The nutritional benefits of hemp seeds have often been ignored due to the unwarranted association with cannabis. The truth is, hemp seeds incite no psychotropic reactions and have a wealth of health benefits to offer those that consume them.
The following is a list of ten benefits afforded to consumers of hemp seeds:
GLA Content
Gamma-Linoleic Acid is an Omega-6 fatty acid that is a precursor to lipid compounds known as prostaglandins which have been known to lower both inflammations as well as body temperature in addition to providing support for smooth muscles.
Research has shown that supplementation with GLA has proved beneficial to hormone health and is of special benefit to women suffering from the effects of PMS.
GLA supplementation and foods high in GLA have been known to provide benefits to persons that suffer from:
- High Blood Pressure
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Heart Disease
- Allergic Reaction
- Arthritis
Weight Loss
Hemp seeds naturally suppress the appetite and the fiber in hemp seeds can help feelings of fullness last longer and reduce cravings for sugar.
Proponents of hemp seed use for weight loss have suggested that adding a few tablespoons of the seeds to breakfast will result in eating less throughout the day.
Hemp seed advocates also point out that the seed’s high protein content can increase metabolism and help the body to both gain muscle and burn fat.
Heart Disease Prevention
Disease of the heart is the number one killer of human beings throughout the world. The consumption of hemp seeds is capable of decreasing an individual’s chance of contracting heart disease through a number of functions.
For one, hemp seeds contain high concentrations of the amino acid arginine which is converted by the body to nitric oxide. This nitric oxide gas causes blood vessels to dilate resulting in lowered blood pressure and decreased instances of heart disease.
The GLA content of hemp seeds supports the reduction of inflammation in the body which leads to a decreased chance of contracting many illnesses including heart disease.
Additionally, animal studies have conclusively demonstrated that hemp seeds reduce blood pressure, the formation of blood clots, and aid in post-heart attack recovery.
Relief From Arthritis Pain
Research has shown that symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are improved by consuming hemp seeds or supplementing with hemp seed oil.
One study that was published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology observed the action of hemp seed oil on arthritis. The study found that hemp seed oil made it difficult for cells necessary for Rheumatoid Arthritis to survive and that the oil possessed definite anti-arthritic functions.
It is suggested that one tablespoon of hemp oil be used along with a quality fish oil supplement.
Digestive Aid
Hemp seed is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber which provides the seeds with the bulk to regulate the gastrointestinal system. The roughage provided by hempseeds also positively effects probiotic in the stomach and leads to an improved immune system.
High-fiber foods like hemp seed are effective at relieving constipation. In one placebo-controlled clinical study conducted in Hong Kong, hemp seed was determined to be a viable treatment for functional constipation.
It was also deemed that the benefits of hemp seed at affecting constipation was dose-dependent as study participants that were given 7.5 grams of hemp seed realized more benefits than participants that received 2.5 grams.
Provider Of Plant-Based Protein
Approximately one-fourth of the caloric intake of hemp seed is protein content. And perhaps more impressively just three tablespoons of hemp seed provides the consumer with 11 grams of protein.
Hemp seeds are a complete protein source which means the seeds provide all known essential amino acids. These are essential acids that are not manufactured by the body.
The digestive absorption of protein from hemp seed is also better than many other protein sources.
Hemp Seed Aids PMS And Menopause
The majority of women of child-bearing age have suffered some effect from the mental or physical discomforts of premenstrual syndrome.
It is believed that many of these symptoms are caused by a hormone known by the name prolactin. The GLA found in hemp seeds produces a substance in the body that offsets the effects of prolactin.
The GLA content in hemp seeds is also believed to provide benefits to women that suffer from menopause. The exact functions in GLA that provide this benefit is unclear, but it is believed by some that the GLA contained in hemp seeds balances the hormones and reduces the inflammation that causes postmenopausal discomfort.
Health Of Hair, Nails, And Skin
The benefits of hemp oil to skin, hair, and nails have been well-chronicled. In fact, many high-end cosmetics name hemp seed oil as an active ingredient as the oil from hemp seeds have been shown to penetrate the inner layers of the skin and promote healing at a cellular level resulting in both the smoothening and softening of the skin.
Clinical studies have documented the effectiveness of hemp seed oil use in treating eczema.
Consuming hemp seeds daily may prove to be all that is needed to maintain optimal skin health. Additionally, topical solutions can be created by combining hemp seed oil with shea butter and an essential oil of your choice.
Cancer Fighting Properties
Hemp seeds provide direct benefits to both inflammation levels in the body and the ability of the body to ward off disease. There is much-documented evidence that these qualities of hemp seeds can be extremely beneficial to cancer patients.
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer explains that hemp seed has displayed the ability to not only stop but also reverse the progression of some forms of brain cancers.
Likewise, a similar study reported that hemp seed improved the condition of breast cancer patients whose condition had reached advanced stages.
Researchers working from a university in Germany uncovered evidence suggesting that the cannabinoids from hemp seeds are inhibitors of both the growth of tumors and metastasis.
These results were particularly true for victims of lung cancer.
Overall Source Of Nutrition
A hemp seed is technical a nut and is extremely nutritious. The seed is 30% fat and contains beneficial amounts of the essential linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids. Hemp seeds also contain the extremely beneficial gamma-linoleic acid.
Hemp seeds are also 25% protein which compares favorably to other seeds like chia and flax which contain no more than 18% protein by content.
Vitamin E and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium are all abundantly provided by servings of hemp seed.
The historical benefits of consuming raw, cooked, or roasted hemp seed are unquestioned as the been has been used as a source of both food and medicine dating back 3000 years in China.
Final Words
Hemp seeds are highly nutritious to eat and will be a healthy addition to most diets. While it is certain that no one individual needs help with all ten hemp seed benefits listed above, it is likely that most people can benefit from a little help with one or two of these issues.
For these individuals, there can be nothing more effective or healthy than enjoying hemp seed in any form.