4 Fantastic Benefits of Hemp Hearts
The hemp plant is an incredibly versatile one, used as food, clothing, medicine and more.
As a food, the most commonly consumed and nutritious part of the plant is the seed. Removing the hard shell of the seed reveals the hemp heart which is what you'll find in shelves for eating. This hemp heart can be eaten whole, compressed into hemp seed oil, or milled into a baking flour or protein powder.
Hemp consumables are often regarded as a superfood due to the incredible nutritional profile of the seed, containing healthy fats and an array of vitamins, minerals and protein.
HIGH IN PROTEIN
Hemp Protein powder is now one of the most popular vegan varieties, made by grinding the nutritious pressed hemp seeds into a fine powder full of protein. It has a nice earthy, nutty taste and is most commonly added to smoothies to help boost protein intake in a healthy manner. Unlike other proteins, hemp protein comes with additional vitamins, minerals, fibre and healthy fats, making it more like a high protein meal.
Hemp protein is regarded as a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that we require from food in an easy to digest form. It is a great option for not only vegans and vegetarians, but anyone looking to get a healthy boost of plant based protein in their diet.
IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST
Vitamin E and various minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, calcium, and iron are all found in hemp seeds which help enhance cellular immunity. The essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 are important for the health of our immune system which are found at an optimal ratio in hemp seeds.
HEART HEALTH
Hemp hearts support heart health in multiple ways. They contain high levels of magnesium, a key mineral for heart health. It helps promotes heart rhythm regulation and has been related to the prevention of coronary heart disease. Hemp hearts also include linoleic acid, shown to decrease cholesterol levels and help normalise blood pressure.
The presence of optimal levels of omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart associated diseases and complications. Hemp seeds are high in omega 3s, while also containing omega 6s.
Hemp Seeds also contain high levels of arginine, an important amino acid that aids the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is important as it helps keep veins and arteries healthy and improves blood pressure and blood flow.
INFLAMMATION SUPPORT
Hemp seed research has shown their potential anti-inflammatory capacity due to the high antioxidant content. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals that act as antioxidants, hemp seeds can work as a natural anti-inflammatory. They have also been shown to have anti-neuroinflammatory potential, helping to protect the brain from inflammation.
Hemp Seeds are also a great source of GLA (gamma linolenic acid) known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is at the heart of all disease, so reducing it is a sure way to better health. Lower inflammation can help prevent and manage diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and more.
These five benefits of hemp hearts indeed prove that the hemp plant is truly a nutritious powerhouse and one of the greatest superfoods on the planet.
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