Source: hemplifestylemagazine.com
Losing weight and keeping it off can be hard. There are so many
diets being promoted and if you have tried any of them and failed
you might be feeling unmotivated to try any more.
There are so many benefits to losing weight and eating a healthy
diet including increased mental clarity, increased energy levels
and a greater sense of personal happiness. If getting rid of excess
weight is important to you, I hope I can convince you that it can
be easy, fun and satisfying and you can do it using a tasty
nutritious food such as hemp.
What is hemp?
When we talk about hemp, we are referring to varieties of the plant
Cannabis sativa that contain low amounts of THC, the compound
responsible for the psychoactive effect. On the other hand,
marijuana refers to varieties of the Cannabis species that contain
high amounts of THC.
Over the years there has been a lot of suspicion that hemp and
marijuana are the same, and that consumers could get high from
eating hemp foods. The opium and poppy seeds situation is a useful
analogy, as in we don't worry that we are taking an illicit drug
when we bite into a bagel with poppy seeds on top.
In fact, in countries where it is legal to grow hemp, such as
Canada, Europe and Australia, the levels of THC in hemp are
regulated to be extremely low and farmers have to test THC levels
in their crops. If high levels of THC are found, the crops are
destroyed, long before any hemp products find their way onto
supermarket shelves.
In addition, many hemp food producers in the US participate in 'The
Test Pledge', a certification process that means companies commit
to implementing quality control measures to limit the amount of
trace THC in hemp seed and oil. This ensures that consumers cannot
fail a drugs test as a result of eating hemp foods.
How can hemp aid weight loss?
Hemp in particular, hemp seeds, are a highly nutritious food source.
- Hemp contains the 10 essential amino acids that we need to
consume from our food. The proteins in hemp are more easily
digestible than in meat, dairy, soy or other high protein foods.
Protein can help to balance out blood-sugar levels so you feel
fewer cravings for unhealthy foods. - Hemp is a great source of fibre which keeps you fuller for
longer, is great for the digestive system and takes the edge of
those food cravings as well. - Hemp contains Omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids which help to
regulate blood sugar and insulin levels (1) and reduce the risk of
chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Theses
essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic
acid (omega-3) are present in hemp seeds in the optimum 4:1 ratio
for human health. - Hemp is a rare plant source of the omega 6 essential fatty acid,
gamma linolenic acid or GLA, which has been shown in scientific
studies to help control weight (2). - Hemp seeds are perfect for people who are allergic to nuts,
gluten or lactose. There are no reported allergies to hemp.
How to eat hemp
Hemp seeds are the basis for nearly all hemp food products. On the
plant, the hemp seeds are covered with a crunchy outer shell. Once
harvested the seeds are crushed for the oil and the meal that
remains is milled to produce hemp flour and hemp protein.
Hemp seeds can be eaten with the shells on, in which case they are
lightly toasted and naturally flavoured for a crunchy snack. Hemp
seeds with the shells removed are called hulled hemp seeds (also
known as hemp hearts) and they are quite soft with a nutty taste.
Hemp seeds can be sprinkled onto anything, muesli, porridge,
salads, stir-fries (after cooking), they are great in smoothies,
side dishes such as hummus, pesto, tapenades etc, and can be used
for sweet treats too.
Hemp oil is great and can be used as a salad dressing, in smoothies
and even, as British chef Hugh Fearnley- Whittingstall suggested,
drizzled on toast with a bit of salt. Hemp oil should be kept in
the fridge and not used for cooking, as high temperatures destroy
the delicate essential fatty acids and any health benefits as well.
Hemp protein is ideal for people looking to build muscle tone and
can also be added to smoothies or sports drinks as a daily and
healthy supplement.
A daily tip for weight loss using hemp
Start your day with a smoothie. Not only do you get the vitamins,
minerals and health boosting plant nutrients from the fruit, you
will also find that you feel full for most of the morning.
Plan to eat a big salad later that day, either at lunchtime or for
your evening meal. Some suggestions for salad vegetables include
lettuce, grated carrots, beetroot and zucchini, with finely chopped
raw broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage to bulk it up. Other salad
vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumber and herbs add flavour. If you
like a bit of crunch feel free to add nuts, seeds (including hemp
seeds) and dried fruit.
If you fancy a warm salad, add cooked sweet potatoes, eggs and
green beans for a really tasty meal.
Hemp seeds are a nutritionally dense food and if you follow the
recommended serving of 3-4 tablespoons of hemp seeds per day, you
may find that you make healthier food choices for your remaining
meals.
Recipe ideas
Hemp super smoothie
3 - 5 pieces of fruit (banana, mango, berries, pineapple, peaches,
kiwi fruit - whatever is in season)
2 tbsps hemp seeds or hemp protein
1 tbsp hemp oil
200 - 300 mL water
Place all of the ingredients in the blender and blend until it
reaches your desired consistency. Add more water and blend again if
required.
Serve and enjoy!
Hemp, Ginger & Garlic Salad Dressing
150ml hempseed oil
1 tablespoon of tahini
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 clove of freshly grated garlic
1 tablespoon of Tamari
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Put the above ingredients into a glass jar and shake vigorously.
Hey presto - delicious salad dressing in minutes!
References
1. Dietary fish as a major component of a weight-loss diet: effect
on serum lipids, glucose, and insulin metabolism in overweight
hypertensive subjects. Mori, TA et al. 1999. American Society for
Clinical Nutrition, 70: 817-825
2. Gamma-Linolenate reduces weight regain in formerly obese humans.
Schirmer, MA and Phinney, SD. 2007. Journal of Nutrition 137:
1430-1435.
Disclaimer
Please note, the content in this article is for information
purposes and is not medical advice. If you have any specific
questions about weight loss or any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
No comments:
Post a Comment