Hemp - The Future of Nutritious Eating

Hemp is the seed for a future with healthier lives and sustainable lifestyles. For the several nutritious benefits that Hemp renders for its users it is called a Super-Ingredient. Grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products, Hemp is multi-functional in its essence. Its nutritional benefits target not only the health trends but also people with dietary restrictions or those pursuing any alternative diets.

Historically, the Hemp plant known for its potential to survive in nearly every climate, any ecosystem on Earth. Hemp goes back more than ten thousand years, believed to be the oldest industry on the planet with production of hemp seeds as a superfood. The hemp seeds are a rich protein source, contain over twenty trace minerals, and a healthy alternative for fish for it being flushed with essential fatty acids and an opulent protein profile. The edible, fibre-rich, hemp leaves have a high percentage of silica that contributes to strong bones, nails, hair, and radiating skin.

The USDA study of 20g (nearly 2 tablespoons) hemp seeds contains prescribed proportions of fats, carbs, calories, fatty acids, calcium, iron and all essential minerals for an average human body. Hemp seeds are also a wholesome source of vitamin C, A, E and some vitamin Bs.

Nutritional Breaking Down of Hemp Seeds

• Healthy Fats- Hemp is a plant-based source of concentrated omega-3 fatty acids, concentrated omega-6 fatty acids, and omega-9. GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), specific omega-6 fatty acid and phytosterols are present in higher percentages in the hemp oil, which remove fat build-up in the arteries, reducing cholesterol in the body.
• Proteins- 20 essential amino acids present in Hemp make it a rich protein source, as an alternative to non-vegetarian diet. It also makes for a substitute in vegetarian diets for proteins that unlike other solutions does not interfere with the absorption of essential minerals. Protein from hemp seeds is more digestible than whole eggs, cow’s milk, meat or any other high-protein food source.
• Magnesium- The presence of magnesium in Hemp seeds helps regulate heartbeat and is linked to prevention of coronary heart disease. Magnesium is involved in neuromuscular transmission activity and muscle relaxation which can be linked to alleviation of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), insomnia, and bloating.
• Arginine- The secret of arginine is known to few, mostly passionate, people (unless they are specialists). This specific amino acid has anti-inflammatory properties. It produces Nitric Oxide which results in enlarged and relaxed blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart diseases and strokes.
• Fibre- The fiber in a hemp seed comes mostly from the outer shell. It reduces the appetite, helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels, and promotes the health of the gut by slowing the digestion process and keeping the body feeling fuller, therefore supplementing for weight-loss.

Hemp has found its way to mainstream food products, providing a nutritious solution of several organic products in one- the Hemp seeds. Hemp Seeds are a perfect balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6, with Iron, Vitamin E, and all of the essential Amino Acids, thus said to be the most nutritionally complete food source in the world. Raw Shelled hemp hearts (hemp seeds) can be consumed raw, cooked, or roasted. It is sometimes cold milled to derive hemp seed powder which is also a popular source of proteins in shakes, breakfast porridges, or even in soups for dinner.

Here is a list of few hemp food products that you can include in your diet for a nutritious revolution

1. Hemp Hearts
2. Hemp Seed Oil
3. Hemp Protein Powder
4. Hemp Milk
5. Hemp Seed Butter
6. Hemp Cheese
7. Hemp Flour

This is not an exhaustive list, but these are commercially developed products in India. The list goes on and internationally it even touches products like tea, coffee, hot dogs, burgers, straws, energy bars, flavoured drinks, and even beers.

You can introduce Hemp in your diet by trying a nutritious Hemp and Millet Nuggets recipe. The recipe is tastier than it is healthy, if that's even possible. The millet snack offers a tedious day’s restoration or even as a wholesome breakfast when you combine it with a coconut, strawberry and lime smoothie.

But this is not it, hemp seed isn't a superfood for nothing. You can innovate and use them in almost all your favourite recipes for a nutritional alternative.

CONCLUSION

Hempseed, a superfood, naturally contains 20%-40% Albumin and 60%-80% Edestine, in a structure closely similar to proteins manufactured in the human body. This makes proteins in hemp seeds fulfilling, easily digestible, along with being rich in fibre and healthful fatty acids (including omega-6, omega-3, and omega-9). Hemp’s antioxidant properties are studied to reduce symptoms of numerous ailments and improve the health of the heart. Its nutritional power is the answer to sustainable lifestyles which may even influence the global starvation problems.