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Hemp seeds are high in fiber and rich in nutrients, allowing for health benefits such as improving heart and brain health, reducing stress, and boosting immunity.
Hemp seeds are nuts of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa commonly known as marijuana. They are small yellowish seeds that are rich in many nutrients.
Technically, hemp seeds have almost no amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main component of marijuana that produces mind-altering effects, thus making the seeds safe for consumption and nutrient-rich food sources. Additionally, hemp seeds are called superfoods because of their health benefits.
8 health benefits of hemp seeds
The health benefits of hemp seeds include:
- Improved heart health: A high amount of linoleic acide, omega-3 fatty acids, and unsaturated fatty acids keep bad cholesterol in check and promote the formation of good cholesterol, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and keeping the heart and cardiovascular system healthy. The hemp seed oil has also been shown to lower blood pressure levels.
- Improved brain health: Hemp seeds have a lot of omega-3 fatty acids and tannins that help in nerve development and healthy brain functioning.
- Treatment of skin conditions: Hemp seeds help reduce inflammation by producing a good amount of antioxidants, thus helping manage acne and atopic dermatitis.
- Management of inflammatory diseases: Consumption of hemp seeds reduces the severity of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis because of their anti-inflammatory effects.
- Help in digestion: Hemp seeds aid in digestion because of the high level of fiber present in them, which helps clean the gut.
- Improved immunity: Hemp seeds have a sufficient amount of amino acids and healthy fats that help maintain a good defense system. Their mineral and vitamin content also plays an integral role in improving immunity as well.
- Reduce stress and anxiety: Hemp seeds have high quantities of magnesium, amino acids, and B vitamins, making them a natural stress reliever.
- Counteract hormonal imbalances: The right type and amount of fats in hemp seeds help in adequate generation and maintenance of the hormones inside the body.
Why are hemp seeds called superfoods?
Hemp seeds are called superfoods because of their extremely rich nutritional value. They have all the nine essential amino acids that our body can’t produce (such a food source with all nine amino acids is very rare). They also have a high amount of unsaturated fats and omega-3 acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid, which are extremely important for heart and brain health.
Hemp seeds also contain the following essential vitamins and minerals:
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin E
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
Moreover, they contain a high amount of fiber that helps reduce appetite, aids in weight management, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and promotes good gut health. The seeds are also low in carbohydrates, making them ideal for low-carb diets.
What are the risks of consuming hemp seeds?
Risk factors are not related to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or the addictive effects of the seeds. The main concern is to eat the seeds in moderation because they are highly packed with nutrients, such as fats, that can increase weight in the long run. Moreover, the consumption of hemp seeds should be avoided with medicines such as anticoagulants because the seeds can hamper their effects on the body.
They should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited research and data available currently. People with a known risk of food allergies should be cautious before eating hemp seeds.
How are hemp seeds consumed?
Hemp seeds can be consumed in the following ways:
- Seeds can be added as an ingredient in:
- cereal or yogurt
- smoothies
- cooked vegetables
- Hemp milk can be made and added to various beverages
- Hemp powder can be made and consumed with water