Hemp seeds are a trendy part of the hemp plant. The hemp plant is a type of cannabis Sativa that we plant mostly for its fiber properties. However, not the psychoactive properties. Unlike cannabis, hemp does not cause any mental health effects, but it has benefits in hemp seeds.
Hemp seeds contain traces of cannabinoids present in cannabis like THC and CBD. One of the end products of hemp seed is hemp oil, different from CBD oil, but it has its own benefits. So, its benefits are the reasons for their continuous cultivation. Hence, let’s take a look at these five amazing benefits of hemp seeds. Also, how it can improve your lifestyle if added to your diet.
Benefits of hemp seeds.
1). High Nutritional Value.
Hemp seeds have a nutty flavor and are highly nutritious. They contain lots of nutrients like protein, fatty acid, omega -6, omega -3, and so on. Similarly, all these nutritional compounds sum up to provide nutritional benefits of hemp seeds. Hence, the breakdown of the nutritional value of hemp seeds are:
- Protein.
The protein found in hemp seeds is almost the same value as that in soybeans. Hemp seeds are a complete source of protein. This means that it is pumped up with all nine essential amino acids. Amino acids are known as the building blocks for protein.
Hemp seeds are among the few plants that are a rich source of protein so it makes it a healthy addition to any vegan diet. For instance, Arginine, a type of amino acid, that helps with the heart is present in hemp seeds.
- Fatty acids.
It is well known that unsaturated fats like Omega -3 fatty acids contain lots of health benefits in the body system. Hemp seeds are a great source of essential fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3.
As mentioned above, the body cannot produce essential fatty acids, and the body must absorb them from the diet, this is important for long-term health. The ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s is also important.In general, people tend to eat too many omega-6s and too few omega-3s, but adding hemp seeds to the diet may help to promote a balance. So, Hemp seeds do not contain saturated fats or any trans fat.
- Fiber
Much of the fiber in a hemp seed lies in its outer hull or shell. If possible, purchase hemp seeds with the hulls intact. However, even without the shells, hemp seeds are a good source of fiber, with three tablespoons containing approximately 1.2 g of fiber.
Taking enough fiber every day can:
- reduce the appetite
- help with weight management
- work to stabilize blood sugar levels
- promote the health of the gut.
- Minerals and vitamins
Hemp seeds contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals and are especially rich in vitamin E,magnesium,phosphorous and potassium. They are also a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including niacin,riboflavin,thiamine,vitamin B-6 and folate.
2). Improvement of Heart Condition.
One of the benefits of eating hemp seeds is that it may reduce your risk of heart disease. The seeds contain high amounts of the amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in your body. 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 .
In a study involving lots of people, increased arginine intake corresponded with decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker. High levels of CRP can cause heart disease. 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 .
The medical community believes that omega-3 fatty acids improve the health of the heart and reduce the risk of issues such as arrhythmias and heart disease.
Hemp seeds contain high levels of omega-3s and a healthful ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Nitric oxide is essential for artery and vein dilation, and it helps keep blood vessel walls smooth and elastic.
3). Reduction of Inflammation.
The fatty acids in hemp seeds can help reduce inflammation in the body. Hemp seeds also contain high amounts of GLA (gamma-linoleic fatty acid) that helps with conditions like nerve damage, high blood pressure, arthritis, autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory issues.The amount of omega-3s in hemp seeds and the seeds’ healthful omega-3 to omega-6 ratio can together help to reduce inflammation.
In addition, hemp seeds are a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid which may also have anti-inflammatory effects. A review in The European Journal of Pharmacology states that humans process GLA in a very complicated way, which may explain why the studies in humans produce more varied results than those on animals.
When looking at these studies, it is important to note that researchers usually use high concentrations of hemp seed extracts and that eating the seeds may produce less dramatic effects.
4). Nourishment of the Skin.
Improving the skin is one of the benefits of hemp seeds in the body system.Atopic dermatitis (AD) and acne can both result from chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory compounds in hemp seeds may help. Among other possible dietary causes, acne may be linked to a deficiency in omega-3s. The high omega-3 content in hemp seeds may help to manage and reduce acne symptoms.
A 2018 review explored the effects of dietary changes on skin diseases. While the scientists found evidence that eating more omega-3s may improve symptoms of acne, determining the extent of the effects will require more research. The results of the study are that prebiotics and plant fibers may help to manage symptoms of AD. So, hemp seeds are a rich source of plant fiber.
5). Premenstrual Syndrome and Menopause.
Many sources have claimed that about 80% of women may suffer mental or physical symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome. This has been linked to sensitivity to the hormone prolactin found in the body.
Hemp seed has been discovered to help reduce the pain and the symptoms.Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in hemp seeds, produces prostaglandin E1, which reduces the effects of prolactin.
Other studies have shown that primrose oil, which is rich in Gamma-linolenic acid as well, may be highly effective in reducing symptoms for women who have failed other premenstrual syndrome therapies. Because hemp seeds are high in GLA, several studies have indicated that they may help reduce symptoms of menopause, too.
