With nine vital amino acids, hemp is a high protein seed which contains fiber, Vitamin E, trace minerals, and various essential fatty acids. It could help you start a good retaining balance with its 3:1 ratio of omega 3 and 6 fats. Unlike some protein shakes and supplements, hemp seeds are very easy to digest and won’t make you feel bloated or full of stomach gas.
Another edge noted is the absence of phytic acid in hemp seeds. Phytic acid is an anti-nutrient substance which hinders the body from mineral absorption. Usually in high amounts, it is most commonly found in soy products.
Benefits
Hemp seeds contain the complete set of 20 essential amino acids with the inclusion of other 9 amino acids that the body cannot produce independently. It is the best source for complete amino acid compared to most seeds sold in the market. With all these, the seeds could help the body fight off developing diseases and improve the health of immuno-deficient individuals.
As for the high protein content, most vegetarians find hemp seeds the best alternative source for their protein needs. It could also help protect the cells, tissues, organs, skin, immunity and the bloodstream with the high phytonutrients present and the inclusion of polyunsaturated vital fatty acids.
The benefits are being supported by Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study in 1955.
Hemp and Marijuana
Oftentimes, marijuana is associated with hemps due to their several similarities including their family origin. Though both are from the same family of Cannabis sativa L., the two plants differ when it comes to their subspecies.
Marijuana is described as a plant which contains high psychoactive varieties of Cannabis and is very famous for its high THC content. On the other hand, hemp is a variant of Cannabis containing low amounts of THC and is commercialized as seeds, hemp seed oil and fiber. It is available in most countries except in the USA.
Hemp as Food
Hemps are commonly sold as nuts in shelled seeds which could be ground or roasted. Other forms are available with the use of hemp milk as flour, tofu alternative or simply as a nutritious spread for crackers and breads. Sprouted hemp seeds could also serve as an ingredient to your salad recipes. Some people compared its taste similar to sunflower seeds and pine nuts, proving everyone that hemps could be used together with many healthy snacks and meals.
Medicinal Value
Not only vegans could benefit from hemp seeds since diabetic patients also tried to include the food on their diet. Due to the low carbohydrate content, the glycemic index also drops low with the high nutrients known to moderate the blood sugar level of diabetics. Shelled hemps are more recommended than the whole seed for the reason that the protein content is richer up to 30%.
Lecithin, a nutrient also found in hemp, helps protect the brain and the nervous system, enhances enzyme production of the body and breaks down fats accordingly. Its by-product, choline, helps improve the brain impulses throughout the body while improving the gallbladder and liver function. Acetylcholine, a derivative of choline, improves the memory especially for Alzheimer patients.
Another helpful component of hemp is the Vitamin B8 or inositol, which inhibits the artery from hardening by moderating the cholesterol levels. The plant hormones known as phytosterols or phytoestrogens also help in regulating the cell metabolism as well as the cholesterol absorption.
Aside from the mentioned vitamins and minerals, zinc, sulfur, iron and electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and potassium are also present.
Vegetarian Body Building
Preferred by most bodybuilders, meat protein alternatives are starting to open a new path in the world of body building. Being a traditional high source of protein, meat became the number one choice for body builders all over the world until hemp seeds came into the picture. Hemp could provide more suitable proteins than that of meat products even when consumed in small amounts. Hemp seed protein is also superior to whey protein.
On the other hand, huge consumption of meats should be done first before a person could get enough value of proteins to make the muscles grow. It is also a common knowledge to everyone that meat products possess high levels of saturated fats. Developing certain diseases including cancer and heart diseases are also at risk.
Weight Loss
Cutting down meat and dairy from your diet is a great way to lose weight, in fact many of the most popular weight loss programs confirm this. As we all know being overweight is detrimental to your health and the impact excessive meat and dairy consumption has on the environment is killing the planet.
Hemp seed protein is ideal for both your health and the planets health. Whey protein is one of the more popular protein supplements on the market and when you look at sprouted brown rice protein compared to whey protein you will see that the rice protein is superior but hemp protein is just a little better than brown rice protein so hemp for the win…
Bioavailability
A very important factor for body builders is their bodies’ bioavailability to boost muscle growth after an extreme workout. It happens because the body needs more protein to repair and build the muscles. It is also a very good opportunity for muscle development.
In this regard, the body must acquire the right amount of amino acids immediately to sustain its growth since the chance gradually declines as the time passes by. As the protein from meat is present in the form of complex amino acids, it would take quite some time to break it down into basic forms. Through this, some of the protein and useful nutrients from meat are not readily absorbed by the system.
Hemp seeds could provide the body better with its simple readily available amino acid contents. The availability of phytonutrients and enzymes promote faster body absorption. In line with this, hemp seeds are among the best choice of most vegetarian body builders.
Recovery and Relief
With the complete set of amino acids found in hemp, the seeds could easily repair the strained tissues and muscles once the workout routine was done. The joints are additionally lubricated while the pain is soothed with the fast action of the amino acids. Since the body is acidic after a vigorous exercise, hemps could neutralize the system thru their strong anti-inflammatory alkaline ability. Muscle inflammation could be lessened by the use of hemp oils while providing absolute relief from tenderness.
Though hemp seeds provide a complete source of amino acids, it is also advisable to combine the seeds with almonds and cashews for a great source of tryptophan. However, combinations with soy products are highly discouraged since there are some reported incidents of indigestion.
