The Health Benefits of Hemp Food

Source: iknowtoday.com


The Health Benefits of Hemp

Recently, more and more hemp products have reached the shelves of health food shops. The idea of consuming hemp might be surprising to some people, since hemp is actually a form of Cannabis sativa. It is not the same thing as marijuana, however. It is believed that hemp plants are actually very healthy. The controversial plant contains a complex plant protein with nine essential amino-acids. Hemp plants also contain healthy fats, such as Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid). The Omega-3 fats are well known for their help in the decrease of inflammation. Omega-3 also has beneficial effects on decreasing blood pressure.  Other nutrients which can be found in hemp products are: iron, phosphorus, magnesium and fiber.

In health food stores you can find a great variety of hemp seeds. The seeds have a specific taste, something similar to nuts. They are rich in Omega-3, iron, magnesium, zinc and other minerals. An easy way to integrate hemp seeds in your diet is by placing them in salads, cereal or soup. You can also sprinkle them in yogurt and mix them with other healthy seeds like chia, pumpkin seeds, flax or pomegranate seeds. You can sweeten the yogurt with honey or a little spoon of jam.

Hemp milk is also a very tasty and creamy healthy food. Hemp milk has a creamy smooth texture and it is an easy and cheaper source of Omega-3 fat. There is a great variety of hemp milk in health food stores. You can pick ones with vitamin A, vitamin D or vitamin B2. Others are also sweetened with various flavors.  Hemp oil is also a very healthy diet addition. Like any oil, it contains high calories. However, if you use it in salads, dressings and sandwiches, it is a very healthy addition of Omega-3 fats. The key to hemp oil, and any kind of oil, is limited quantity.

 

Hemp granola can also be found in health food stores. The same principle of limitation is recommended granola, as for oil. Hemp granola is a rich source of calories. Hemp bread is also available with which you can replace regular bread, for a proportionate intake of protein, vitamins and minerals. Make sure you check out your local health food stores for hemp products. They are tasty and a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.