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Tuesday 4 June 2019

Why Hemp Hearts are an Excellent Superfood

The hemp heart is hulled from the hemp seed. They do come from the cannabis plant but they will not get you high. Hemp hearts will get you high on nutrients and health benefits. I enjoy adding them to my meals daily.

How come they won’t get us high if they come from the cannabis plant?

The cannabis plant crop is grown for its THC content; the hemp seed agricultural crop is grown for seed and fiber.
“While it may look like marijuana, the hemp plant is actually a different species of cannabis and contains very little of the active ingredient, THC. This inaccurate association has prevented many Americans from fully experimenting with the superfood,” says registered dietitian Rene Ficek, the lead nutrition expert at Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating in Illinois.
What is the difference between hemp seed and hemp hearts? The whole seeds from a hemp plant have a crunchy outer shell which is hulled to create hemp hearts. It can be called hemp hearts or shelled hemp seeds.  

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HEMP HEARTS

Hemp has been in people’s diet for hundreds of years and there is very little published research on its physiological effects. That said there is enough research existing to argue for the continued investigation into the therapeutic use of dietary hemp seed.

Good for Weight Loss

It naturally suppresses appetite by helping one feel full longer according to research. Also, it reduces sugar cravings. It has been recommended to add four tablespoons of the hemp hearts to breakfast to control excessive hunger the whole day. The fiber in hemp seeds is the main reason for the help in weight loss. 

Relieves Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Hemp seed oil can be helpful for the relief of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Inhibits Cancer Growth

It was found that cannabinoids from hemp seeds prevent cancer growth, mainly in lung cancer. More research is needed.
The CBD in hemp seeds inhibits the spread of human breast cancer cell invasion, according to Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 

Good for Heart Health

The main ingredients to help build a healthy heart are fiber, healthy fats and plant-based protein, and eating less sugar and hemp is helpful with all of those. Researchrecommends that hemp seeds can improve heart health and high blood pressure. 

Relieves Constipation

Hemp is high in soluble and insoluble fiber which gives sufficient bulk to relieve constipation. Also, this healthy mixture of roughage nourishes the probiotics in the gut. In a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, people who had extreme constipation were given hemp seed pills. Research found that a 7.5 gram pill was more effective than a 2.5 or 5 gram pill and that the hemp seed pill treatment was effective for relieving functional constipation.

Beneficial for Skin

Hemp seed oil has been found to improve skin health by eliminating flaky, dry, red skin. The hemp oil penetrates the skin’s inner layers, helping healthy cell growth. Researchersstudied the effect of hemp oil on patients with dermatitis or eczema and found their symptoms improved.

Please Note

Side effects are not big with hemp seeds and not known to cause any effects with common medications. The only place to be cautious with the seeds is if you take anticoagulants because they inhibit blood platelets and may cause a bleeding risk. If you have concerns with any medications, check with your healthcare provider.

HEMP SEED NUTRITION

This superfood has a 3:1 balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are good for heart health. They are an excellent protein containing all 20 amino acids and all of the nine essential amino acids necessary. Also, have a good quantity of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, phosphorous and zinc. 

HOW TO SELECT AND STORE

It is best to get organic hemp hearts. They are sensitive to light and heat, so it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place or in the fridge.

TIPS FOR EATING HEMP HEARTS

Add them to smoothies or grind them up and sprinkle them on your porridge, yogurt, a salad, cereal, pasta or on steamed vegetables. It is good to make hemp heart meal by grinding them to get all the nutrition from them. Because they are a seed, they can easily not get chewed up fully and just end up in your stools.
Hemp seed oil as finishing oil can be drizzled onto salads and pastas or other dishes. 

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