Hemp serves as a good option to any diet plan

By

Miguel Betrado

Source: dailytitan.com

Hemp seeds contain amino acids and help control blood sugar.
Courtesy of Paulo Ordoveza

Living a natural and clean lifestyle is important to anyone looking to keep their body in top condition. Fitness enthusiasts all know the great blessings that superfoods give to our bodies. Superfood is a name given to a natural food that contains multiple benefits toward our health. Eating a good amount of superfoods is a much more natural choice than taking numerous amounts of supplements everyday.
There are a wide variety of superfoods that all have great nutritional value. Out of all of those out in the markets, there is one food that has not received its much deserved attention, it may even be one of the healthiest foods someone can eat—hemp. Many people only know hemp’s relation to marijuana. However, hemp is actually the non-psychoactive breed of the cannabissativa plant, meaning hemp does not contain the ingredients that can produce a high.

There are many ways the hemp plant can be used, but by just eating it, it can easily make your diet that much healthier. Unfortunately, based on its relationship to marijuana, hemp’s nutritional value has not made it to popular media. The value of hemp is becoming increasingly popular, though. There are many vegans, vegetarians and people just looking to eat smart that already know the benefits of including hemp in your diet.

Hemp can be eaten as seeds, oil or as the fiber of the plant. All contain rich nutritional value and can be enjoyed with endless recipes. Hemp seeds alone can outmatch many supplements and other foods on the market in nutritional gain.

According to 3FatChicks.com, a diet support website, and Care2.com, a healthy living website, hemp seeds are one of the few Omega-3 sources found in plants, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, can lower blood pressure and can even diminish Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetics can appreciate hemp seeds as they help control blood sugar levels. The seeds also contain essential amino acids that improve muscle control, mental function and normal body maintenance of cells, muscles, tissues and organs. If you’re looking to prevent cravings throughout the day, eating hemp seeds for breakfast will keep you full. Eating hemp fiber proves to be even more beneficial to the body and is a greater source if you are looking to consume more protein. The protein and fiber in hemp slows digestion which prevents spikes in blood sugar and therefore sustains your body’s energy. Like its seeds, the fiber in hemp keeps your body full longer, resulting in less snacking.
The Omega-6 fatty acids found in hemp fiber stimulate hair and skin growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism and can also helps the brain function. Hemp provides all this as well as containing B vitamins, vitamins A, D and E, calcium, sodium and iron. Similarly to other foods, hemp can be consumed in different ways through a variety of products. Hemp can be bought at markets as protein powders, milk, oil and the seeds themselves. Nutiva, a producer of organic superfoods, is an example of one of the few hemp food providers you can find in markets.

Nutiva has hemp seeds, oil, shakes and powders as a selection of gluten-free and non-GMO products. Hemp foods are widely and commonly sold as organic which favors a vegan’s diet. For someone not looking to sacrifice taste, hemp products can be found usually flavored with chocolate or vanilla, resulting in a delicious and nutrient dense product.
Switching or just deciding to add hemp products to your diet can greatly help your body’s performance. Athletes, students or just the average person can all gain and appreciate the perks given by hemp.

It is still a wonder why hemp remains in the shadows of healthy dieting, but those who know about it can take advantage of their knowledge and receive all the gifts this neglected plant offers. Regardless of its lack of popularity, hemp remains one of the greatest superfoods when it comes to natural nutritional value and health  benefits.