Hemp is derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant and has been used for its medicinal properties for decades. But how good is hemp for you? Will it benefit you to take it just for its nutritional properties? Let us break everything down for you.
Literally, hemp contains all of the following nutritious properties:
- Hemp seed is 33% protein.
- Hemp seed is 35% essential fatty acid. (Omega 3, 6, 9 and GLA)
- Contains all 9 essential amino acids.
- Contains 6.2 times more Omega-3 than raw tuna.
- Contains an abundant source of GLA.
- Rich in trace minerals.
- High in dietary fiber.
So how do these help you stay healthy?
Protein: Enough said, right? Our bodies need protein for countless things. Our hair and nails are almost entirely made of protein, all tissues need protein to build and repair and proteins are the basic building blocks of enzymes and hormones. Unlike carbohydrates and fats which are stored in our bodies, protein is broken down after ingestion and immediately used for these purposes. Therefore; protein intake is a daily "must" to stay healthy. And hemp protein is considered a complete protein, meaning it has all the amino acids. If you're looking for a low fat way to get protein, 2-3 tablespoons provide a whopping 11 grams of protein and only 120 calories!
Fatty Acids: Though the term fatty acids makes most cringe, we need certain fatty acids to maintain a healthy heart and keep our skin glowing. The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and are key in stopping inflammation: a component of cardiovascular disease. The human body is capable of producing all the fatty acids it needs, except for two: linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, both of which are found in high amounts in hemp!
Trace Minerals and Vitamins: Yes, hemp has vitamins and minerals that are necessary for our overall health. Hemp is rich in the B vitamins which are used in our bodies for multiple cellular functions, the most notable being energy metabolism, DNA production and particularly red blood cell production. It is important to note that Vitamin B-12 is found almost exclusively in meat products; however, hemp seeds have a whopping 25%!
Fiber: With 3 grams of fiber per 3 tablespoon serving, hemp is easily one of the easiest ways to increase fiber intake. An apple contains approx. 4 grams with the skin intact and we all know "an apple a day keeps the doctor away", but the great thing about hemp fiber is that it contains both soluble (20%) and insoluble (80%) fiber. Insoluble fiber is effective in moving things through the digestive tract and soluble fiber can help regulate blood glucose levels while keeping necessary bowel bacteria happy!
Hemp oil can be found at DiscoverCBD.com in multiple, easy-to-use forms such as capsules, tinctures and even edibles!
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