What makes Hemp seeds one of the most nutritious plants available today?
I am a big believer in hemp and spreading the gospel of this incredibly balanced and nutritious superfood. Hemp has so many great health benefits and has an extremely balanced nutrient profile. One small serving of hemp seeds (1 tablespoons) contains up to 10 grams of protein.
Hemp seeds also provide all the essential amino acids for a healthy diet, unlike many other plant-based protein sources. Combined with the laundry list of vitamins and minerals contained in each seed, this makes hemp a one-stop-shop for all your nutritional needs and makes the seeds especially valuable for vegetarians and vegans.
Sounds good right? Well, the benefits keep coming.
5 Reasons why you should add hemp seeds to your diet
1. Improves heart health
Hemp seeds have an ideal 3:1 balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, promoting cardiovascular health. Specifically, hemp protein powder contains linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that is considered in some studies to help prevent coronary artery disease. The fatty acids contained in hemp seeds are associated with a reduction in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and an increase in HDL cholesterol levels, facilitating cardioprotective effects.
2. They stimulate the immune system
The important nutrients in hemp seeds can help to boost your immune system. Hemp seeds contain vegetable proteins with high biological value such as edestin and albumin.
These important proteins are responsible for enzymatic activities in blood plasma, along with the formation of antibodies, which are essential for strong immune function. Edestin is a protein that is rapidly absorbed. Hemp has the highest levels of edestin of the plant-based protein sources.
3. Hemp seeds fight inflammation
Hemp seeds contain antioxidant terpenes. These substances reduce oxidative stress and prevent premature aging. Another important property of antioxidants is that they counteract inflammation and thus prevent diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer; all diseases associated with chronic inflammatory processes.
The gamma-linolenic acid contained in hemp seeds also inhibits the release of inflammatory substances in the body. This fatty acid is the basis for the production of prostaglandin, a tissue hormone that is found in all parts of the body and regulates several processes there, including the control of inflammatory reactions and pain.(2).
4. It is suitable for allergy sufferers
Even allergy sufferers can take advantage of the nutritional benefits of hemp seeds with peace of mind. These seeds do not contain gluten or lactose and there are no known allergic reactions to hemp protein. This makes it an ideal food for people with special diets and gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
5. Dietary fibre for digestion
Hemp seeds have a high fibre content. Dietary fibre stimulates the activity of the intestinal muscles preventing constipation
In summary
Hemp seeds are an incredibly nutritious food rich in healthy fats, high quality protein, with essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Incorporate them into your diet to protect your health against heart disease or improve your digestion after a heavy meal.