Hemp is a plant-derived product that contains high levels of essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to the daily diet. Its health benefits include lower cholesterol levels, heart health, brain health, muscle growth, and healthy digestion. Hemp is also a good source of protein for vegans and is gluten-free.
Hemp is hailed for having a wide variety of health benefits ranging from lowering cholesterol levels to regulating digestion. Usually consumed as shelled hemp seeds or as hemp oil, this plant-derived product contains high levels of essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber, but contains almost no carbohydrates. An easily digestible nutrient, hemp can be easily incorporated into the daily diet by adding it to everyday meals.
The many health benefits of hemp can generally be associated with one of its three main components: fatty acids, protein, and fiber. Omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids are found in hemp seeds and oil. These are essential fatty acids, which means that the human body needs them to function properly, but is not able to produce them, so they must be consumed in food. Essential fatty acids are linked to lower cholesterol levels and heart health. Unlike animal fats, one of the benefits of hemp is that it contains no saturated fats, only heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats.
The health benefits of hemp as a source of essential fatty acids also extend to the brain. Fatty acids are associated with brain health and the prevention or delay of neurodegenerative diseases. The onset of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases can be delayed by eating a diet rich in hemp. Similarly, hemp can reduce the symptoms of these diseases or slow their progression.
Protein is another of the health benefits of hemp. Hemp seed is very high in complete protein, making it an ideal low-carb, plant-derived source of this important macronutrient. Consuming enough protein is essential for muscle growth and strength. Vegans, who do not eat animal products, greatly benefit from hemp as a way to increase their protein intake while adhering to dietary restrictions. In fact, hemp is such a good source of protein that it has been harnessed for use in protein powders and supplements.
Fiber plays an important role in the health benefits of hemp. Like other seeds, hemp is extremely high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. Hemp has the added benefit of being a gluten-free source of fiber, making it easy to digest and suitable for people who are gluten intolerant. The oil extracted from the hemp seeds will not contain fiber, but the seeds themselves are surprisingly easy to incorporate into everyday meals. Stirring hemp seeds into yogurt, baking them into muffins or crackers, or adding them to cereal are all easy ways to reap the health benefits of hemp.
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