As an IIN Health Coach, I am always learning about different sources of nutrients. Today I am going to share the health benefits of hemp in your everyday healthy meals!
What is HEMP?
Hemp and Marijuana are both cannabis, but their use and genetic & chemical makeup are very different. Hemp is a dioecious plant, which means that it can have both male and female components. It’s been used for over 10,000 years for various different purposes utilizing all aspects: plants stems (fiber), seeds (protein) and leaves, and flowers (oils and CBD products). Hemp has also been used in clothing, as an organic fiber that has very positive effects on its environmental impact. So, you’re probably wondering why would I want to put something that’s used for all of these purposes into my food?
BENEFITS OF HEALTH CONSUMPTION
First off, Hemp is actually considered to be a superfood! When anything gets labelled as a superfood you know that it’s going to offer a variety of different nutrients and healing properties. Here are the top 5 health benefits that you will get from incorporating hemp into your diet.
HEMP SUPPORTS HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS
Hemp seeds are high in dietary fibre, fats, and proteins. Due to this, they will help you feel fuller for longer and have assisted in repressing your appetite which can help with your weight loss goals. Having high-fat content, they encourage the body to burn fat instead of sugars, giving you higher energy levels. These higher energy levels also help with workouts and further promote weight loss. Finally, having higher levels of protein helps repair and build muscle tissue. Higher muscle compositions assist with burning fat.
RICH IN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Hemp plants contain about 35% essential fatty acids and 33% plant protein makeup. For those who eat a more plant-based diet, these are a great staple item to have due to their high protein makeup. They contain all nine essential amino acids. Also, they are a great source of Vitamin E and minerals such as; potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. All of which promote a holistic and healthy diet.
HEMP MAY REDUCE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE
Our Cardiovascular health is VERY important. It’s the number-1 killer worldwide in our mass health crisis. Hemp seeds may reduce your risk of heart disease. They’re rich in amino acids which play a big role in the body’s production of nitric oxide. Nitric Oxide assist blood vessels in relaxing and dilating, this can help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk for heart disease.
ASSIST WITH SKIN AND HAIR HEALTH
Hemp is also amazing for your skin and hair. Overall, it helps with moderating your oil production. It’s a great moisturizer without fully clogging your pores. It does this by balancing our oily skin and regulating your skin’s oil production. It can prevent dry skin without clogging pores. In regards to hair, for those of you who have dry hair. Rubbing hemp oil on your dry ends will help pack in moisture. Amazing for hair masks!
MAY REDUCE SYMPTOMS OF PMS AND MENOPAUSE
To all my fellow womxn out there, 80% of us suffer from physical or emotional symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Many of these symptoms are caused by sensitivities to the prolactin hormone. Hemp seeds produce prostaglandin which reduces the effects of prolactin reducing PMS symptoms. Putting crushed hemp seeds on your smoothie or salad are great ways of incorporating them into your diet. Crushing them helps you digest them much easier than the whole seed. *little thing to make note of*
Overall, hemp seeds have many amazing healing benefits for the body. They’re rapidly growing in popularity and can be found in many meals both within homes and at restaurants.