Hemp greens could be a new superfood based on amino acids and vitamins, a new study says
There has been a lot of interest in cannabidiol (CBD) in recent years.
This almost magical compound, derived from hemp, the cousin of the marijuana plant, has been praised for its ability to treat a variety of conditions. From anxiety to insomnia, epilepsy to post-traumatic stress disorder and more, the discovery of CBD was vital to keeping people healthy.
But did you know that the hemp plant it comes from also has many important health benefits? In fact, nowadays it could be compared to other superfoods that are powerful sources of vitamins, amino acids and other useful things.
Hemp microgreens, also known as hemp sprouts, are the result of soaking sprouted whole hemp seeds. Generally, hemp microgreens, like other microgreens, are the germinated hemp seeds that grow to about 4 inches tall.
Consumption of hemp microgreens is still relatively new, but given their nutritious content, they may soon be as common in foods as lettuce and other vegetables. They are healthier to eat than the leaves of the mature hemp plant because the actual germinating process results in many more nutrients, just as sprouted legumes and beans are healthier than their adult counterparts.
The results of a recent study of 6 strains of cannabis have also just been released. The researchers analyzed the bioactive composition, as well as its composition from amino acids, essential amino acids, cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannaflavin and others. They confirmed that hemp microgreens are an excellent source of protein and contain large amounts of all the essential amino acids we need to stay healthy.
Researchers also confirmed the safety of consuming hemp microgreens. Also, it has a much lower oxalate content compared to other microgreens. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in numerous plants. Its evolutionary purpose was to help plants ward off predators, and while oxalates have important biological and health benefits in the human body, it has also been found to increase the risk of kidney stones for some individuals.
Vegetables high in oxalate include spinach, soy, almonds, potatoes, beets, and dates. When you consume hemp microgreens, they are on par with these and many other vegetables in terms of the healthy compounds found in the plant.
Another study on hemp microgreens shows that the key nutrients in the plants include potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, as well as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and boron.
Health Benefits of Hemp Microgreens
Hemp is consumed extensively from a variety of sources. The most popular ways to consume hemp include hemp seeds and oils, but other novel ways include hemp-based protein powders, hemp milk, hemp cheese, and more.
When it comes to taste, hemp microgreens are really delicious too. They can be eaten on their own, unlike sprouted mung beans or Brussels sprouts. High-quality hemp microgreens have a nutty flavor, although they can easily be added to salads and other dishes where you would normally consume other microgreens.
Below are the other health benefits of hemp microgreens:
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Rich Source of Healthy Fat: Hemp products including microgreens are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They’re a type of fat that the body can’t produce on its own, which means we have to get it from food sources.
These polyunsaturated fatty acids are vegetable fats that have tremendous neuroprotective benefits, particularly to delay and minimize the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Adequate supply of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is also important to prevent numerous other chronic diseases. In addition, it helps reduce the risk of depression, psychosis, and inflammation.
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Abundant Source of Cannflavins: Cannflavins are a type of flavonoid found exclusively in cannabis plants. They have excellent therapeutic benefits due to their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties. Some of these flavonoids include cannaflavin A, B, and C; including quercetin, luteolin, orientin, isovitexin and catechins.
A review of 26 studies confirms the therapeutic properties of these flavonoids showing that they show promise for clinical and medical use, particularly for the potential prevention of infectious diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Some experts say its anti-inflammatory properties are even more potent than aspirin.
These flavonoids are present in every life cycle of the hemp plant, but they are much more effective during the germination phase.
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Enzymes: Eating most living plants and vegetables provides you with a rich source of enzymes, which are essential for all metabolic functions. These enzymes are essential to help break down proteins we consume into a more bioavailable amino acid form. In addition, hemp sprouts contain cellulase, a type of enzyme known for its efficient fiber-metabolizing properties.
Consuming hemp microgreens is a great (and delicious!) way to help your body metabolize and digest other proteins and nutrients.
Grow your own hemp microgreens
Now that you’ve read about the health benefits of hemp microgreens, you might want to try growing them.
The good news is that growing cannabis sprouts is extremely easy. All you need is some live cannabis seeds still in their pods. First, soak your seeds in a glass filled with cold water for 4 to 12 hours. The germination of almost any vegetable begins with a soaking process, including hemp.
Then rinse or drain the seeds thoroughly. Drain off as much water as possible as this step is crucial for growing healthy sprouts. Continue rinsing and draining with cold water every 12 hours for three days, and on the third day place the jar of seeds in a dark area untouched by any light.
Some sprouts will begin to show after about three days. Once there are sprouts, move the seeds to a spot that will get natural light so the sprouts can start to turn green. Continue rinsing the sprouts for about a week, after which they are ready to eat.
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