5 Potential Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Author: Jason Beverly
About 10,000 years ago, hemp, or Cannabis sativa L., which was grown mainly in Asian regions, was considered a major crop in ancient times. Its fibrous stems were converted into fabrics, clothes, and paper back then. Now, it’s cultivated all over the world.
Not to be mistaken for its close relative, marijuana, hemp is classified as a non-drug and has no mind-altering effects if consumed or ingested. That’s because it contains very little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive compound present in marijuana responsible for giving the user the feeling of being ‘high’ or ‘stoned.’
Furthermore, hemp produces seeds that are highly nutritious. Some may even consider it a superfood due to its perceived health benefits and disease-fighting properties. In China, it’s believed that hemp seeds have been utilized for their medicinal properties for about 3,000 years.
Whether raw or cooked, hemp seeds can easily be consumed. That said, here are the several purported health benefits of incorporating these seeds in your regular diet:
1. Nutrition-Packed
Seeds culled from hemp are classified as nuts, and, as with any other variety in this plant family; it’s seriously packed with vitamins and other nutrients. Their biggest draw is that they’re brimming with essential fatty acids.
These fatty acids are said to be responsible for a host of health benefits, including giving your organs such as heart, eyes, and brain a boost. Seeds from hemp are also a rich source of vitamin E and healthful compounds critical to help maintain your body’s proper functioning; including thiamine, zinc, potassium, and folate, among many other minerals. Apart from essential fatty acids, seeds produced by hemp are also said to be high in protein.
2. May Boost Heart Health
Essential fatty acids are said to improve heart health, reducing risks of threats such as heart disease and arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat, and stroke.
Arginine, an amino acid that transforms into nitric oxide, is found abundantly in hemp seeds, especially if grown from the best hemp seed banks. Nitric oxide, as it turns out, is critical in facilitating artery and vein dilation, keeping the blood vessels elastic.
These seeds are likewise packed with magnesium, a nutrient known to regulate heartbeat and is found to be one of the keys to preventing coronary heart disease. Mixing hemp seeds in your diet, complemented by a healthy diet and lifestyle, can all lead to a reduced risk of heart diseases.
3. May Have Neuroprotective Properties
Researchers suggest that hemp seeds are packed with antioxidants responsible for cell repair and damage. The cannabidiol (CBD) content in hemp seeds is thought to be responsible for these actions and more, including
Hemp seeds contain healthful compounds that may help address various problems in your body, a 2018 review found out. These circular, small and brown, seeds may protect the brain and could shield you from the damaging impact of neuro-inflammatory diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. It’s also believed to help solve seizure disorders in children.
4. Help Reduce Inflammation
Because of their antioxidant properties and plentiful omega-3 and omega-6 content, hemp seeds are said to help reduce inflammation.
As a great source of a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is said to possess anti-inflammatory properties, called gamma linolenic acid or GLA, seeds coming from hemp may be effective against pain and swelling. In animals, GLA was found to have reduced inflammation. Researchers, however, were quick to point out that it may not be as effective in humans, being that we process GLA differently.
Either way, countering the inflammatory processes in the body can help prevent a host of health problems which include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, among other conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease, which means your body mistakenly attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation. There are mixed results conducted in two separate studies, though.
5. Help Improve Skin Conditions
Considered as forms of skin inflammation, atopic dermatitis and acne may be relieved by consuming a healthful dose of hemp seeds. It’s said that a lack of omega-3 may contribute to acne breakouts. With this, proper supplementation of omega-3, for instance, by consuming more hemp seeds, may alleviate this bothersome skin condition.
In easing atopic dermatitis symptoms, prebiotic and plant fibers could help. And, hemp seeds, being rich in fiber, is believed to offer relief against its damaging effects.
Takeaways
Seeds from hemp are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients such as essential fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and protein, among others. These compounds are perceived as effective in fighting off a wide range of inflammatory conditions that cause serious health problems.
Even in the absence of its proven therapeutic value, hemp seeds make a formidable health supplement because of their superior nutrient content.
