By Mandy Froelich | Truth Theory
Have you heard? Hemp is regaining popularity as a crop. Why? Because the plant is incredibly versatile with over 1,000 different uses. Not only can hemp be used to make biodegradable plastic and clothes, but it is also a very nutritious food source. In fact, hemp is one of the most healthiest foods you can include in your daily diet.
The top 7 benefits of consuming hemp follow:
- Boosts the Immune System Consuming more hemp is a great way to boost your immune system. Hemp seeds contain the globular proteins edestin and albumin. This is important because enzymes, antibodies, hormones, and fibrinogen are all made from globular proteins. Furthermore, edestin and albumin make up the fluid in a portion of the blood plasma. As a result, these proteins are essential to building a healthy immune system.
- Strengthens Hair Adding more hemp to your diet can help build strong and shiny hair. Hemp protein is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and omega-9 fatty acids. The high concentration of healthy fats helps promote healthy hair growth. Some studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids may also help to prevent or reverse hair loss.
- Boost Your Energy If you’re feeling lethargic, maybe it’s time to make hemp chocolate pudding or snack on a smoothie with hemp seeds. This is because hemp protein contains all essential fatty acids. When ingested, the healthy fats produce twice as much energy as carbohydrates. That’s not all – proteins take longer to break down in the body. In turn, the energy is released much slower and helps to stabilize blood sugar.
- Improve Digestion Battle no more with digestive distress. Consuming hemp, in addition to nutrient-dense, fiber-rich whole foods and probiotic-rich cuisine can help improve your gut. Conventional protein powders (such as whey) are loaded with animal products, including lactose. Hemp protein powder, on the other hand, is 100% made from hemp. As a result, the likelihood of experiencing tummy grumbles after adding the lactose-free option to a smoothie is slim. Hemp is also good for digestion because of its high concentration of soluble and insoluble fiber.
- Conditions the Scalp Hemp is a natural remedy for folks who experience dry, itchy, or irritated scalps. This is because, in seed and protein powder form, hemp nourishes the scalp with vitamin E and a high concentration of essential fatty acids.
- Builds Lean Muscle Whether you’re looking to slim down or put on muscle, hemp is a great food to include in your diet. In addition to offering a complete amino acid profile, hemp includes all muscle-building amino acids, such as BCAA (branched-chain amino acids). As Green Flower reports, BCAA increases the rate of muscle protein synthesis while simultaneously preventing the loss of muscle tissue. Furthermore, hemp contains globulins (albumin and edestin), two of the most abundant proteins in the human body.
- Improves Skin Quality Hemp is abundant in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. These nutritional components help to reduce inflammation, which can benefit skin conditions including acne and eczema. The EFAs combat dryness and irritation by acting as an internal moisturizer. A study conducted in Finland, published in the journal Dermatological Treatment, found that over the course of a 20-week period, hemp “remarkably reduced dryness and irritation in eczema patients.”
The Most Popular Methods of Consuming Hemp
- Hemp Protein
- Hemp Seed
- Hemp Oil
- Hemp Oil (Most popular as CBD or a full-spectrum blend with THC, THCA & CBD)
Favorite hemp seed recipes include:
- Hemp Nacho Cheese
- Veggie, Hemp & Millet Nuggets
- Healthy Hemp Seed Banana Muffins
- High Protein Carrot Cake Chia Pudding
- Raw Power Zucchini Pasta with Hemp Seed Alfredo Sauce
- Protein-Packed Hemp Seed Pesto
- Maple Date Granola
- Hemp Ranch Hummus
About the Author
Amanda Froelich
I'm an RHN, chef, writer, activist, and entrepreneur who lives in Colorado. I share healthy plant-based recipes at Life in Bloom and cannabis-infused recipes at My Stoned Kitchen. Read More stories by Amanda Froelich
