Why the Air Force Banned Greek Yogurt
Sure, you're probably cool with the government placing bans on truly troubling ingredients like trans fats. But here's something that shocked us: Last weekend, the Air Force told its members to steer clear of--wait for it--Chobani Blueberry Power Greek yogurt.
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So what could possibly be wrong with this protein-packed superfood? Well, it's not the yogurt per se, but one tiny ingredient: Hemp seeds, which contain trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive ingredient also found in marijuana. In 1999, the Air Force added hemp seed oil and hemp seed products to a list of forbidden substances over concern that they may interfere with drug tests given to service members.
There's a key difference, however, between the hemp seeds you'd find in a health food store and marijuana leaves you'd find in, say, a batch of special brownies: Hemp seeds (which are totally legal, by the way) come from a variant of the Cannabis sativa plant that produces approximately 1% THC, while marijuana comes from a variant that's cultivated to produce anywhere from 1% to 20% THC.
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"What makes me the most disappointed about this rule is that hemp seeds are so good for you," says Ashley Koff, RD, nutritionist and Prevention advisor. "The only high you'd be getting from them is a nutritional one."
Among the perks: Hemp contains the healthy omega 3 fatty acid ALA; all essential amino acids (which makes it a source of complete protein); and a boatload of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
What do you think?
Written by Stephanie Eckelkamp, Prevention
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