Happy Sunday Reader,

Hope this email finds you well.

Question for your today, do you consume hemp seeds? Hemp seeds are so versatile and easy to use. They can be enjoyed in three formats: seeds, protein and oil. You can top a salad with the oil or consume it daily to help promote healthy hormones, hair, skin and nails. The seeds are a great soup, salad, yogourt and oatmeal topping. The protein is a great addition to your daily protein intake. Here are a few other reasons try them:

Hemp fats provide a full profile of essential fatty acids:

Hemp seeds and oils are a great way to get in ‘essential’ fatty acids (meaning ones we need to consume from food because the body doesn’t make them). They deliver what is considered a better ratio of essential fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3 at 4:1) without being a source of dietary cholesterol.

Hemp seeds pack complete plant protein

Hemp has earned a special place among plant foods as a ‘complete’ protein (like quinoa and soybeans). What makes a protein choice great is the amount of essential amino acids that it contains. Hemp has all the essential amino acids.

You can reach your fiber goals with hemp

The best part, it contains both types of fiber – soluble and insoluble – making it a great choice for heart health, immune health, digestive health and more. Specifically, hemp’s fiber content helps regulate cholesterol levels as well as helping to reduce overeating (because fiber helps to improve fullness).

Hemp seeds are low sugars and simple carbohydrates

While hemp seeds contains fiber, which is listed on a food label under carbohydrates, hemp seeds do not contain any other significant source of carbohydrates. So, if you are watching your intake of simple carbs, hempseeds are a great addition to your diet.

Hemp Seeds May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

The seeds contain high amounts of the amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that makes your blood vessels dilate and relax, leading to lowered blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease.

In a large study in over 13,000 people, increased arginine intake corresponded with decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker. High levels of CRP are linked to heart disease. The gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seeds has also been linked to reduced inflammation, which may decrease your risk of diseases like heart disease. Additionally, animal studies have shown that hemp seeds or hemp seed oil may reduce blood pressure, decrease the risk of blood clot formation and help the heart recover after a heart attack

Gluten-free for those avoiding gluten

Hemp seeds naturally do not contain gluten. However, the presence of only one barley or wheat kernel amongst 50,000 hemp seed can potentially result in a positive test for gluten. Since farmers don’t typically seek to control nature – it’s important to evaluate the source of hemp you are consuming to determine its gluten “containing potential” if you have to avoid all gluten.

Hemp seeds versus chia or flax seeds

All of nature’s nuts and seeds can be a part of a healthy, delicious nutrition plan. Hemp delivers protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber without additional carbohydrates so it definitely adds great nutrition as well as taste and texture to any meal or snack. It can be cooked and doesn’t require being ground up, so it’s easy to use.

It’s a food, not Cannabidiol (CBD)

Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seed not from the leaves or flowers so it does not have the same ingredients found in CBD oil. Industrial hemp contains less than 0.03% THC and therefore is not a significant source of CBD.

Hemp foods won’t make you “high”

THC is found in marijuana but fear not, it is not found in hemp foods. Hemp and marijuana are both part of the cannabis plant family but are VERY different. They are much like a sweet pepper and a hot pepper, or a Chihuahua and a Great Dane.

Cook and bake with Hemp

It’s easy and a delicious way to add nutrients and texture to different recipes. A word of caution, hemp seeds are not intended for frying at high heat and hempseed oil is also destroyed by cooking at a high temperature.

Hemp has essential omega 6 fats

Omega 6 sometimes gets a bad rap. Our body can’t make certain fats so they are called “essential.” We need to consume them in balance with omega 3s. Hemp’s a good choice because it contains both omega-6s (including a hard to get in fatty acid GLA that is important for hormone health as well as healthy hair, skin and nails) and omega-3s. It contains the two omegas in the ratio many experts believe is the optimal one for better health (4:1 – omega-6 and omega-3).

Helps promote healthy estrogen metabolism

Hemp foods do not contain phytoestrogen properties, so hemp does not have a direct impact on estrogen. That said, the healthy profile of essential fatty acids and amino acids as well as the fiber, vitamins and minerals contribute to hemp seeds positive impact on hormonal health.

Hemp protein is a great post workout recovery protein for vegetarians and vegans

Hemp protein is a great source of plant protein. It provides all the essential amino acids including edestin and albumin globular proteins that dissolve easily and have a high digestibility score. Hemp protein also contains GLA and omega-3s – fatty acids that help promote a healthy inflammation response and are helpful in post workout recovery nutrition.

Hemp helps dry, irritated skin

Topical applications of a skin-nourishing oil like hemp may help skin irritations. Hemp soaps and detergents are also available and are a better choice for someone trying to avoid products that can potentially dry or irritate the skin.

Hemp Seeds May Reduce Symptoms of Menopause

Because hemp seeds are high in GLA, several studies have indicated that they may help reduce symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, mood swings, dry skin and overall inflammation.

Looking for a great community to spend some time with? if you are in the Montreal area, come enjoy some kettlebell training with us on Sunday 21st July 2024 at Centennial Park in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Lots of fun, strength and muscle building!

Would you like to know more about the kettlebell practice session or our kettlebell classes? Hit reply to this email and let me know! Always a pleasure to hear from you [first name goes here]. Enjoy your day!

Please let me know if there is anyway I can be of service.

Please share this newsletter with family members, friends and colleagues. Always so grateful for your support.

Committed to your health,

Wanjira

​​​

​