Once misconceived by many, hemp is now becoming one of the most celebrated plants in the health and wellness industry. As more people become aware of the many ways hemp can benefit our bodies, its potential as a nutritional powerhouse is being increasingly explored. From seeds to oil to protein powder, there are many different forms of hemp, each filled with its host of unique health benefits.
In this blog, we explore the various types of hemp and how they can make a difference in your health, and we teach you ways to include them in your diet for maximum health benefits.
Understanding Hemp: A Versatile Superfood
Cultivation of hemp Cannabis sativa started several thousand years ago due to its strong fibres. Nowadays, its seeds, oil, and protein are important nutritional sources.
Hemp is not psychoactive; that means it contains very minimal THC, the major psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Instead, it is highly loaded with nutrients, essential fatty acids, and plant-based protein, making it a prime ingredient in the health and wellness world.
Types of Hemp
There are three major types of hemp for consumption,
- Hemp Seeds
- Hemp Oil
- Hemp Protein Powder
Let’s discuss each in detail.
1. Hemp Seeds
More often than not, hemp seeds are more commonly referred to as hemp hearts. They are small, soft seeds contained inside the interior of the hemp plant. These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, enriched with necessary nutrients, including:
Protein: Hemp seeds contain all nine amino acids that our bodies do not make and are, therefore, a complete plant-based protein. They are a great food addition for vegans and vegetarians who seek high-quality protein in their diet.
Healthful Fats: It contains the perfect ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in abundance. These are very useful for maintaining cardiovascular health, brain function, and reduction of inflammation.
Vitamins and Minerals: They contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that include vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and iron, all serving different purposes within the body.
Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds:
Improves Cardiovascular Health: The presence of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to reducing cholesterol levels, thus lowering blood pressure and promoting heart health in general.
Aids in Digestion: Full of fibre, hemp seeds promote digestion and will keep your gut healthy. Adding this to your diet will regulate bowels, reducing problems associated with digestion, such as bloating or constipation.
Improves Skin Health: They contain a great amount of vitamin E, and therefore, they may be used in combating dry skin and improving the general condition and texture of the skin to make it supple and smooth.
How to Use Hemp Seeds?
You can add hemp seeds to your diet very easily. Sprinkle them on salads, blend them into a smoothie, or stir them into your morning yogurt. They have a mild, nutty flavour and go well with just about everything; this makes them versatile for most meals.
2. Hemp Oil
Being extracted from the hemp seeds, it’s a great source of essential fatty acids. It contains very low cannabinoids compared to CBD oil, which is derived from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. Rather, it acts as a nutritional supplement.
Health Benefits of Hemp Oil:
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The high concentration of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp oil reduces inflammation; hence, it can be used by people suffering from inflammatory ailments such as arthritis.
Heart Health: Just like hemp seeds, hemp oil helps ensure heart health since it regulates cholesterol levels and maintains healthy blood pressure.
Immune system: Fatty acids contained in hemp oil also have a role in enhancing immune system function, offering the body resistance against illness and infection.
How to Use Hemp Oil?
Because hemp oil has a very low smoke point, it is best used as a finishing oil and not for high-heat cooking. Drizzle over salads, use it as the base for your favourite dressing, or blend it into smoothies to give it an extra nutritional kick. You can even use hemp oil topically to moisturise your skin.
3. Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp protein powder is prepared by grinding hemp seeds into a fine powder, which offers a concentrated amount of plant-based protein. This enriching powder is excellent for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or people who look to increase their intake of proteins without wholly relying on animal resources.
Health Benefits of Hemp Protein:
Another reason it makes a complete protein is that it contains all the essential amino acids that qualify it, thus, supporting muscle repair and growth, hence ideal after workout.
Improves Metabolism: High in fibre, hemp protein helps regulate levels of sugar in the blood, thus improving metabolism and aiding in weight management.
Supports Digestive Health: The fibre content in hemp protein helps in digestion and ensures that your gut is healthy at all times.
How to Use Hemp Protein?
You can add hemp protein powder to any smoothie or shake for an extra punch of protein. The flavour is mild and nutty, making it perfectly harmonious when put together with the sweet flavour of bananas, spinach, or nut butter.
Nutritional Value of Hemp Products
Hemp products stand out as the richest foods you may add to your diet. Below is a breakdown of the main nutritional components of hemp products:
Protein: Hemp seeds contain about 10 grams of protein per serving, while hemp protein powder contains roughly 15-20 grams per scoop. This makes hemp a very potent source of plant-based protein.
Essential Fatty Acids: Seeds and oil of hemp are packed with omega-3 and omega-6, crucial for brain health, heart health, and anti-inflammation.
Fibre: Hemp seeds and hemp protein powder contain a serious amount of fibre, which encourages digestion and stimulates the gut microbiome.
Incorporating Hemp into Your Diet
It is easy to incorporate hemp into your diet, and this can be done in a variety of ways. Here’s how you can take advantage of the different types of hemp:
Hemp seeds: Sprinkle on your favourite salads, yogurt, or oatmeal, or add to smoothies for a nutritional boost.
Hemp Oil: Utilise in salad dressings, drizzled over cooked vegetables, or in smoothies for a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Hemp Protein Powder: Mix this into your post-workout shakes or into baking to make muffins, pancakes, and energy bars packed with plant-based protein.
Conclusion
Hemp is a highly versatile superfood that occurs in many forms; each has its unique health benefits and nutritional value. Whether you are adding hemp seeds to your breakfast, using hemp oil as a salad dressing, or blending hemp protein into your post-workout shake, adding hemp to your diet is going to improve your health.
With sources of high protein, essential fatty acids, and digestive benefits, hemp products are an awesome additive to a balanced diet that will help unlock all of the potential of this incredible plant.
You can explore a wide range of hemp-based health and wellness products through Krush Organics, offering high-quality options to enhance your well-being.