HEALTH REPORT
Hemp Health Benefits T hese nutty-tasting seeds have a rich nutritional profile and
soluble and insoluble fibre, meaning that it nourishes the healthy probiotic bacteria in the gut as well as providing bulk to speed elimination of waste. Upping dietary fibre content will also help to control blood sugar spikes and have the effect of controlling appetite and potentially supporting weight management by creating a feeling of satiety. Hemp strengthens immunity and protects the brain Hemp seed products act as antioxidants in the body, which in turn helps to boost immune function and protect the brain and nervous system. Some health experts suggest that particular extracts from hemp seeds may show promise in the treatment of more complex neurological health problems, but more research is needed in this area. Helps to improve skin problems Hemp’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent treatment for all types of skin problems which present with redness, itching, rashes, flushing or dryness, including psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis and acne. An inadequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids is also a factor in inflammatory skin disorders, especially acne, so hemp comes to the rescue here too. Hemp also provides gamma
amounts of omega-6 fatty acids, and scanty levels of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that lower LDL (‘bad) cholesterol while elevating HDL (‘good’) cholesterol. Adding hemp seeds and hemp products to the diet will boost dietary intake of healthful omega-3 fatty acids and create a more beneficial ratio of omega- 3s to omega-6s. Higher blood levels of omega-3s are linked to lower instances
health benefits for your gut, skin, nerves, blood, brain, joints and heart. Highly nutritious Hemp seeds contain excellent quantities of protein, which is important for vegans and vegetarians; hemp is one of the few plant-based foods which provides all nine essential amino acids that the body requires in order to build protein. Hemp is a rich source of arginine, an amino acid which has well-documented benefits for heart health. Arginine converts into nitric oxide in the body, which enables venous and arterial dilation by keeping the blood vessel walls supple. Hemp provides good amounts of magnesium, which is needed for muscle, nerve and brain health, and for glutathione production – glutathione is an antioxidant that repairs DNA and therefore slows the ageing process. Hemp is also a source of highly bioavailable iron, which helps the body produce haemoglobin, and zinc, to improve resistance to infection. Provides important ‘good’ fats The Western diet provides overly high
Perfect for vegans and vegetarians, hemp is one of the few plant-based foods which provides all nine essential amino acids that the body requires in order to build protein.
of general inflammation in the body, as well as improvements in heart function, metabolic syndrome, and arthritis. Keeps things moving along Constipation is as common as it is uncomfortable, but sluggish bowels can be set right overnight with a daily spoonful of hemp seeds or powder in your morning smoothie. Hemp is a great source of
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ISSUE 64 • 2022
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