Pristine is the Word

Raja Ampat defines pristine. The water has amazing hues, you can see fish standing on the pier! The traffic consists of one or two speed boats and the jungle hides delights like the Birds of Paradise. Every village island is stunning and there is hardly any crowd! The sunsets are out of this world!

Amazing People

There are times when you may not speak the language but you can never be mistaken about the warmth of their greetings! The people at the villages like Arborek and Sawingrai are welcoming! It was a pleasure to join in the kids in their own backyard, the sea, and play with them!

Wonderful Snorkeling/Diving

I do not dive (unless assisted) but I am always ready to go snorkeling! And what fun was to snorkel at various places in Raja Ampat. The water, the fish and the corals, everything is a delight! However, if you are into diving Raja Ampat I am told that it is a complete treasure trove!

You will get Vegetarian Food

By some quirk of fate, I am a vegetarian - and so are a lot many Indians. The first question that many would ask is if we would get vegetarian food! Let me assure you that you will get vegetarian food even at Raja Ampat. You will be fine as long as you do not insist on Indian food!

The Verdict

I have been lucky to see a few beautiful places in this world because of my blogging journey and Raja Ampat ranks right up there at the top! It is difficult to believe that such incredible places with such amazing people exist in this world! I would say book your vacation now!

These protein powders are very popular among active gym goers who are involved in heavy workouts to get the perfect toned and chiseled body. You must have come across many mouths blabbing about the negative effects of these protein supplements. They quote various negative effects of protein supplements and one such is its negative impact on kidneys. Now, the truth is that ‘Consuming excess protein does not cause any harm to your kidneys’. While you might have heard that if you have any kidney issues or damaged kidneys, consuming protein is dangerous. This is a very different aspect. It says that if you are already suffering from any kidney disease or issues, consumption of excessive protein can be a problem for you, but it does not say that by consuming protein you will damage your kidneys.

Causation does not justifies correlation. This is a very popular saying in science. It means that if two events are happening together, it doesn’t mean that one is the cause of the other. So same is the case with protein consumption. There are various studies which reveal that consuming protein with a healthy kidney causes no ill-effect on the kidney functions.

The first study being talked about is the study which was conducted on an extensive scale and is a long-term study which was focused on determining the affect of over consumption of protein on kidney functions. This study was published in The Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism in 2016. In this study, 14 advanced athletes were taken as subjects who were involved in resistance training. They were given a very high-protein diet for 1 year. Their daily protein intake was 3.3g protein per kg body weight. This is a very high amount of protein. For straight one year, this practice was followed and after a year, the results showed that the kidney and liver functions in all the tested individuals were normal. Their lipid profile and fat percentage was also normal with no changes. So this long-term study proved that consuming high protein has no relation with kidney dysfunctions and causes no harm to kidney. Another study being talked about in this video is a study published in Journal of Nutrition in 2018 and conducted by Canadian research team. This study was a meta analysis. A meta analysis is a study which is conducted by combining and referring to a majority of previous studies conducted in that specific area previously. This study was an assimilation of 28 independent research studies. The results of this study also revealed that consuming excess protein does not causes any harm to kidneys.

Now you must say that taking a high protein diet might not cause damage to kidneys but protein supplements can do the damage. Here what you need to understand is that the whole matter is of protein consumption, be it in form of whole foods or via supplements. If you are consuming protein through whole foods or supplements or a mixture of both, you are helping your body. Consuming protein in good quantity will help you in strengthening your muscles and will also enhance your muscle size, helping in gaining lean muscle mass too. It also helps in speeding up the recovery of muscle tissues after you have been indulged into an intense workout. Protein is a very essential component for your body. If you talk about Indian dietary habits especially, it becomes even more important to take protein in the form of supplements as Indian diet is not protein-rich. So, know the truth, that protein just does good to your body without causing any harm to kidneys or any other body parts.

