Hemp and its benefits that will change your life!

Hemp comes from an industrial strain of the Sativa plant. It has been used for numerous applications over the past century, ranging from food to fabrics, to jewellery.

While hemp shares the same base plant as regular cannabis, it is bred in such a way that limits it THC production. This means that it maintains all the benefits of CBD without the high that comes from regular Sativa.

 

As a Superfood

Hemp, as a superfood, has flooded the markets recently. As a result, the forms available for its consumption are vast and easily accessible.

Not only does it boast a host of health benefits, but it also has amazing superfood properties. This low-calorie snack really embodies the term superfood.

 

High in Protein

Hemp is a great source of protein. A massive 32% of the hemp seed is pure plant-based protein. That means that it’s 100% vegan!

Protein is important for building and repairs body tissue. It also is the foundation for creating enzymes, hormones and other chemicals that are required for normal bodily functions. It also strengths and encourages hair and nail growth, giving you luscious locks and beautiful white nails.

 

High in Essential Fatty Acids

As scary as the word fat sounds to people, these are good fats. Hemp seeds consist of 35% natural unsaturated fats.

As the body cannot produce them on its own, it is necessary to obtain from your diet. Most foods do not have them but the high content of fatty acids in hemp seeds makes it an ideal choice to add to your diet.

Humans require omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help immune function, fight allergies, transport cholesterol in the blood, build cell walls, and so much more. The human body is incapable of functioning normally without these fatty acids.

 

Vitamins and Amino Acids

Hemp seeds contain all of the 20 amino acids that the body cannot naturally produce but requires for proper function. Amino acids aid in the absorption of protein.

Hemp seeds contain the following vitamins:

• Calcium – builds bones, allows muscular contractions and regular heart rhythms
• Magnesium – regulates nerve function, sugar levels and muscle recovery
• Iron – needed to carry oxygen through the body
• Potassium – protects against strokes and kidney stones

 

High in Fibre

As it comes from a plant, hemp seeds have a very high quantity of fibre. Fibre is needed for digestion and bowel health. Fibre helps slow the absorption of sugar, allowing you to feel fuller for longer and to manage your blood sugar levels.

 

 

 

As a Healing Aid

Hemp has been used for centuries as a healing aid. Hemp contains high quantities of CBD and undetectable amounts of THC. This makes it super effective against CDB-treatable maladies.

 

Boosted Immune Function

One of the body’s most critical systems is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for regulating one’s hormone balance. When deficiencies form in the ECS, tangible issues arise within the body. Cannabis has long been known to fill these gaps, providing the body with the ability to, essentially, self-heal. What is more, is that it supplements and reinforces the existing system, making it even stronger than before. This means consuming hemp may make your body more resistant to illness.

 

Protects the Brain

When ingested, hemp produces polyphenols, a compound that protects the brain. It protects the neurotransmitters, strengthening bonds and preventing degradation. The fatty acids also help the development of the brain.

 

Treats Inflammation

Inflammation can take many forms. Sometimes painful, sometimes not, inflammation can hinder normal functioning and cause unwanted strife in one’s life. The anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties of the CBD in hemp make it ideal for dealing with the following issues:

1. Skin disorders:

   Many skin disorders cause redness, swelling and painful, irritation of the skin. The soothing effects of CBD help to reduce the redness and inflammation and make the pain more manageable. Topical creams and serums applied directly to the affected area can do wonders to help. As it is also an anti-bacterial, hemp seed oil is a popular choice with many skin problems, ranging from teenage acne to Seborrheic Dermatitis and Eczema.

2. Muscular pain:

   Gym-bunny or not, everyone has felt that sore stiffness that follows a hard workout. This is caused by small microscopic damage to the muscles. Hemp contains compounds that help soothe the muscles, and aid recovery and restoration thereby relieving the pain and stiffness.

3. Headaches:

   If you are prone to headaches and migraine, hemp might be the answer for you. It reduces the swelling that causes most headaches, lowers stress levels and relieves pain. There are no ill-effects to long term hemp use.

4. Guards against Arthritis:

   Because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, hemp is a chosen product to fight arthritis.

 

Reduces PMS and Menopause Symptoms

Either you have PMS or you’re in menopause. Either way, the symptoms are more than a little annoying to deal with. Cramps, hot flashes, soreness and migraines are symptoms common between the two stages of life.

Hemp is naturally combatant to these symptoms. It can be taken to reduce current symptoms, or it can be taken preventively to reduce the symptoms over the long term. The uses of hemp and CBD for PMS and menopause are endless.

For more information, read this article.

 

Appetite Suppressant

Owing to the low THC and CBN in hemp, you gain the health benefits of the plant with the munchies. In fact, consuming hemp has the opposite effect – it acts as an appetite suppressant. This is great for weight loss. It is a good snack for those aiming to lose weight. A few seeds added to breakfast can sustain you until and even past lunchtime. It is particularly useful for those practising intermittent fasting.

 

General Health

1. Reduced probability of heart disease:

   In the same way that hemp protects the brain and immune system, so too does it protect and strengthen the heart, reducing chances of contracting heart disease.

2. Better digestion:

   The high levels of fibre, paired with the high ratios of CBD, aids digestion. By adding fibre to your gut, hemp helps you go better. It also soothes irritation within the gut, easing IBS and even constipation.

 

 

 

 

Risks

The risks surround hemp are low to nonexistent. There are no documented side effects. As a result, it can be used for children, older people and even pets.

 

Overdose

An overdose of hemp is difficult to achieve. You would have to ingest a cup of hemp seeds before adverse effects were felt. Nausea or vomiting may arise in such a case but no long term, adverse effects would be felt.

 

Positive Drug Test

Recent consumption of hemp may yield a false positive in a THC test. Digestion of the hemp will remove this positive. As drug tests are usually administered in sets, you are unlikely to test positive twice, especially after the designated waiting period between tests.

 

Poor Quality Hemp

Poor quality hemp can induce similar effects to an overdose. The body knows good quality hemp and will reject subpar produce. Poor quality hemp will also not have the proper healing effects on the body, Make sure to obtain good quality, high CBD hemp.

 

 

 

 

Types of Hemp

The word ‘hemp’ is a broad term covering a range of hemp-based products that originate from the plant. With regard to food products, hemp can take the following forms:

• raw whole seeds
• dried seeds crushed into powder
• powdered sprouts
• hemp-infused milk
• hemp tea (tisanes)

Seeds can be added to a salad or tossed on top of pasta for that extra crunch. Powders can be added to baked goods and drinks. The ways to incorporate hemp into your life are limitless, but I find that the best way is with my morning smoothie.

Below are some easy and quick hemp smoothie recipes that contain your daily dose of hemp.

 

 

Recipes

 

Banana Hemp Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup milk of your choice (almond, soy, regular)

1 medium banana

2 tablespoons hemp seeds or hemp powder

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

 

Optional Extras:

Honey, stevia, or agave to sweeten

1/2 tbsp coconut oil

1/2 cup mixed berries

2-6 tbsp whey powder

 

Method:

Add all the ingredients into your blender and blend on high until desired consistency is reached.

 

 

 

Fruit and Hemp Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)

1 sliced apple (cored and skin on)

1/2 cup of fresh spinach (baby spinach is best)

30g hemp seeds or 2 tbsp hemp powder

1 cup of cold water

1 cup ice

 

Method:

Place all ingredients into a blender. Blitz until smooth.

 

 

 

 

 

May all your days be high ones!

Evarínya

 

 

P.S. Hemp is one of the ingredients of all the Bloem & Moi Magic Teas which are going to be released very soon! Join the mailing list to be the first one to know! 😁