4 reasons why hemp seed is considered a super food

4 reasons why hemp seed is considered a super food

  • Find out why hemp seed is so nutritious and why it should be included in your daily diet, particularly if you are following a restricted diet.
 

Hemp seed is great for your health

We know that most seeds and nuts are really good for us. This is generally because they are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Hemp seed is no exception to this rule and carry some unique nutritional properties that set them higher up the superfood ladder.

1. A source of vitamins and minerals

Hemp seeds contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, and are especially rich in vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. They are also a good source of iron and zinc and B vitamins, including folate, niacin, riboflavin, B6 and thiamine.

2. High-quality, plant-based hemp protein

Hemp seed is a great source of high-quality, plant-based protein. It contains about 25% protein, which is similar to beef and lamb. Hemp protein is also highly digestible, meaning your body can absorb it easily. What’s even more amazing about hemp protein is its ‘complete’ meaning it contains all essential amino acids. These are the amino acids that are not produced by the body and need to come from the diet. Complete sources of plant-based protein are uncommon, making hemp protein all the more valuable for vegetarians and vegans.

3. Well-balanced essential fatty acids

Hemp seed is a great source of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids, which are the healthy fats! In total, they contain about 30% fat with a unique 3:1 ratio of omega-6 and omega-3. This is a perfect ratio for our nutritional requirements and promotes cardiovascular health. It may also benefit some skin diseases. The typical modern diet contains an 18:1 ratio, meaning we are eating way too much omega 6. This can have a pro-inflammatory effect! We will all benefit from consuming more omega 3. Another essential fatty acid found in hemp seed is Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This is a type of omega-6 fatty acid which can have a hormone regulatory effect and may relieve symptoms of PMS.

4. Rich in dietary fibre

There is one health component that we have not yet discussed and that’s FIBRE! Fibre is a necessary part of the diet as it helps your intestinal tract push out waste from the foods you consume. Fibre helps keep the digestive system regular and feeds the probiotics in your gut, helping to achieve a robust immune system. For more information on fibre read this blog! Whole hemp seed contains a whopping 35% fibre! But not all hemp seed products contain this valuable fibre.

Why Vasse Valley hemp seed is better for you

Most hemp seed products are missing either the fibre or oil. For example, hemp hearts have had the outer husk removed - this is the fibre component. Similarly, hemp protein powder has had much of the oil extracted - so you lose a lot of those amazing essential fatty acids. Vasse Valley hemp seed   Vasse Valley's roasted range uses the whole seed. This means you are getting the whole protein, fatty acid and fibre package! We particularly love the high fibre content in our products (about 35%). Most of this is insoluble fibre, which plays an important role in gut health. The crunch factor you get when eating our products is all that wonderful, insoluble fibre! Most hemp seed products extract the oil or seed husk but by using Vasse Valley's roasted range you get the complete set of nutritional benefits that only the whole seed can give. Visit our shop to learn more about our unique and award-winning Roasted Hemp Seed Crumble and Dukkah. In our next blog, we will give you some ideas on how to use our products. Alternatively, visit our RECIPES page for a wonderfully delicious range of healthy and hemp inspired recipes.
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