Understand the sweet stuff so you can cut back and master cravings

In recent years, the diet and nutrition industry has painted sugar as a villain. The truth is, sugar isn’t that “evil.” For starters, it’s a fast source of energy.

That doesn’t mean you have to gobble up the sweet stuff all day to keep going. In fact, that would be a bad idea for many reasons. Let’s break things down before explaining why.

We get sugars from fruits, veggies, and dairy. Our body converts starches — like potatoes, pasta, rice, bread, and beans — into the simple sugar called glucose.

Sugar consumption can become an issue when we eat too much of the stuff that’s added to processed goods, or when we put too much of it in the natural foods we eat. This is what we call “added sugar.” It goes by many other names, which you may or may not recognize on an ingredient list.

Despite popular diet trends and added sugar’s terrible rep, you don’t have to cut ties with the sweet stuff entirely. Instead, you can find ways to consume it more healthfully and strategically.

What is added sugar, and where does it show up?

If you’re sprinkling a packet of white granules in your morning coffee or onto your halved grapefruit, it’s obvious that you’re having some added sugar. But lots of foods in our fridges and pantries have sneaky portions under more discreet names. You may not even realize you’re consuming it.

The ketchup on your fries, the bottled dressing on your salad, and the “all natural” fruit flavoring in your yogurt or instant oatmeal can all contain surprising amounts of added sugar. And of course, the things we like to drizzle on our foods, like honey, agave, or maple syrup, are added sugars, too. But how can you tell when you read the Nutrition Facts label?

Added sugars on ingredient lists

• words that end in “ose,” like fructose and dextrose
• syrups, like high-fructose corn syrup, malt syrup, maple syrup, agave syrup
• nectars, like pear nectar and peach nectar
• juices, like fruit juice and cane juice
• any mention of “sugar” or “sweetener,” like palm sugar and evaporated sweetener
• honey

Added sugar can show up as many different ingredients, and the list is long. No one expects you to commit them all to memory. But these simple tips will help you spot added sugar on a food label.

In 2016, a change to food labels will make counting added sugars easier. As of January 1, 2020Trusted Source, products of companies with more than $10 million in revenue must include an indented line under the “Total Sugars” amount that states the added sugars tally in grams. Products from companies with less revenue have until January 1, 2021, to comply. Over the next year or two, expect to see added sugars calculated on the Nutrition Facts label.

Added sugar stats

Added sugars matter because, well, they add up. The average American downs a little more than 70 grams of added sugar a day. That equates to nearly 60 pounds of added sugar in a year. To put it into perspective, we’re consuming more added sugar than the weight limit for a checked airline bag.

According to the American Heart Association, the maximum amount of added sugar you should consume in a day is 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men and 24 grams (6 teaspoons) for women. Chances are most of us are going way over the suggested daily intake.

We can exceed 24 grams fast. For example, if you have a can of Coca-Cola for an afternoon jolt, you’ve already consumed a whopping 39 grams of sugar.

But even some foods we think of as healthy, like yogurt, are loaded with added sugar. A plain Greek yogurt will have about 4 to 5 grams of dairy sugar and no added sugar, but if you like the flavored version, you could be looking at 10 to 14 grams of added sugar in your snack. Non-Greek yogurt can run even higher in sugar, containing up to 36 grams of sugar in a 6-ounce cup.

Obviously this varies depending on the brand and serving size. The point is, it’s incredibly easy to get two, even three times a day’s worth of sugar in one single meal.

The naturally occurring sugars in your foods, like your yogurt’s dairy sugar (lactose), or the sugar in an apple (fructose), aren’t counted, since they’re not added sugars.

Why does added sugar matter?

The reason we need to consider how much sugar we’re piling into our system has to do with what happens to it when it enters our body.

That spike in blood glucose that added sugar causes tells the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin. Insulin signals your cells that it’s time to gobble up their energy fix. Your cells will use that energy if they need it, like if you haven’t eaten since noon and you’re trying to hold a pose during your evening yoga class. If you’re at home watching Hulu on the couch, your muscle and liver cells will bank that sugar for later.

