Q. Can I really eat Hemp? How can something used for weaving baskets be healthy for me and is it safe for breast cancer patients/survivors?
A. I’m with you. I’ll be honest, baskets are the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word hemp. Never in a million years would I have imagined I’d recommend hemp as a means for additional protein. Hemp has gained popularity in the nutrition world because of its high protein content, and to answer your question, yes it’s safe for breast cancer patients and survivors. During treatment I recommend hemp to my breast cancer patients to help them meet their increased protein needs, and for my survivors I recommend it as a “non- meat” alternative to a healthy diet. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends keeping red meat consumption to 18 ounces (or less) per week as part of a healthy cancer prevention diet. The guidelines hold true for decreased recurrence as well. With that being said, my patients at TurningPoint are often times at a quandary as to how they will meet protein needs if they eliminate red meat from their diet. Hemp is an ideal way to meet those needs and ideal for those following a vegan lifestyle.
To answer your initial question, yes you can eat hemp. Hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts, are the edible portion of the same hemp plant known for the durable fiber used to make baskets. Hemp seeds are high in protein and are an excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. They also provide fiber, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A and iron. Hemp seeds are easily digested and relatively low in calories. They are great additions to salads, soups, or even oatmeal. One tablespoon of hemp seeds contains 40 calories, 152 mg. of potassium, 2.3 grams of carbohydrates, 1.6 grams of fiber and 5.3 grams of protein along with 13% of your daily need for iron and about 8% of your daily dose of vitamin A, https://www.pharmacybc.com/valium-diazepam/.
Hemp protein powders are gaining popularity especially for those vegans desiring to incorporate more protein in their diet. The protein found in Hemp is considered to be complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids. Hemp protein comes from grinding the tiny, nutrient-rich seeds. The unique thing about Hemp protein powders (compared to whey and soy) is that hemp protein powders contain fiber whereas the others don’t. One tablespoon (a serving size is generally 3 tablespoons) of hemp protein contains 2.6 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein and only 30 calories. You can use hemp protein the same way you use any other protein powder. For the best texture, mix the powder with your choice of milk in the blender.
There are also other great products available using hemp, such as hemp milk, ground hemp flour, hemp oil, and even hemp ice cream for the vegan in the house.
