By Jhena Waring
Here’s Why You Should Consider Adding This Plant-Powered Miracle Crop to Your Diet
What Is Hemp?
Hemp is a variety of the infamous Cannabis sativa plant, a flowering plant that is cultivated widely due to its varied functions. It’s a source of industrial fibre, seed oil, and is used for recreational and medicinal purposes.
Hemp use dates back over 10,000 years, according to some sources. Its seeds are full of many nutritional benefits, but are usually eaten for their source of protein.
Although all of the hemp plant can be used, the leaves and the flowers are not protein-dense and are commonly used for CBD oils.
The Difference Between Hemp and Cannabis
Despite the fact that hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant, it is not psychoactive. THC is the intoxicating compound in cannabis, and is only found at a trace rate of 0.3% in hemp, which doesn’t yield any effect on the body.
Hemp Protein and Health
Hemp is a complete protein, which means that it contains all nine of the essential amino acids we need from food.
This superfood also contains all of the essential omega fatty acids, which are usually only found in fish and algae. Omega acids improve heart health as well as cognitive and mental health, and can even act as a buffer for depression. They also facilitate in fighting inflammation, decreasing dangerous liver fat, and promoting bone health.
Another benefit of hemp is that it is an easily-digestible plant-based protein. Some people speculate that animal protein is easier to digest than plant protein, however, up to 98% of protein from hemp seeds is digestible. This is a beneficial factor in gut health management.
Alongside its high protein count, hemp is also high in fibre, unsaturated fats, and essential minerals such as magnesium. Fibre is an integral addition to a healthy diet, noted for its ability to lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar levels.
Hemp is extremely nutrient-dense and provides a vast amount of total-body health benefits, which is why it is a superfood.
The Environmental Impact of Using Hemp
Hemp is often compared to animal sources of protein such as eggs because of its high protein content. Hemp is far more environmentally-friendly than dairy, eggs, seafood and meat. It doesn’t require a large amount of water or land to be grown, and doesn’t necessitate the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Hemp is also extremely versatile; the entire plant is viable for use.
Hemp fibres can be used to make building materials, fabrics, clothing, and paper. More recently, experts have discovered that bags made out of hemp are a wonderful solution to our dependency on plastic. Hemp bags can disintegrate, which is one of the reasons they are much more environmentally-conscious than plastic bags.
Hemp and Plant-Based Living
Hemp seed protein can be consumed in its natural seed form, or as a powder. Both forms taste similar, with pleasant nutty flavour profiles. People commonly consume the powder in protein shake drinks or smoothie bowls. Hemp seeds are more versatile and can be cooked into meals or added as a garnish.
Hemp is extremely healthy and is a beneficial addition to those on plant-based diets.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We advise readers to always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.