But since this process happens so fast when we eat added sugar, your blood glucose is going to do a quick dive not long after you’ve eaten. The “sugar crash” you feel as your blood sugar drops to or below normal can cause symptoms like fatigue and irritability. Plus, it leaves your cells wanting another fix fast.

Before you realize it, you’re reaching for that next sleeve of Girl Scout Tagalongs. No, there’s nothing wrong with eating cookies. We don’t need to think of foods as “good” or “bad.” But constant added sugar overload can lead to certain issues and disease processes.

Regular intake of added sugar can mess with endocrine function

The concern is that if you’re on a regular track of spikes and crashes fueled by a constant intake of added sugar, insulin resistance can result. Your cells stop responding to the insulin signal that’s telling them to tap into the energy. Instead, your body and your liver will store sugar as fat.

Overconsumption of added sugar can lead to issues with vital organs

When we think of things that are bad for the liver, alcohol tends to come to mind. But heaps of added sugar over time can be just as damaging to the liver as booze, increasing one’s risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Nearly 25 percent of the world’s population has NAFLD, so it isn’t a rare condition, and it’s a dangerous one, too. Lifestyle changes can reverse it, but if left to progress, liver failure or cancer can result.

Added fructoseTrusted Source has been shown to be the worst offender. It’s concentrated in foods and beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, sucrose, or agave nectar.

Our heart doesn’t like the sweetness overload, either. Getting more than 21 percent of your calories from added sugar doubles your risk for dying from cardiovascular disease.

Ways to cut back on added sugar

We’ve all had the occasional sugar craving, especially late at night. Does that pint of Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey beckon before bed? Sugar’s hit to the bloodstream is hard and fast, giving our bodies a satisfying reward when we eat it.

Simply put, it makes you feel good — in the short term, at least. That “high” and need to refuel after a sugar crash is what can make the sweet stuff so hard to resist.

Eating high-sugar foods late at night is a double whammy, too, because insulin sensitivity decreases in the evening in preparation for melatonin production and sleep, causing blood sugar levels to rise more with sweet foods than if eaten earlier in the day.

Plus, in studies on sugar dependence in rats, 5 out of the 11 criteria for substance use disorder are met:

• using more amounts for longer than intended
• cravings
• hazardous use
• tolerance
• withdrawal

So, it’s definitely possible to develop an unhealthy relationship with added sugar.

That said, if you really like sweets, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a dependence or that you have to completely break up with added sugar. But if you’re tired of a constant roller coaster of sugar highs followed by unpleasant lows, you can opt for several sugar-reducing solutions.

Try a short abstinence from added sugar

This can help reset the craving-reward-crash cycle. Afterward, you can mindfully let added sugar back into your diet in moderation and feel less dependent on it as a food flavoring or pick-me-up.

Aim to give up added sugar for anywhere from 3 to 30 days. You may experience some withdrawal symptoms, like headache, nausea, fatigue or trouble sleeping. These should subside within a week or so.

Try swapping a few of your added sugar go-to items

Just a few cutbacks here and there can make a big difference.

8 added sugar swaps

1. Add real fruit to plain yogurt.
2. Use avocado as a condiment.
3. Try salsa instead of ketchup.
4. Drizzle oil and vinegar on salad.
5. Drink coconut water instead of a sports drink.
6. Sip sparkling water rather than soda.
7. Sprinkle cinnamon in your coffee.
8. Eat berries or other fruit as dessert.

Keep a temporary log of your added sugar consumption

Maybe you’re not even sure how much added sugar you’re consuming daily, or whether you’re going over the recommended amount. Track all your added sugars for a week and see where the sweet stuff makes a stealthy appearance in your diet.

