Cannabis as a Superfood

Cannabis is rich in natural nutrients that can boost the immune system and general well being of the body. Cannabis has properties that make it an important ingredient in many meals.

Some decades ago, cannabis was used for several functions, although scientific testing and proof were still not there to demonstrate its benefits. It is a completely different story in 2020. Due to technology, cannabis trimming and production have become industrialized and scientific proof has emerged proving marijuana as a contributor to overall health in individuals.

In the past, marijuana was greatly included in rituals and other religious functions where most capitalized on the THC present in the bud and loved how they gained after using it. Over the years, research has continued to unveil multiple uses of cannabis, especially in the culinary and medical industries, which has transformed it quickly into a superfood.

Cannabis is classified into marijuana and hemp, they are used interchangeably but in a definitive sense, they differ in one component. Marijuana has higher levels of THC than hemp. Hemp also contains THC, but at low levels, which is why it is commonly used to make food products at an industrial level for sale, and at home for personal use.

Cannabis Nutrients: Hemp

Hemp offers incredible content when added to meals. It contains minerals, vitamins, and other useful nutrients required by the body, including vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains complex Vitamin B, thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin.

Proteins in any diet help the body to receive amino acids. Obtaining these proteins from the right sources is important. Plant-based amino acids are better than animal-based. Hemp provides more than 20 amino acids which include the 9 essential ones that the body cannot make.

Hemp seeds contain approximately 33% protein and 35% essential fatty acids. The seeds also contain insoluble and soluble fibre that helps in digestion. Omega 3 works best in the human body when combined with Omega 6 fatty acids. The body requires them in a ration of about 3:1.

According to the latest 2020 data from the USDA database, 30 grams (or a tablespoon) of hemp seeds has the following components:

• 360 mg of potassium – helps in the movement of waste products in and out of cells. It also decreases the chances of stroke, heart diseases, and high blood pressure.
• 21 mg of calcium – aids in bone and teeth development. It plays a great role in body weight regulation.
• 210 mg of magnesium – helps with inflammations and heart-related diseases. Also helps to treat osteoporosis and migraine headaches.
• 2.97 mg of zinc – in terms of concentration, zinc comes second after iron. Extremely important during adolescence, pregnancy, and childhood. It is greatly linked to cold prevention as well.
• 495 mg of phosphorus – phosphorus is mainly available in teeth, bones, and traces in every cell of the body. It makes about 1% of the total body weight. Additionally, it helps the kidney to filter out waste products.
• 2.6 g of carbohydrates – these are energy-giving components. They are the major suppliers of energy in the body.
• 9.47 g of protein – helps build the body muscles and tissues, and in the growth of new cells.
• 2.38 mg of iron – responsible for the movement and storage of oxygen. Low blood levels in the body are also due to lack of iron (anemia)
• 166 calories and 14.62 g of fat for the general wellness of the body

How to Use Cannabis in Diets

Planning on how to include cannabis, especially hemp, in the diet is important. Away from the seeds, buds can also be used for human consumption. They can be used to make concentrates that can be vaped or dabbed.

Hemp Seed Oil

This is the easiest way to use hemp as plant oils (like avocado or olive) are usually used during cooking. Similarly, hemp seed oil can be used during cooking. There is no specific procedure on how to use it, but the same procedure can be followed as when using other oils. The seed oil can also be found in capsule form that can be ingested directly without getting the cannabis taste.

Hemp Snacks

This includes all edibles infused with seed oils and other ingredients. Their main advantage is portability. Home-cooked foods containing hemp can also be classified as cannabis edibles.

Hemp seeds can also be added to yogurts, acai bowls, and other smoothies, or can be eaten directly as snacks. These seeds can also be used to make hemp milk and hemp protein powder.

Hemp Concentrates

Since hemp contains traces of THC, equally, hemp-prepared concentrates are likely to contain these traces. When dabbed or vaped, they are likely to make an individual feel high.

The concentrate also contains CBD which has numerous health benefits ranging from alleviating chronic pain, inflammations, and many more.

Apart from being a superfood, hemp growing is environmentally friendly and only requires a small piece of land and water to grow it.

After consuming the required parts like seeds, the rest of the plant can be utilized for industrial uses. Nothing from the hemp plant goes into waste, including the trims from its buds. When one is interested in hemp buds, marijuana trimming is involved to improve on appearances and flavor. Whichever the trimming, wet or dry bud trimming, the purpose is the same.