I’m sure you’ve seen it around but if you’re left wondering why you should add hemp into your diet then this article is for you! If you’re taking it but unsure why… well lets get you educated so you know all the amazing health benefits it has!

Though Hemp has been used by China and other cultures for centuries as of November last year Hemp as a food was legalized here in Australia. Hemp is from the same species as cannabis but is a different plant that yields tiny, nutritiously edible seeds. Containing no psychoactive THC the only high you’ll get from eating Hemp is from its enormous health giving benefits. Let’s look at some reasons why you should be adding Hemp into your diet.

Incredible Protein Source  

Hemp seeds supply a huge 10g of protein per 2 Tbsp. All from a sustainable plant-based source. Hemp is a ‘complete’ protein meaning it contains the full spectrum of amino acids (essential and non-essential). The body can make (some) amino acids, but those amino acids described as ‘essential’ must be consumed by diet – hemp supplies all 9 essential amino acids. While the hemp seed is 25% protein; hemp protein powder (the product leftover once extracting the oil and fiber) is over 50% protein gram for gram.

Protein is made up of amino acids and is essential for health and necessary to make enzymes, hormones, bone, tissues, in fact, every cell in the body is made up of protein.

Allergen Free

Hemp is safe for children, adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, even animals. Basically, Hemp can be consumed by everyone. Those who are unable to eat nuts, gluten, lactose, and soy due to allergies can safely consume hemp. There are no known allergies to hemp. These days’ food allergies are at an all-time high.

Considering the connection between the chemicals sprayed on crops to mass produce it’s important to consider the risk this may have on our health.

Unlike crops like corn, soy, cotton and wheat, hemp requires no herbicides or pesticides. These chemicals have the potential to induce mild to severe allergic reaction in the body.

Good Fats

Hemp is an exceptionally rich source of essential fatty acids (EFA’s) These two EFA’s are: linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), both of which are unsaturated. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in hempseed oil is 3:1, which is optimal for human health making Hemp popular among people who have trouble working Omega -3s into their diet.

Due to high consumption of animal fats and processed food the standard diet has deficiencies of EFA’s which are necessary for energy production, strengthening the immune system, improving brain function, regulating organs and glands, speeding recovery of healing, supporting child development and producing beautiful hair, skin, nails. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats may reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke.

Weight Loss

Hemp is a sugar free, gluten free, low carbohydrate with good gut-cleansing fiber and a healthy balanced food that meets the body’s daily nutritional needs. Hemp has 15 times as much fat-fighting CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) as fish oil and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. Inflammation from highly processed foods can impact dieting efforts. Hemp seeds help reduce inflammation, while providing complete protein, fats and fiber make it an ideal addition to a healthy diet.    
*Hemp flour is an ideal weight-loss companion – its loaded in soluble and insoluble fiber which aids with hunger control and plays an important role in binding to and eliminating toxins via fat loss, and contributing to a healthy digestive tract.   

Australia’s New Superfood

Some unique properties that makes hemp a Superfood:

GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) – a ‘wonder’ oil believed to be important for preventing inflammation + combat PMS, hemp is one of only five known sources

Phytosterols – Cholesterol-fighting compounds

Vitamin D3 – the only known plant food source of this bone-building sunshine vitamin

Minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc.

B Vitamins including Folate
– Two main proteins in hemp are Edestin and Albumin – the most easily digested protein of any kind and closely resemble the globulin in blood plasma, compatible with the digestive system.  This may be a reason why there are no reported food allergies to hemp.

Simple Tips To Start Using Hemp:

  • Sprinkle hemp seeds on your morning muesli or porridge, into a smoothie, salad, yogurt
  • Eaten raw by the handful, or add into favorite trail mix for on-the-go snack
  • Use hemp oil as a bread oil dip or salad dressing
  • Mix hemp seeds into baked goods, biscuits, breads
  • Blend hemp seeds with water to create hemp milk

*Hemp comes in many forms such as Hemp seeds, oil, flour, protein powder or milk

 

For further information, recipe ideas or to purchase product visit www.hempfoods.com.au