Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) and CBD oil are legal in all 50 states and are being used for personal, medical, and industrial use. Due to the benefits hemp and CBD oil offer, people are researching hemp nutrition due to its rising trend as a health superfood.
Hemp is not a new crop. Just like wheat or barley, Hemp is a plant that has been grown and cultivated for centuries. In fact, from the early 1930s, hemp production was regulated by the DFA (Drug Enforcement Agency) because Hemp has tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which leads to intoxication if the levels of THC are found high. However, with the 2014 Agriculture Improvement Act, pilot programs were developed to research the cultivation and usage of Hemp for industrial and medicinal purposes. Since then, it has been used for industrial and medical purposes and as a by-product for livestock.
The Basics
CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol oil, was discovered later than Hemp. In 1940, it was identified as a phytocannabinoid and was recognized as one of the 113 cannabinoids from the cannabis plants. THC has 40% of CBD oil as its plant extract.
Hemp takes around 2.5-3.5 months to grow fully. Its seeds are extracted and used to make hemp nutrition products. Hemp nutrition involves all types of food products. Some examples are hemp oil, hemp milk, hemp cheese, and hemp-protein powder, fiber, and medicine.
The crude protein from Hemp can be from 5.2% to 25%. In this composition, the calcium concentration is from 1.0 to 5.6% DM. Fiber concentrations are also higher, and cannabidiolic acid is always detected in major concentrations. These seeds have a palatable flavor like that of walnuts or any dry fruits involving the nutty flavor.
Hemp nutrition mostly contains a grassy flavor which is why the by-products are used in industrial Hemp for the cattle at times. A sweetener is often added to Hemp while being used in food products. Many people mistake Hemp for marijuana (weed). Although it does belong to the same family, both plants are distantly related. While marijuana’s main purpose is to contain high levels of (THC) and will intoxicate if taken in concentration, Hemp is mostly discovered as a seed with traces of (THC) but mostly edible.
Hemp Nutrition is a growing trend now as organic wholefoods stores contain hemp seeds to be used as a daily plant. There are many ways to enrich your food products by using hemp nutrition. Let us discuss some of the ways through which you can make your food adaptable with Hemp and richer in protein and fiber.
Hemp Nutrition Details
The USDA (United States Drug Association) provided a breakdown of the hemp nutrients. They took 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds for this analysis. According to them, Hemp contains 111 calories, 6.31 grams of protein, 9.75 grams of fat, 0.8 grams of fiber and 0.3 grams of sugar, 14 milligrams of calcium, 1.59 grams of iron, 140 milligrams of magnesium, 330 milligrams of phosphorus, 240 milligrams of potassium, 1.98 grams of zinc, and 22 micrograms of folate. They also reported hemp seeds to have vitamins B, C, A, and E.
Fats
The fats in Hemp are healthy as they are concentrated in omega-3 fatty acids. Although these omega-3 are not as rich as the DHA and EPA from the fish oil, they are converted into DHA and HPA at a rate of 2-10 percent. Hemp also has alpha-linolenic acids (ALA) and is one of the richest sources, which is later broken down to DHA and EPA. For people who avoid fish and eggs, Hemp can be a sufficient alternative for their omega-3s.
Besides the omega-3, Hemp also contains omega-6 fatty acids. Compared to the seeds, hemp oil contains more GLA (omega-6). For people with cholesterol problems, Hemp reduces it by using its phytosterols to remove the fat deposits from the arteries.
Protein
Overall, Hemp is an all-in-one solution for people who want to get all the 10 amino acids in their food. Hemp nutrition provides the best protein source as it does not contain phytates, which normally disrupt the absorption of important minerals in the body. As discussed earlier, just 2 tablespoons of Hemp have 6.31 grams of protein. By blending it into food products, hemp nutrition would be a protein-rich meal plan.
Now, let us discover the regular usage of Hemp in your normal food products. The versatility of Hemp is its most unique feature. Not only can you use the seeds to make a complete hemp product but also, you can mix them in your daily foods to make yourself a nutrient-rich menu.
Hemp Nutrition In Foods
Have you been trying flaxseeds and chia seeds in your meals? Chia and flax seeds contain 16-18% of protein. However, Hemp contains more than 25% protein. They are also very similar to the chia and flaxseed, and if you like their taste, you will like Hemp as well. You can also eat hemp seeds in their raw form or cook/roast them. The oil is more potent due to being liquid in nature and is greatly preferred for medical purposes.
Heart Disease Reduction
Overall, Hemp is an all-in-one solution for people who want to get all the 10 amino acids in their food. Hemp nutrition provides the best protein source as it does not contain phytates, which normally disrupt the absorption of important minerals in the body. As discussed earlier, just 2 tablespoons of Hemp have 6.31 grams of protein. By blending it into food products, hemp nutrition would be a protein-rich meal plan.
Did you know heart diseases kill more people than any other ailment in the world? Well, hemp seeds can reduce those chances greatly. The seeds contain all the amino acids, especially arginine, which creates nitric oxide within your body. What does nitric oxide do? It is a molecule (gas) which dilates your blood vessels, relaxing them. This enhances the blood pressure levels and keeps them lowered, thus; reducing the chances of heart disease.
CRP (C-reactive protein) is normally high in heart patients. It creates inflammation for the heart patient and should be kept low. Arginine (amino acid) ensures CRP is kept to a minimum. Gamma-linolenic acid is also known to relieve inflammation for many heart disease patients. As blood pressure is also a major problem, which later leads to heart problems, hemp seeds have shown positive results by decreasing the blood clotting risks and recovery after a stroke.
Skincare
A lot of immunity problems can be triggered by the introduction of fats in the body. However, if the same fats contain healthy nutrients like amino acids and the important omegas needed by the body, they can prove to be a skincare mechanism. Studies have shown that hemp seed oil has been effective for people with eczema as it improves dry skin, reduces itchiness, and any irritation that might normally occur. It also helps in improving the blood flow within the body.
PMS And Menopause
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a serious condition for at least 80% of women of the fertility age. Prolactin, a sensitivity hormone, is a major cause. However, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) produces prostaglandin E1, which can alleviate the impact of prolactin.
One gram of essential fatty acids with the 210 milligrams of GLA within the mixture can greatly reduce PMS and the prolactin hormone within females. Hence, the hormonal imbalance and the inflammation can be relieved for women with menopause with the help of GLA.
Digestion
As hemp seed has rich fiber, it is a highly recommended seed for the digestive process. Hemp contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, where 20% is soluble, and 80% is insoluble. Soluble fiber is present in your gut in the form of a gel. The good digestive bacteria in your stomach need soluble fiber to effectively digest the food. Soluble fiber also helps in regulating your cholesterol and sugar levels.
The insoluble fiber is for the later process. It just makes the stool weigh more and helps it pass through the gut easily. Such a fiber helps with fighting diabetes as well. If you want your fiber intake to be maximum from your hemp nutrition, make sure you get hulled and non-shelled hemp seeds (hemp hearts) as they contain the most fiber.
CBD Oil
If we talk about CBD oil, it also comes with a lot of benefits. It can provide
- Relaxation from anxiety and depression
- Relieve pain
- Reduce cancer symptoms and toxins within the body
- It is known to work on acne, prevent diabetes
- Reduce tumor effects
- Neuroprotection
- Psychotic protection
For both hemp nutrition and CBD oil, there are no major side effects. However, due to the highly rich nature of both substances, weight shifts, bowel adjustments, and fatigue can occur initially. Compared to Hemp, CBD oil has to be used carefully as it reacts with a lot of medications. Hence, use it with the right guidance of the doctor.
