Cannabis Sativa, most commonly known as hemp comes from the same species of plant as marijuana. The seeds from the hemp plant, however, only contain trace amounts of THC – the cannabinoid found in marijuana that gives you the high effect. Hemp seeds will NOT get you stoned!
The seeds are actually super duper good for you! They are very rich in healthy fats, protein and various essential minerals.
6 AWESOME NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF HEMP:
1. HEMP SEEDS ARE INCREDIBLY NUTRITIOUS:
- hemp seeds are technically a nut and are commonly called Hemp Hearts
- they are rich in Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids
- they are also rich in Gamma-linolenic acid
- hemp seeds are a high quality protein source
- they contain more protein than even chia and flax seeds
- 25% of the total calories in hemp is from high quality protien
- chia and flax seeds contain about 16-18%
- hemp seeds are a great source for vitamin e
- they also contain many minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc 1 and 2
- you can consume hemp seeds raw, cooked, or roasted
- hemp seed oil is also very healthy for the body
- hemp seed oil has been used in food and medicine in China for over 3000 years
2. HEMP IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART ❤
- heart disease is the #1 killer worldwide
- eating hemp seeds may reduce the risk of heart disease
- they contain high amounts of the amino acid called arginine which produces nitric oxide in the body
- nitric oxide is a gas molecule that makes blood vessels relax and dilate, which in turn lowers blood pressure and is known to reduce the risk of heart disease
- there was a study done on 13,000 people who were given an increased intake of arganine which is linked to lower levels of CRP
- CRP (C-reactive protein) is an inflammatory marker linked with heart disease
- animal studies show that hemp seeds and oil reduces blood pressure and decreases the risk of blood clots, and even helps to heal the heart after a heart attack
3. HEMP IS A GREAT SOURCE OF PLANT BASED PROTEIN:
- 25% of the calories found in hemp come from protein
- by weight hemp seeds provide similar amounts of protein to beef and lamb
- 2-3 table spoons of hemp seeds provides about 11 grams of protein
- hemp is a complete protein source, which means that it provides ALL essential amino acids that your body needs to get through your diet
- plants that have a complete protein source are few and far between
- what makes hemp superior is that the proteins found in hemp seeds are easy for the body to digest
- hemp proteins are easier to digest than the proteins found in things like grains, nuts and legumes
4. HEMP OIL AND SEEDS MAY HELP SKIN DISORDERS:
- Hemp is full of Omega 6 and Omega 3 which can affect immune responses in the body
- hemp seeds have about a 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 which is within the optimal range
- some studies indicate that consuming hemp seeds or oil may relieve symptoms associated with eczema
- hemp foods can also relieve dry skin, itchiness and reduce the need for skin medications
5. HEMP SEEDS CAN REDUCE PMS AND MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS!
- this is super exciting to me because, about 80% of all women suffer from emotional and physical symptoms of PMS which is most likely caused by the hormone prolactin
- hemp seeds contain Gamma-linolenic acid (which in turn produces prostaglandin E1) and significantly reduces the effects of prolactin
- consuming hemp reduces breast tenderness, irritability and bloating
- Gamma-linolenic acid may also reduce the symptoms of menopause and regulate hormone imbalances and inlammation
6. HEMP SEEDS AID DIGESTION
- hemp seeds contain lots of fiber, which is an important part of gut health
- they contain 20% soluble fiber and 80% insoluble fiber
- soluble fiber is important source of nutrients for the good bacteria in your gut and will help your body regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- insoluble fiber helps food and waste pass through the gut and reduces the risk of diabetes
- if you are looking for fiber from your hemp seeds, make sure they are WHOLE because the shell is where the fiber comes from
Hemp has been used as a food staple throughout history, but until recently this was a little known fact due to the prohibition of cannabis. As time goes on I hope that more and more people will become aware of the nutritional value in hemp and start adding it to their daily diet. After all, we as mammals were designed with a system that is meant to use cannabis to help regulate our systems and achieve over all health!
I absolutely love adding hemp seeds to any baked goods, they have a nutty flavor and compliment banana bread perfectly. I simply just add them to most of my baking recipes.
Do me a favor and share this article with a woman you care about, because, as I mentioned hemp can help regulate hormones and ease the uncomfortable symptoms associated with PMS and menopause, you may be able to help somebody ❤
What is your favorite hemp seed recipe?
