Hemp is among the earliest cultivated plants. Many people tend to be confused between marijuana and hemp, but hemp doesn’t contain THC, unlike marijuana. Therefore, hemp won’t make you high.
Hemp plants are rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, which is among the reasons why they’re consumed by many. It’s even considered a food item that you can add to many dishes and recipes.
The question is, does it offer nutritional benefits for vegans? Let’s consider the idea that vegans might find it hard to get all the necessary protein that their body needs because they don’t eat meat. Since hemp is a plant-based protein source, it might be ideal for vegans. In this post, we’ll walk you through the benefits of hemp for vegetarians. Read on to know more!
Complete Amino Acid Profile
Hemp is one of the best kinds of plant-based protein sources because its amino acid profile is complete, comprising of all the essential and non-essential ones. Keep in mind that the human body needs amino acids to generate more muscle cells and repair cells for the nervous system to function properly.
Essential Fatty Acids
The human body can’t produce essential fatty acids, such as Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, alone. These essential fatty acids have rich nutritional content and can reduce the risks of heart diseases. The good news is that hemp seeds contain these essential fatty acids, which are critical for immunity, eye, and brain health.
Adding hemp oil or hemp flowers in your diet, together with regular exercise, can undoubtedly contribute to rapid changes in the bod. Here’s a reminder, though. Be sure to use a legal hemp flower and other hemp products from trusted vendors, be it online or physical, to achieve the best results.
Vitamins and Minerals
One primary concern in a vegan diet is whether it can provide all the micronutrients that your body needs. Some nutrients might be hard to get through fortified foods and diet alone. Adding hemp seeds into your vegan-diet is one of the solutions to this.
Hemp has an incredible array of minerals and vitamins. It’s particularly rich in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. What’s more, it’s an excellent source of vitamin E and B vitamins, including pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and others.
Improve Heart Health
Medical professionals believe that omega-3 fatty acids boost heart health and lower the risk of heart diseases. As mentioned, hemp contains a considerable ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids. When you incorporate a vegan diet, regular exercise, and hemp seeds, it can lower blood pressure and risk of heart failure.
Particularly, hemp seeds have high levels of amino acid arginine, which is converted into nitric oxide. This amino acid is vital for keeping the blood vessel walls flexible and smooth, resulting in better blood flow.
Rich in Fiber
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of fiber. In fact, with at least three tablespoons of hemp seeds, you will get about 1.2 g of fiber. Most of these fibers are found in the seeds’ shell or outer hull. If you need more protein sources, buy hemp seeds with the shells intact.
Keep in mind that getting enough fiber on a daily basis can support gut health, promote weight management by improving one’s satiety, and aid in balancing blood sugar levels.
Boost Hemoglobin Formation
There are various types of iron found in meat products and plant-based foods, which aren’t consumed in a vegan diet. That’s why vegan needs at least twice as much iron compared to those who eat meat.
Keep in mind that iron is a vital component of hemoglobin. It is the substance in the red blood cells that carry oxygen all over the body. Lack of iron will translate to a lack of red blood cells. For those who are active, this component is even more essential.
The good news is that hemp products are excellent sources of iron. What’s more, hemp is rich in vitamin C, which most diabetes specialists recommend pairing with iron for better nutrient absorption.
Takeaway
Hemp seeds can be used in different ways. These seeds can be added to various dishes, including baked goods such as cookies, protein bars, muffins, and more. Also, hemp seeds can be added in salads, smoothies, and in granola recipes.
In a nutshell, hemp helps in nurturing your body with its healthful contents. It is the best source of protein, micronutrients, fiber, and many more. Due to its health benefits, hemp is now gradually gaining recognition. As a result, hemp comes in different forms now. It can be used as cooking oil, flour, beer, milk, and protein powders for your smoothies and milkshakes.
