp is a seed, you can use it just like you would chia seeds or flaxseeds. Here are some ways to add hemp into your diet, keep in mind that many of these recipes can use hemp seeds or hemp oil!
-Smoothies
-Baked into bread or used as seed toppings on bread
-Blend into a nut free, dairy free milk
-On top of salads
-Baked into scones, muffins other baked goods
-Sprinkled on avocado with salt and pepper
-Mixed in with nut butter or dips like guacamole or hummus Hemp is high in
-Protein
-Omega fatty acids
-Magnesium
-Phosphorus
-Folate
-Vitamin C, A, and B
Packing in the Protein
It’s rare to find so much protein packed into such a tiny, compact seed. In just one tablespoon of hemp seeds, you’ll find about 9 grams of protein, that’s more protein than one egg, one serving size of peanut butter and almond butter as well! We don’t play favorites here but it’s clear who’s superior in the seed and nut category.
Keep the Good Fats Coming!
Hemp seeds are comprised of about 30% oil, and fortunately, most of that oil is heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s help lower triglycerides as well as HDL (bad cholesterol), and raise HDL (good cholesterol). Omega-3 fatty acids are fats that help protect against chronic illnesses like heart failure, heart diseases, chronic depressions, and anxiety, as well as improving eye health and fighting inflammation.
The Power of Potassium
Did you know that according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) concluded that less than two percent of people in the United States get their recommended 4,00 mg of potassium? Potassium supports blood pressure, bone strength and general cardiovascular health and a deficiency of it can lead to irregularity and fatigue.
Stronger Than Iron
What replenishes your muscles, increases your energy, and improves your athletic performance? Even if you’re not a professional athlete, keeping your iron levels steady is important for your overall health! Iron’s main function is to carry oxygen in red blood cells from the lungs to transport throughout the body. If there is a lack of iron, the body won’t be able to get the oxygen it needs which can lead to serious health complications, the most common being anemia which about 5 million Americans have already been diagnosed with.
Don’t miss out on your Manganese!
Not to be confused with its dear cousin Magnesium, manganese is a mineral vital for a high functioning brain, nervous system, and enzyme system. Just one serving, 30 grams of hemp seeds contain 114% of your daily value of manganese! So next time you feel like you’re lacking on your manganese consumption, just sprinkle some hemp seeds on your next meal and you’re covered for the rest of the day!