Hemp Seeds: What are their surprising benefits to our health?
Hemp seeds are found in the fruits of the Cannabis sativa and are packed with the richest source of essential fats, complete proteins, enzymes, and vitamins. Hemp seeds are one of nature’s most amazing superfoods, supporting optimal well-being.
Due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, these seeds have many potential benefits to our health. They provide a broad spectrum of health advantages, including losing weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and improving the immune system.
These seeds are also a good source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. Proteins are found in most of the food of animal origin, like chicken or red meat. However, they are also present in quinoa and cannabis seeds, representing the only plants with complete protein sources.
This article will offer more information regarding hemp seeds and their potential benefits to our bodies.
Contents
The nutritional value of hemp seeds
Hemp seeds can be considered superfoods, as they are rich in nutrients. They have all nine essential amino acids: isoleucine, histidine, leucine, methionine, lysine, threonine, phenylalanine, valine, and tryptophan. These essential amino acids are the building blocks of protein our body needs to have but aren’t produced independently.
Moreover, hemp seeds contain unsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, like gamma-linolenic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid. Hemp seeds also have antioxidants such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids.
30 grams, meaning approximately three tablespoons of hemp seeds contain:
- Protein: 9.47 grams
- Calories: 166
- Carbohydrates: 2.6 grams
- Sugar: 0.45 grams
- Fiber: 1.2 grams
- Calcium: 21 milligrams
- Magnesium: 210 milligrams
- Iron: 2.38 milligrams
- Potassium: 360 milligrams
- Phosphorus: 495 milligrams
- Zinc: 2.97 milligrams
Hemp seeds also contain vitamin A, thiamine, vitamin E, riboflavin, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B6.
The health benefits of hemp seeds: Improve heart health and maintain blood pressure
Hemp seeds are rich in good fats, like omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These are polyunsaturated fats that have good benefits to heart health. They improve good cholesterol levels, keeping your heart healthy and lowering the risk of blockage in your arteries. Because of this fact, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and strokes are reduced significantly.
The presence of amino acids, like Gamma-Linoleic and Arginine, helps reduce blood pressure, lowers inflammation, and improves cardiovascular health. If you want to take advantage of this benefit, you can grow your plant at home with the help of autoflowering cannabis seeds.
Promotes brain health
Omega-3 fatty acids found in hemp seeds can promote healthy brain function by protecting the brain and nerves from damage. These seeds are also great for preventing age-related problems affecting brain health. This happens because, with age, the omega-3 fatty acids level decreases and can lead to conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can prevent age-related brain problems.
Hemp seeds contain natural antioxidants like flavonoids and terpenoids, which can protect neurons and brain cells from oxidative damage, prevent the growth of cancerous cells and reduce inflammation.
Manages inflammatory conditions
Hemp seeds have been used for centuries as a treatment for inflammation in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. Evidence shows that the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in cannabis seeds can prevent inflammation.
Additionally, eating hemp seeds can relieve painful symptoms related to inflammation. The gamma-linolenic acid has anti-inflammatory effects that can manage conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Helps manage skin conditions
Hemp seed oil can bring several benefits to your skin and can manage skin problems. This is because hemp seeds have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects that can protect and heal your skin. It can also boost collagen production, which keeps the skin healthy. Therefore, it is used to treat conditions like eczema and acne.
Reduces anxiety, stress, and migraines
Hemp seeds are rich in amino acids, magnesium, and vitamins and can relieve stress. Also, the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can help reduce anxiety. Because these seeds have a high level of CBD, they can be used in treating depression, anxiety, and migraines. You can grow your own cannabis plant at home with the help of many strains. For example, you can choose the white widows strain, which is easy to grow and has a reasonably quick flowering time.
Improves gut health
Hemp seeds can also be good for your gut. Because they are rich in fiber and other important nutrients, they will keep your gut clean and improve digestion. The fiber content in the seeds can also reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and appetite. In turn, you will have a diminished chance of experiencing diabetes or obesity.
Regulates the immune system
Hemp seeds contain minerals, vitamins, good fats, and essential amino acids that can boost immunity. Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can protect your immune cells and prevent the production of inflammatory molecules, reducing the chance of getting ill.
Prevents hormonal imbalances
Hemp seeds have also been used in traditional medicine to treat hormonal and gynecological problems. Hemp has the right protective properties and nutrients to regulate and maintain hormones in your body.
Conclusion
Hemp seeds bring plenty of benefits to our health. Also, they are easy to consume, and because they are heat and light-sensitive, you can add them after cooking. They can be roasted and sprinkled on your soups, salads, cereals, or added to your smoothies and yogurts. Moreover, the nutty flavor and creamy texture blend well with cookies, cakes, and desserts.
Hemp seeds are usually safe and allergy-free, but pregnant women and people taking other medicines will be good to consult with a doctor before adding hemp to their diet. Overall, hemp seeds contain plenty of nutrients that offer indispensable health benefits.
It is a complete source of protein containing all nine essential amino acids, crucial for normal development, growth and optimal well-being. Furthermore, hemp seeds are a natural source of plant fiber that helps people lose weight, lower their appetite, enhance their gut health, and regulate blood sugar spikes.