Get strategic about added sugar

How and when you eat added sugar can help mitigate its effects on the body. On its own, added sugar, which is a simple carb, basically goes straight into your bloodstream, where it spikes your blood glucose level. But what if added sugar arrives in the body with protein and fat?

These take a little longer to digest, so if they’re along for the ride, then it slows this process down. In other words, if you pair your added sugar with protein, fat, or both, it won’t spike your blood glucose quite as fast as it would on its own.

Pairing a small amount of sugar (added or from natural foods) with protein as a snack — like apple and peanut butter — can also be helpful if you’re planning a workout and need energy to power through. Aim for eating 45 to 60 minutes before exercise.

Are some added sugars better than others?

While it may be tempting to think that honey, agave, or raw cane sugar are inherently better for you than regular table sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, that’s not necessarily the case.

Yes, honey is a natural substance and contains trace minerals, but the amounts are small. ResearchTrusted Source does reveal, though, that honey causes a more subtle rise in blood sugar than other added sugars. It also tastes sweeter on the palate, which can help keep intake to lower amounts.

That said, any added sugar is still an added sugar. Whether it’s an agave syrup you’re squeezing into your smoothie or the high-fructose corn syrup in your soda, they can have similar effects on your health and metabolism.

To get motivated, you need a powerful, personal reason to quit. It may be to protect your family from secondhand smoke.  Or lower your chance of getting lung cancer, heart disease, or other conditions. Or to look and feel younger. Choose a reason that is strong enough to outweigh the urge to light up.

2. Prepare Before You Go 'Cold Turkey'

There’s more to it than just tossing your cigarettes out. Smoking is an addiction. The brain is hooked on nicotine. Without it, you’ll go through withdrawal. Line up support in advance. Ask your doctor about all the methods that will help, such as quit-smoking classes and apps, counseling, medication, and hypnosis. You’ll be ready for the day you choose to quit.

3. Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy

When you stop smoking, nicotine withdrawal may give you headaches, affect your mood, or sap your energy. The craving for “just one drag” is tough. Nicotine replacement therapy can curb these urges. Studies show that nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches improve your chances of success when you’re also in a quit-smoking program.

4. Learn About Prescription Pills

Medicines can curb cravings and may also make smoking less satisfying if you do pick up a cigarette. Other drugs can ease withdrawal symptoms, such as depression or problems with concentration.

5. Lean On Your Loved Ones

Tell your friends, family, and other people you’re close to that you’re trying to quit. They can encourage you to keep going, especially when you’re tempted to light up. You can also join a support group or talk to a counselor. Behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps you identify and stick to quit-smoking strategies. Even a few sessions may help.

6. Give Yourself a Break

One reason people smoke is that the nicotine helps them relax. Once you quit, you’ll need new ways to unwind. There are many options. You can exercise to blow off steam, tune in to your favorite music, connect with friends, treat yourself to a massage, or make time for a hobby. Try to avoid stressful situations during the first few weeks after you stop smoking.

7. Avoid Alcohol and Other Triggers

When you drink, it’s harder to stick to your no-smoking goal. So try to limit alcohol when you first quit. Likewise, if you often smoke when you drink coffee, switch to tea for a few weeks. If you usually smoke after meals, find something else to do instead, like brushing your teeth, taking a walk, texting a friend, or chewing gum.

8. Clean House

Once you’ve smoked your last cigarette, toss all of your ashtrays and lighters. Wash any clothes that smell like smoke, and clean your carpets, draperies, and upholstery. Use air fresheners to get rid of that familiar scent. If you smoked in your car, clean it out, too. You don’t want to see or smell anything that reminds you of smoking.

9. Try and Try Again

Many people try several times before giving up cigarettes for good. If you light up, don’t get discouraged. Instead, think about what led to your relapse, such as your emotions or the setting you were in. Use it as an opportunity to step up your commitment to quitting. Once you’ve made the decision to try again, set a “quit date” within the next month.

