Nutritional Benefits

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• Apples contain antioxidants that help protect “good” HDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

• Avocados are densely packed with anti-inflammatory, healthy fats. Well-known for its vitamin E content, an important antioxidant.

• Beets are potent antioxidants with liver-protective properties.

• Blueberries and blackberries are rich in anthocyanins—these phytonutrients have power. They can reduce inflammation, increase detoxifying enzymes in the liver, and stop cancers from creating their own lifeline-blood supply.

• Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that promotes natural detoxification in the liver. It is high in sulfur and iodine.

• Carrots are the richest plant source of vitamin A, good source of potassium.

• Celery is high in organic sodium, magnesium, and iron. Magnesium is important for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy; for muscle relaxation and the prevention of cramps; and for nerve conduction and preventing tooth decay.

• Cilantro provides a rich source of carotenoids.

• Cinnamon has been shown to help keep blood sugar in check.

• Cucumbers contain potassium and phytosterols, which help lower blood cholesterol levels.

• Fennel’s active ingredient, anethole, blocks inflammation in the body and can stop cancer cells from multiplying.

• Ginger root reduces nausea, pain and inflammation, and provides heartburn relief. It also aids digestion.

• Grapefruits provide a rich source of vitamin C, and are a good source of lycopene (a carotene with prostate cancer-protective properties).

• Kale is an especially nutrient-dense vegetable with many potent micronutrients. Rich and abundant in calcium, lutein, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K, kale has seven times the beta-carotene of broccoli and ten times more lutein, another potent carotene. Kale is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, making it a good source of the phytonutrient indole-3-carbinol. Research shows I3C has many anti-cancer actions, such as promoting estrogen ratios in the blood that are weak, but needed to discourage breast cancer tumor growth. Crucifers are also potent detoxifiers.

• Kiwis offer twice the vitamin C of an orange per serving. They are a good source of vitamin E (a potent antioxidant) and potassium.

• Lemons contain natural anti-nausea and overall digestive-aid properties.

• Mint is rich in plant-based omega-3 fats – an important nutrient for healthy hair, skin, and nails that has powerful anti-inflammatory activity. Omega-3s may also protect against the development of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

• Parsley is a good source of folic acid, which may help lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers. It also promotes fresh breath.

• Pineapples are high in the enzyme bromelain, an anti-inflammatory.

• Spinach is high in iron, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. The vitamin C and beta-carotene in spinach are antioxidants, and may help to protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Most dark green leafy veggies are rich in lutein – a phytonutrient shown to help delay age-related macular degeneration of the eyes.

• Sweet potatoes (and carrots for that matter) are rich in – a phytonutrient responsible for giving these veggies their rich orange color. Zeaxanthin has anti-cancer activity: it helps encourage cancer cells to commit suicide (apoptosis), and helps prevent tumors from being able to create their own blood supply (anti-angiogenesis).

• Swiss chard tastes sweeter in juices than spinach. It is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Foods rich in potassium have been shown to lower blood pressure and heart disease risk.

• Tomatoes are rich in lycopene – a member of the carotene family famous for its potential to prevent prostate cancer.

• Turmeric has been shown to have multiple forms of anti-cancer activity in prostate, ovarian, colon, uterine, and breast cancer cells. The active ingredient responsible, curcumin, is approximately 1,000 times more bioavailable (absorbable) when combined with black pepper

The Truth About Hemp Seeds (And The Myths)

Hemp is one of the oldest and most misunderstood plants in the world.

8,500 years ago, hemp was harvested and used to produce durable cloth. Around 3,000 years ago, people began using hemp as a food and medicinal source. At that time, hemp seeds were used to heal the central areas of the chi and revitalize blood flow, veins and arteries.(1)

Since hemp is a cousin of THC-rich marijuana, it has gotten a bad rap for many years. It's even banned in countries like Brazil. But unlike marijuana, hemp seeds don't contain psychoactive compounds. The trace amounts of THC found in hemp are not mind-altering.

In many ways, hemp is one of the most useful plants known to mankind. It is used to make over 25,000 different products, including paper and clothing. But does that mean hemp can be properly absorbed as food? Does it have more nutritional benefits than other foods?

Why Hemp Is Called a Super Food

Essential and non-essential amino acids are the building blocks of protein. However, essential amino acids cannot be produced by your body. You must get them from food or supplements. Hemp seeds contain all of these essential amino acids, the ones your body can't produce on its own.

Hemp has less overall protein than soy. But hemp protein is easier to digest and it's absorbed quickly. And it doesn’t cause bloating or gas.

Hemp seeds have a 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids, which is important in preventing heart disease and promoting heart health. Their Omega 6:3 ratio is second only to flax seeds.

Though not scientifically proven, hemp has been linked to helping people with varying issues including ADHD, eczema and atherosclerosis according to the University of Michigan Health System. In addition hemp seed oil can help alleviate dermatitis (an inflammation of the skin) according to a study conducted in Finland in 2005.(2)

Hemp seed oil is used in various cosmetics, such as skin creams, shampoos, shaving creams, lip balms etc. One reason is that hemp seed oil has properties that make it a natural sun block. These properties make it a great functional ingredient in natural skincare products. In addition since hemp is rich in vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption, it helps skin stay hydrated and smooth.

There are so many ways to add hemp into your diet… hemp seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, made into hemp milk, or prepared as a tea.

Side Effects

Allergies to hemp are rare. So are side effects, except sometimes loosening of the stool. If your digestive system is sensitive to change, start with small amounts of hemp seeds and slowly work your way up.

People who are extremely sensitive to THC may experience hallucinations or feelings of euphoria.(3) But as mentioned earlier, hemp seeds only have trace amounts of THC.

Please share your experiences and experiments with hemp and leave us a comment!