insideKENT Magazine Issue 80 - November 2018 | Page 161

HEALTH+WELLNESS
NATURAL HEALTH:
THE HYPE ABOUT HEMP
FIRST THE HEALTH WORLD WENT CRAZY FOR FLAX BEFORE CHIA STOLE
ITS CROWN AND NOW THE HYPE IS FIRMLY FIXED ON HEMP. SHOWING UP
ON HEALTH FOOD SHOP AND SUPERMARKET SHELVES IN THE FORM OF SEEDS,
MILK, POWDER AND SUPPLEMENTS, HEMP IS BEING RAPIDLY RECOGNISED AS A
NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE. BUT, WHAT EXACTLY IS IT? AND HOW SHOULD WE
USE IT TO ITS FULL BENEFIT?
What is hemp?
The term hemp refers to a variety
of the cannabis plant that
is grown for its fibrous stalks and
seeds. Hemp seeds are the seeds
of the hemp plant, cannabis
sativa, so although they are from
the same species as cannabis
(marijuana), they’re a different
variety and contain only tiny trace
amounts of THC, the
psychoactive compound in
marijuana, so are not illegal and
will certainly not get you ‘high’.
Considered nature’s highest
botanical source of essential fatty
acids — containing more than
flax or any other nut or seed oil
– hemp seeds specifically are
exceptionally nutritious and rich
in healthy fats, protein, minerals
and digestible protein. Nutty and
slightly sweet in flavour, they are
naturally gluten-free for those
who have allergies, and because
hemp is high in amino acids, it’s
great for vegans too. Hemp oil,
which is derived from pressing
the seeds, is one of the richest
known sources of
polyunsaturated essential fatty
acids there is.
Six proven health benefits of hemp seeds and hemp oil
1. HEMP SEEDS ARE INCREDIBLY NUTRITIOUS
Technically a nut, hemp seeds are very nutritious. They have a mild,
nutty flavor and are often referred to as hemp hearts. Hemp seeds
contain over 30 per cent fat and are exceptionally rich in two essential
fatty acids: linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-
3). They also contain gamma-linolenic acid, which has been linked to
several health benefits. A great protein source, more than 25 per cent
of their total calories are from high-quality protein – a lot than similar
foods like chia seeds and flaxseeds. Hemp seeds are also a great source
of vitamin E and minerals including phosphorus, potassium, sodium,
magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc. Hemp seed oil is also very
healthy and has been used as a food and medicine in China for at least
3,000 years.
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