10. Get Moving

Being active can curb nicotine cravings and ease some withdrawal symptoms. When you want to reach for a cigarette, put on your inline skates or jogging shoes instead. Even mild exercise helps, such as walking your dog or pulling weeds in the garden. The calories you burn will also ward off weight gain as you quit smoking.

11. Eat Fruits and Veggies

Don’t try to diet while you give up cigarettes. Too much deprivation can easily backfire. Instead, keep things simple and try to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These are good for your whole body.

12. Choose Your Reward

In addition to all the health benefits, one of the perks of giving up cigarettes is all the money you will save. There are online calculators that figure out how much richer you will be. Reward yourself by spending part of it on something fun.

13. Remember That Time Is on Your Side

As soon as you quit, you start to get immediate health benefits. After only 20 minutes, your heart rate goes back to normal. Within a day, your blood’s carbon monoxide level also falls back into place. In just 2-3 weeks, you will start to lower your odds of having a heart attack. In the long run, you will also lower your chance of getting lung cancer and other cancers.

• If your menstrual cycle is not regular then it indicates that there is some fertility issue. This means you are experiencing the issue of ovulation. Moreover, it also indicates other issues such as PCOS, ovarian reserve is low, thyroid dysfunction, and primary ovarian insufficiency. The doctors for Infertility Treatment in India are highly experienced and well-qualified.

• Additionally, if you notice sudden hormonal changes such as breaking out of the skin, which was more prominent when you were a teenager. This also means there is some issue with fertility because of imbalance in the hormones.

• If you are overweight then you might face difficulty in conceiving. Even many studies have shown that women who are overweight and underweight will face problem in conceiving as compared to those who are normal weight.

• If you had a health-related problem earlier then it might decrease your fertility level. You should seek the help of the best fertility expert so that they can guide you which method of treatment will suit you best.

Laser hair removal offers you many benefits

Yes, it is true that laser hair removal in Vizag offers you many benefits because it is totally safe and secure treatment. You do not experience any side effect after the treatment. This is the treatment which improves your looks and overall appearance. Which is useful to boost your self-confidence. 

You have to avoid direct sun exposure

If you want to go outside make sure you should cover your face and other body parts properly before going outside. Otherwise, it is a good idea to stay inside for several days prior to the surgery. Since tanning may worsen your condition and it will be difficult for your surgeon to find out the hair on your body parts. 

Avoid waxing 

You should avoid waxing before the treatment because this is the treatment which gives you better results instantly. And this treatment is suitable for every skin type and complexion. 
 

Joint pain is a common health condition in old people because of a sedentary lifestyle. But these days, this health condition is additionally caused by young people also due to injury or poor lifestyle habits. For example, they may experience joint pain because of standing and sitting in a single posture for a long time.  Or they may experience this condition due to the incorrect way to practice physical activities.

In addition, these are the conditions which can usually encounter by sportsperson. You must consult your doctor immediately if you experience any type of injury so that he can properly examine you. Whereas many people go with Ayurvedic joint pain treatment. Ayurvedic treatment is too conventional treatment not only for joint pain but for many types of health conditions. Ayurveda was invented by Chinese people many years ago when there were only limited doctors available in the world.

Ayurvedic Tips to Prevent Joint Pain

Ayurvedic treatment include oil massage, exercise, lifestyle changes, turmeric, and Ashwagandha. These are explained as below-:

Lifestyle Changes

You must change your eating habits so that you will able to treat your condition. In this manner, you must consume a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and fibers. In addition, you should drink plenty of juices and water because these are useful to nourish your skin and body. Moreover, if you are smoker then quit it immediately otherwise it will lead to many problems. If you are in doubt then consult with your doctor he will surely guide you about precautions.

Exercise

Exercise and physical activities play an important role in your life which give you relief from chronic pain. You must try some simple and lite exercises which can give you comfort from uneasiness. You can also try to walk and some other aerobics because these will give you better results. You can additionally maintain a proper posture so that you can get relief from severe joint pain.

