Did you know that hemp is actually good for you?
While some people prefer to smoke it, many ingest it in a variety of forms. From tinctures to gummies, capsules to hemp seeds on salad, the versatility of how you can eat hemp, and its nutritional value, make it something great to try, at least once.
Hemp as a protein source
Hemp is an exceptional protein source because it contains all nine of the essential amino acids. These are:
- Phenylalanine
- Valine
- Tryptophan
- Threonine
- Isoleucine
- Methionine
- Histidine
- Leucine
- Lysine
Since we can’t synthesize these amino acids on our own, eating a diet that fills in the gaps is essential. Hemp can help with that. And, that’s a good thing, since amino acids build muscles, transport nutrients throughout the body, and can help in preventing illness.
The omega fats
Although eating food and the word fat isn’t our favorite combination, Hemp contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are the healthy fats, which make it possible for you to get the right amounts of DHA and EPA in your system.
You’ll find the omega fats within cell membranes. They also help create many substances in the body including those that regulate blood pressure and inflammatory responses.
Hemp’s mineral composition
Hemp is more than protein, so much more. The nutritional value of this little, green plant extends beyond acids and fats through its abundant mineral list.
Calcium
If you’re a big milk drinker, you know all about calcium. It ‘does a body good’ by helping to keep bones and teeth healthy. Calcium also plays a role in blood clotting and helps muscles contract and keeps your heart beats on track.
Iron
Essential for growth and development, iron is also a key ingredient in your blood. It’s the oxygen transporter that moves the O2 through your red blood cells to help you produce energy.
Not everyone gets enough iron in the food they currently eat. Adding hemp into your diet could boost your levels and prevent you from suffering from a deficiency.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a busy mineral. It helps with your metabolism, neuromuscular transmission, and even muscle relaxation. It actually plays a part in over 300 enzymatic reactions within your body.
Hemp and nuts are two of the best sources for this important mineral.
Phosphorus
Considered an essential mineral, phosphorus is a component of bones and teeth. On a cellular level, it’s also a component of DNA and RNA. It also works to regulate the metabolism of calcium and Vitamin D.
Potassium
Another essential mineral, potassium is something needed by all the tissues inside our body. You’ll sometimes hear it referred to as an electrolyte. Potassium helps with nerve function and the contraction of your muscles.
Zinc
We call zinc a trace mineral since you only need very small amounts of it to be effective. This little bit is extremely important though. Zinc plays a significant role in creating DNA, helping cells grow, building proteins, supporting your immune system, and helping you heal.
And all the vitamins
We can’t talk about hemp’s nutritional value without mentioning the vitamins it also contains. The most prominent being folate. This is a B vitamin that does a lot of work on the cellular level. It helps you make DNA and other genetic material. It’s also necessary for cell division.
Other vitamins present in hemp include:
- Vitamin A, which is important for keeping up your vision, immune system and ability to reproduce. It also helps organs like your heart, kidneys and lungs work properly. There are two different types of vitamin A.
- Vitamin B, which aids in metabolism and the synthesis of red blood cells. Including folate, there are eight different types of vitamin B.
- Vitamin C, which is the nutrient many of us take to keep from getting sick. It also may help reduce deficiencies in your immune system while helping to protect you against cardiovascular disease, prenatal issues, and eye disease.
- Vitamin E, which is similar to Vitamin C in that it’s an important nutrient for vision and reproduction. It also helps support the health of your blood, brain, and skin.
Working together with the minerals, fats, and amino acids in hemp, the presence of these vitamins helps make it a very healthy food.
Now you know what’s in hemp
Aside from how hemp may make you feel, you now know all the nutrients you’re also getting when you ingest it. Pretty healthy huh?
If you’re ready to try hemp-derived products to support your own well-being, check out the online store at Arbor Vita8. We offer a variety of products that make it easy to ingest hemp.