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Hemp Fiber Cereal

Aug 23, 2011 | By Kelly Fitzpatrick

Hemp comes from plants of the genus Cannabis. When used for the production of paper, cloth and food, cannabis plants are typically referred to simply as hemp. Hemp appears in high-fiber granola cereals in the form of hemp seeds and offers many health benefits.

Hemp and Cereal

The majority of cereals boasting hemp seeds are granolas and would be considered health foods by most people. These cereals are generally low in calories and high in fiber. A high-fiber diet helps normalize bowel movements, maintain bowel health, lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels. According to MayoClinic.com, a high-fiber diet should begin with a breakfast cereal with 5 g of fiber or more per serving.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Hemp seeds have a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids or omega fatty acids, similar to those found in fish oil. While omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have long been believed to improve heart health, one 2008 study from the University of Manitoba showed that daily ingestion of hemp seed oil in capsule form had no significant effect on the concentration of any plasma fatty acid. However, a 2009 study from the same university concluded that hemp seed has the potential to beneficially influence heart disease. While more research is needed, it is possible that hemp seeds might be a healthy addition to basic granola.

Protein

Protein is a necessary nutrient in a healthful diet. While meats are one of the best known protein sources, plenty of plant-based protein sources exist, including hemp seeds. A 2010 study from the University of Manitoba measured the digestibility of the proteins in various forms of hemp seeds. The study suggests that hemp seed products have proteins of a quality comparable to other grains and nuts. The digestibility of the proteins improved with removal of the hemp seed hull, as well.

Hemp Seeds and Drug Screenings

As a byproduct of the Cannabis sativa plant, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, is present in hemp seeds. Drug screenings, like those conducted in some workplaces, test the level of THC in urine to indicate marijuana use. However, multiple studies, including one 2001 study in Berkeley, Calif., indicate that THC concentrations in the urine as a result of hemp seed consumption were consistently lower than levels considered "positive" in drug testing. A reasonable consumption of hemp seed -- one serving per day, for example -- would not cause a false positive in a drug test.

References

Article reviewed by Kirk Ericson Last updated on: Aug 23, 2011

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