Turmeric

Turmeric is the spice which is normally used in Asian cooking. This is the Ayurvedic herb which is known for healing properties and the best joint pain treatment. You can add this in your eating regimen or mix it in milk and then drink for better results. Many people make the paste of turmeric and then apply this paste on their affected joint so that they can get relief from a chronic condition.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is another Ayurvedic herb which is so popular to treat many health conditions from roots. You can consume it along with ginger or you can add it in your tea while making. Because this is the only herb which gives you instant results from severe pain.

Oil Massage

Many old people do not have a strong immune system to consume raw turmeric and Ashwagandha. In this manner, they have to apply essential oils to their joint so that they can treat their condition. Massage plays an essential role in order to treat many types of chronic conditions. You can apply some essential oils on your joints twice or thrice a day so that you can able to move or walk without any help.

Everyone face hair fall once in life because this is the phase of the hair growth cycle. But the majority of people face this hair loss condition due to some lifestyle habits which may lead to hair thinning or baldness. This type of baldness only is treated with medications or medicated procedures such as hair transplant. Since hair transplant is the most effective hair loss treatment for men who have bald spots and are unable to treat their this condition with herbal remedies or certain types of medications. You have the first concern it with your doctor so that he can examine you and reason behind the hair thinning.

Reasons behind Hair Thinning in Men

There are several reasons behind hair thinning in men include smoking, over-consumption of liquor, depression, male pattern baldness, a certain type of medication, and some other health conditions. These factors may worsen your condition over time if you do not treat them on time because these are factors which are responsible to increase your hair fall problem. Prior to the treatment, you must understand all these causes well so that you can treat your hair loss problem according to the reason behind this.

Male Pattern Baldness

This is eth condition which can cause due to many health conditions or bad lifestyle habits. You must first converse with your doctor so that he can tell you about the male pattern baldness properly. Male pattern is not the problem of only you but many people suffer this hair loss condition. The main and primary sign of this condition is bald spots or receding hairline. If you notice any one of the sign then must consult the doctor.

Smoking and Over-Consumption of Liquor

Smoking is also responsible for hair thinning in men because nicotine which is present in cigars harm your hair follicles and prevent hair growth. Smoking is the not only drug which harms your head and hair but alcohol also affects your hair growth. If you are a regular smoker or alcoholic then immediately quit them, otherwise, it will lead to male pattern baldness.

Medical Conditions

Certain types of medicines or medical procedure lead to hair thinning. If you are suffering from depression and high blood pressure then the medicines of both these problems can cause hair fall. Or people who take the treatment of cancer such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy are most likely who face this hair thinning problem.

Poor Lifestyle Habits

Poor lifestyle habits include not consuming a proper diet and over-styling your hair. These are not enough to define hair fall in men but also reveals the same type of deficiencies. If you are suffering from iron or protein insufficiency then you must experience hair thinning. Since our hair are made of keratin which is basically a protein. This protein is helpful to stimulate hair follicles and these follicles play an important role in the hair growth cycle.

Moreover, if you are taking more processed foods and foods that contain preservatives then you will surely experience the problem of hair thinning.

1. Sugar

You already know that sugar is bad for your teeth and your waistline—but did you know that it fans the flames of inflammation in the bodyas well? When you eat sugar, it triggers the release of pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines that rev up the fire inside you.

2. Artificial sweeteners

A diet high in these sweeteners can lead to inflammation that puts you at risk for glucose intolerance and metabolic disease—steps on the path to diabetes. (Researchers believe that some of the bacteria in your gut react to artificial sweeteners by secreting chemicals that provoke an inflammatory response, making it harder for your body to handle sugar.) What’s more, a new study reports that in addition to hiking your risk for diabetes, these sweeteners can increase your risk for obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

3. Glutenous grains

I know that lots of people pooh-pooh the idea that gluten sensitivity is common. But I speak from experience, because I’ve helped thousands of patients get better control over inflammatory diseases—ranging from arthritis to psoriasis to inflammatory bowel disease—by having them cut out foods that contain gluten. (It’s actually smart to reduce or eliminate all grains because of their pro-inflammatory effects, but at a minimum, give gluten the boot.)

