7 ways to add hemp to your diet

By: Abbie Marks

Why Hemp? It’s a no-brainer. Hemp contains all the necessary building blocks to restoring balance and health in the body. 

Hemp is high in Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, amino acids, and other vitamins and essential minerals and fatty acids including Omega- 3, 6, and 9.

According to a report by Mineral Resources International, these essential vitamins and minerals are what supports a healthy, happy immune system.

Hemp is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Along with the beneficial vitamins and nutrients found in the hemp seed, the essential fatty acid Omega-6 plays a crucial role in reducing chronic inflammation.

“Hemp seed benefits come from their significant amounts of omega-6 fatty acid GLA, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is metabolized into dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) by the body, which then intervenes with the ability of arachidonic acid to produce pro-inflammatory molecules. Furthermore, it is known that DGLA is converted to the anti-inflammatory compounds prostaglandin, adding to its ability to control chronic inflammation and its effects.” 1

In this video with #eatmorehemp at the 2015 NoCo Hemp Expo, Thatcher Michelsen shares how the hemp among other contains the necessary components to boost immune health and heal many modern ailments today.

Here are 7 easy ways to help improve digestion, sleep, and overall hormonal balance by adding hemp to your diet:

1. HomeMade Hemp Milk

Making hemp milk is a fun and easy way to receive the essential nutrients found in hemp while balancing hormones and reducing inflammation.

Here is a quick and easy homemade hemp milk recipe by Hemp Oil Canada:

        Ingredients: 

        3 cups water

        1 cup hulled hemp seeds

        1 tablespoon agave nectar

 

        Directions: 

1. Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth
2. Pour the milk through a sieve or cheesecloth and chill.
3.  Serve cold or use for recipes.

2. Hemp Protein Snack

Hemp is one of the few plant-based proteins complete with the essential amino and fatty acids needed for our digestion to function properly. DIY energy balls or homemade hemp nut butters are perfect for the mid-day, pick-me-up protein boost and given the fiber found in hemp seeds, are a great way to lower cholesterol.

(media credit: www.sondibruner.com)

“Meat has more of an impact on the environment than any other food we eat. That’s because livestock require so much more food, water, land, and energy than plants to raise and transport.” – NPR, A Nation of Meat Eaters

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a steak for lunch and dinner type of person, anyone can benefit from adding hemp to their diet and accessing the essential nutrients found in the hemp seed.

Made from a mixture of organic fruits and nuts, Evo Hemp bars are another favorite go-to for a delicious naturally-sweet and nutritious hemp treat.

3. America’s Favorites

As if we needed more reasons to #eatmorehemp this year, GoodSeed burgers are giving a twist to their traditional plant-based American favorite with a Paleo-friendly line of whole-food patties that are sure to knock your superfood socks off.

Add a burger to Annie’s Organic Mac & Cheese for a protein-packed vegan alternative. Whip up a vegan lasagna or cashew cheese pasta, GoodSeed burgers are gluten-free, sourced locally, and offer a delicous and hearty whopping of omegas to any meat-based diet.

Did you know? Hemp aids in the production of vital enzymes which assist our bodies in digesting protein and other nutrients.

(media credit: www.artisticvegan.com)

“Numerous diseases are known to exist which are caused by the deficiency or malfunction of certain enzymes. Digestive enzymes, for example, are necessary before proteins can be converted to amino acids, starches and complex sugars to simple sugars, and fats to fatty acids and glycerol. These changes must take place before nutrients can be utilized by the body efficiently and without causing allergies.” 3

4. Breakfasts & Smoothies

Adding hemp to your breakfast is a simple and delicious way to reach your daily intake of essential nutrients and can your humdrum morning into a mega boost of health. Hemp seeds taste great plain, tossed into yogurt, sprinkled on toast or cereals, and make for a flavorful boost of protein when added to any breakfast smoothie.

(media credit: www.vibranthealth.com)

Here is an amazing recipe for Hemp pancakes from Manitoba Harvest:

5. Hemp Seed Oil

   

Cooking with hemp seed oil can help create a healthy balance to any high cholesterol diet given its high fiber and omega-3, 6, and 9 compounds.

“Essential fatty acids are indispensable for the function and development of the brain and nervous system and the production of healthy cell membranes. They also supply hair and skin with necessary nutrients and aid in various other functions in the body.”

In an article by Natural News, hemp seed oil is nearly identical to our own lipids which makes it capable of penetrating and lubricating our cells and the surfaces between them. It is used to nourish “not only dry skin but blotches and lesions as well,” and can “detoxify the skin and even out skin tone.”

(media credit: androidsandcavemen.wordpress.com)

Hemp seed oil has zero trans fats unlike other oils, making it a proponent for heart health and cardiovascular functioning. Use hemp seed oil to dress, marinade, or sauté your favorite dishes and notice the difference in your health today.

6. Supplements

Health Supplements are an excellent way to receive all the essential minerals found in the hemp seed and can be beneficial in reducing inflammation, improving skin and hair, and balancing hormones.

Manitoba Havest’s 1000mg Fatty Acid Capsules and hemp protein powders along with brand like Nutiva, and Nature’s Way can be found at health food stores nationwide.

(media credit: www.popsugar.com)

7. Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals (nutritional + pharmaceutical) are products derived from food or food sources that include extra health benefits like treating illness and disease.6

The top form of hemp nutraceuticals on the market today are derived from hemp’s pharmaceutical and medicinal food-based components CBD and terpenes which are benefiting a number of patients and consumers today. Companies like CBDRx provide fully organic, high-grade, medicinal oils used for a variety of industrial and commercial purposes.

Humans and mammals naturally synthesize cannabinoids through our endocannabinoid system, a superhighway for cellular communication and homeostasis in the body which “influences areas of the brain involved in sensations such as pain perception, movement, emotion, cognition, and sleep.”

Hemp has been proven to help treat anxiety, eczema, chronic pain and inflammation and serious illnesses including epilepsy.

“The endocannabinoid system likely has big sway over some brain health conditions. A blockage of cannabinoid receptors called CB1 receptors has been linked to behavioral effects consistent with antidepressant activity. – CBDRx, The Science Behind Organic Healing 

For the first time in the state of Colorado, institutions like Aurora Children’s Hospital are being allowed funding  to conduct a 3-7ear CBD research study to provide treatments for patients with epilepsy or Dravet’s Syndrome.

To learn more about hemp nutrition, stop by the NoCo Hemp Expo on April 1-2 in Loveland to get your hands on this amazing crop and see for yourself why 2016 is the year for hemp!

More Recipes:
http://www.hempoilcan.com/foodservice/recipes/

Hemp Oil Recipes

http://www.amazon.com/The-Hemp-Cookbook-Richard-Rose/dp/1570671427

 

Sources: 

1. Alton, Lori. “Hemp Seeds Are a Natural Anti-inflammatory Powerhouse.” Naturalhealth365.com. N.p., 30 Nov. 2014. Web. 6 Mar. 2016.
2. Morrow, Nate. “List of Complete vs. Incomplete Protein Sources – BuiltLean.” BuiltLean. N.p., 03 Oct. 2012. Web. 07 Mar. 2016.

3.”The Nature Of Enzymes, Vitamins and Minerals.” Rethinking Cancer. Foundation for Advancement in Cancer Therapy, n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2016.

4. McKiernan, John. “Hemp Seed Oil: The New Healthy Oil.” NaturalNews. N.p., 1 June 2012. Web. 10 Mar. 2016.
5. “What Studies Say about Hemp Cbd.” Www.cbdrx.com. CBDRx, 1 July 2015. Web. 10 Mar. 2016.