Healthy! Nutritional value of hemp seeds


Healthy! Nutritional value of hemp seeds
Luke Sholl

Hemp is healthy! Nutritional value of hemp seeds is unmatched and provides many health benefits, along with high levels of essential vitamins and minerals.

Bring up the topic of hemp seeds at your next social gathering and you’re likely to turn a few heads. The sheer mention of anything related to cannabis is a lot for some people to handle, immediately conjuring up a mental image of getting high. In actuality, consuming hemp seeds does not result in any psychotropic effects. However, they do provide a myriad of nutritional benefits like no other seed on earth.

The verdict? Hemp is healthy! Nutritional value of hemp seeds cannot be overstated, as they feature a complex profile of proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, that reduce and prevent life threatening diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

RICH SOURCE OF PROTEIN

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein. Containing all 9 essential amino acids (EAA’s), that the human body does not produce, hemp seeds are second only to soybeans in protein content. In total, hemp seeds contain all 20 amino acids known to man, helping to stimulate muscle growth and strengthen the body’s natural defense system.

For vegetarians and vegans, hemp seeds are a perfectly valid meat substitute at around 10g of protein per three tablespoons. Seeds are relatively high in calories as well, making them a perfect dietary addition for athletes and other highly active individuals.

EXCELLENT SOURCE OF FATS

EXCELLENT SOURCE OF FATS

Some of the most important nutritional implications of hemp seeds originate in its rich concentration of fats. Indeed, over 30% of hemp seeds are made up of fats, with an uneven split of 75-80% polyunsaturated fats and 9-11% saturated fats. As such, hemp seeds are “perfectly balanced” with a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Humans need both types of these fats to be healthy. Contrary to popular belief, some types of fats are good for you!

Hemp contains a naturally occurring compound known as gamma linolenic acid or GLA. GLA is categorized as an omega-6 fatty acid, that shows particular promise in the realm of cancer treatments and promotes many other health benefits as well.

HEART AND HORMONE HEALTH

GLA is also essential in maintaining proper cardiovascular and hormonal health. The omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Hemp seeds contain arginine, an amino acid, that produces nitric acid, which ultimately helps to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Hemp seeds are quickly being recognized as beneficial for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). GLA produces prostaglandin E1 to reduce the adverse effects of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for causing symptoms of pain. GLA can help to ease the physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience.

GOOD FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Hemp seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fibers, that encourage healthy bowel movements and overall digestive health. By cultivating a healthy digestive system, these fibers help manage symptoms of high cholesterol and strengthen probiotics for total immune health.

HIGH DOSES OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS

A wealth of phytonutrients are contained in hemp seeds, making these the ideal avenue for receiving your necessary vitamins and minerals. Among some of the most occurring minerals are calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc.

Vitamins run the gamut with at least seven appearing in different concentrations, including vitamin A and vitamin B12. This strong phytocomplex allows for consumers to ingest a well-rounded course of nutrients, without having to purchase many different supplements contained in capsules and tinctures.

SKIN RELIEF

SKIN RELIEF

Hemp seeds contain antioxidants, that penetrate deep into the skin to relieve inflammation, dryness and redness. Hemp seed oil can be found in many popular skincare and haircare products, that spur healthy cell growth.

Hemp oils frequently appear as ingredients in eczema treatments, moisturizers and can be applied to help prevent acne. Hemp seeds encourage a quicker recovery from superficial wounds as the superfood does its best to supplement natural skin and cell regeneration.

NON-PSYCHOACTIVE

Before moving any further, it’s necessary to squash the rumor, that ingesting hemp seeds will make you feel high. You can rest assured this is not the case. While it’s true, that hemp is a genetic of the Cannabis sativa plant, it contains negligible levels of THC.

You will never have to worry about getting hit with a major stone half an hour after sprinkling some hemp seeds on your lunch. Years of stringent regulations have made consumers feel, that anything associated with cannabis is bad and unhealthy when in reality, the opposite is true!

COOKING WITH HEMP SEEDS

Surprisingly, hemp seeds aren’t actually seeds at all - they’re nuts. Once you taste them, it will all make sense. The beauty of this product is, that it can be infused into so many different types of food and beverage. If you’re short on time, you can easily sprinkle hemp seeds over hot dishes and salads. At the same time, you can blend them into smoothies and shakes to add an all-natural protein supplement to your regular routine. Anywhere you’d put chia seeds, you can easily sub in hemp.

Since hemp seeds are hunger suppressants, they naturally facilitate weight loss. Eating them as a snack in the form of a energy bar is a great way to get good fats and protein on the go, without having to craft an entire meal. This is especially useful for those with busy jobs who eat their lunch with one hand and type with the other.

HOW AMAZING IS HEMP?!

It isn’t outrageous to deem hemp a miracle plant. In addition to containing game-changing cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as aromatic terpenes, hemp also provides a well rounded course of nutritional benefits, that inspires real impacts on human emotional and physical health.

Luke Sholl
Luke Sholl

Fascinated by the wellness potential of nature, Luke has spent over a decade writing about cannabis and its vast selection of cannabinoids. Creating, researching and writing content for Cannaconnection, alongside several other industry-related publications, he uses strong technical SEO skills and diligent research to bring evidence-based material to thousands of unique visitors.