4. Inflammatory seed oils

Oils like canola, corn, sunflower, safflower, and soybean—as well as margarine and vegetable fats—are highly processed and contain an unhealthy ratio of inflammatory omega-6 to anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Instead, I recommend reaching for healthy substitutes like avocado and olive oil.

5. Dairy

In more than 20 years as a clinician, I’ve found that the majority of my patients don’t tolerate dairy foods well. Frequently, they don’t even know this is a problem until they eliminate dairy from their diet. When they do, symptoms like headaches, skin breakouts, bloating, and a stuffy nose clear up—and that tells me that their internal inflammation is dropping as well. If you’re not sure whether dairy bothers you, I recommend eliminating dairy foods, carefully reintroducing them, and then discontinuing them if you experience a bad reaction.

6. Foods packed in BPA-lined cans or packages

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is already linked to many scary problems ranging from birth defects to obesity. In addition, research now links BPA to increased inflammation in post-menopausal women. Luckily, more and more manufacturers are offering their products in BPA-free packaging; read labels carefully, and reach for BPA-free products whenever you can.

7. Commercial condiments (with exceptions)

Most grocery-store mayos, ketchups, and salad dressings are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, harmful emulsifiers, seed oils, and other junk. I make my own condiments, with a few exceptions including additive-free salsa (available in most stores), mustard (most brands are fairly clean), and avocado mayo (available at Costco and many health food stores).

8. Soy "Frankenfoods"

I know you hear all the time that soy is good for you. However, the heavy processing of foods like soy burgers and soy hot dogs can lead to the formation of lysinoalanine and nitrosamines—toxins that can damage your cells, leading to inflammation.

If inflammation is a problem for you, try kicking inflammatory foods out of your diet and see what happens. It may take a few weeks (or even a few months), but I’m betting that you’ll feel healthier and look younger all over!

They are from the same species as cannabis (marijuana) but a different variety.

However, they contain only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

Hemp seeds are exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein and various minerals.

Here are 6 health benefits of hemp seeds that are backed up by science.

1. Hemp Seeds Are Incredibly Nutritious

Technically a nut, hemp seeds are very nutritious. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are often referred to as hemp hearts.

Hemp seeds contain over 30% fat. They are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).

They also contain gamma-linolenic acid, which has been linked to several health benefits (1).

Hemp seeds are a great protein source, as more than 25% of their total calories are from high-quality protein.

That is considerably more than similar foods like chia seeds and flaxseeds, whose calories are 16–18% protein.

Hemp seeds are also a great source of vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc (1, 2).

Hemp seeds can be consumed raw, cooked or roasted. Hemp seed oil is also very healthy and has been used as a food and medicine in China for at least 3,000 years (1).

SUMMARYHemp seeds are rich in healthy fats and essential fatty acids. They are also a great protein source and contain high amounts of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc.

2. Hemp Seeds May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide (3).

Interestingly, eating hemp seeds may reduce your risk of heart disease.

The seeds contain high amounts of the amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in your body (4).

Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that makes your blood vessels dilate and relax, leading to lowered blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease (5).

In a large study in over 13,000 people, increased arginine intake corresponded with decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker. High levels of CRP are linked to heart disease (6, 7).

The gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seeds has also been linked to reduced inflammation, which may decrease your risk of diseases like heart disease (8, 9).

Additionally, animal studies have shown that hemp seeds or hemp seed oil may reduce blood pressure, decrease the risk of blood clot formation and help the heart recover after a heart attack (10, 11, 12).

SUMMARYHemp seeds are a great source of arginine and gamma-linolenic acid, which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

3. Hemp Seeds and Oil May Benefit Skin Disorders

Fatty acids may affect immune responses in your body (13, 14, 15).

Studies suggest that your immune system depends on the balance of omega-6 and omega-3fatty acids.

Hemp seeds are a good source of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids. They have about a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which is considered in the optimal range.

Studies have shown that giving hemp seed oil to people with eczema may improve blood levels of essential fatty acids.

The oil may also relieve dry skin, improve itchiness and reduce the need for skin medication (16, 17).

SUMMARYHemp seeds are rich in healthy fats. They have a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which may benefit skin diseases and provide relief from eczema and its uncomfortable symptoms.

4. Hemp Seeds Are a Great Source of Plant-Based Protein

About 25% of calories in hemp seeds come from protein, which is relatively high.

In fact, by weight, hemp seeds provide similar amounts of protein as beef and lamb — 30 grams of hemp seeds, or 2–3 tablespoons, provide about 11 grams of protein (1).

They are considered a complete protein source, which means that they provide all the essential amino acids. Your body cannot produce essential amino acids and must obtain them from your diet.

Complete protein sources are very rare in the plant kingdom, as plants often lack the amino acid lysine. Quinoa is another example of a complete, plant-based protein source.

Hemp seeds contain significant amounts of the amino acids methionine and cysteine, as well as very high levels of arginine and glutamic acid (18).

The digestibility of hemp protein is also very good — better than protein from many grains, nuts and legumes (19).

SUMMARYAbout 25% of the calories in hemp seeds come from protein. What’s more, they contain all the essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source.

5. Hemp Seeds May Reduce Symptoms of PMS and Menopause

Up to 80% of women of reproductive age may suffer from physical or emotional symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome (PMS) (20).

These symptoms are very likely caused by sensitivity to the hormone prolactin (21).

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in hemp seeds, produces prostaglandin E1, which reduces the effects of prolactin (22, 23, 24).

In a study in women with PMS, taking 1 gram of essential fatty acids — including 210 mg of GLA — per day resulted in a significant decrease in symptoms (22).

Other studies have shown that primrose oil, which is rich in GLA as well, may be highly effective in reducing symptoms for women who have failed other PMS therapies.

It decreased breast pain and tenderness, depression, irritability and fluid retention associated with PMS (25).

Because hemp seeds are high in GLA, several studies have indicated that they may help reduce symptoms of menopause, too.

The exact process is unknown, but the GLA in hemp seeds may regulate the hormone imbalances and inflammation associated with menopause (26, 27, 28).

SUMMARYHemp seeds may reduce symptoms associated with PMS and menopause, thanks to its high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

6. Whole Hemp Seeds May Aid Digestion

Fiber is an essential part of your diet and linked to better digestive health (29).

Whole hemp seeds are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, containing 20% and 80%, respectively (1).

Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in your gut. It’s a valuable source of nutrients for beneficial digestive bacteria and may also reduce spikes in blood sugar and regulate cholesterol levels (29, 30).

Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool and may help food and waste pass through your gut. It has also been linked to a reduced risk of diabetes (31, 32).

However, de-hulled or shelled hemp seeds — also known as hemp hearts — contain very little fiber because the fiber-rich shell has been removed.

SUMMARYWhole hemp seeds contain high amounts of fiber — both soluble and insoluble — which benefits digestive health. However, de-hulled or shelled hemp seeds contain very little fiber.

The Bottom Line

Though hemp seeds have only recently become popular in the West, they’re a staple food in many societies and provide excellent nutritional value.

They are very rich in healthy fats, high-quality protein and several minerals.

However, hemp seed shells may contain trace amounts of THC (< 0.3%), the active compound in marijuana. People who have been dependent on cannabis may want to avoid hemp seeds in any form.

Overall, hemp seeds are incredibly healthy. They may be one of the few superfoods worthy of their reputation.