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Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds

Known as one of the healthiest seeds on Earth, the health benefits of hemp seeds will enhance your diet.

By Ami RoachPublished 8 years ago 7 min read
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Despite the similarity in appearance to marijuana, hemp is an entirely different strain of cannabis. Hemp contains a much lower concentration of the active ingredient Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), present in marijuana, which gives weed its most notable mind altering effect. Studies have shown that this has been limited to less than 1 percent in the hemp plant, while marijuana contains a whopping 20 percent. So one can relinquish any fear they may have that they are daringly tip-toeing into the world of a drug addict, once they have consumed this hemp in any form.

Although the difference is significant in proportion, this has not prevented various governments from outlawing the cultivation of the plant in several countries. In the United States for instance, they fail to recognize the difference between industrial hemp and cannabis and regard the former with the same amount of illegality that they do marijuana.

Industrial hemp can be harvested for their oil, seeds and fibers, and thrives well in any environment. They are also a viable product to harvest as they are not easily susceptible to pests and disease.

Produced from the Cannabis Sativa L hemp plant grown in regions such as Canada, United States, Europe, China and Japan, the hemp seeds are said to contain essential fatty and amino acids, necessary for a healthy diet. Grant Pierce, the executive director of research at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnepeg Manitoba Canada, who has conducted several studies on the benefits of hemp seeds has indicated that they provide several benefits of a cardiovascular nature due to its bioactive compounds.

Further studies have highlighted that additional benefits of hemp seeds are in the fact that they are high in protein, vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorous, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron and zinc. It contains 21 amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids.Hemp seeds also contain various fats and oils including omega-6.

Studies have proven that a diet rich in omega 3 and 6 enhances one’s metabolism and provides the individual with a greater resistance to blood clotting, inflammation, and cancer. As many might not know, the benefits of hemp seed can contribute to one’s overall health and wellness.


Cardiovascular Health

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Hemp seeds have been shown to have a profound impact on the control and maintenance of good cardiovascular health. They have been linked to the improvement of various heart conditions as well as the lowering of one’s Cholesterol. Hemp seeds are high in fibre which has been known to remove excess Cholesterol from the artery walls, allowing for processing and subsequent elimination in the excretory system. Addition health benefits of hemp seeds can be found in the omega fatty acids they contain, which have been known to have a positive effect on heart health. As a matter of fact, 3:1 or 4:1, omega 6 fatty acid to omega 3 fatty acid is the recommended intake that specialists suggest; and one can breathe easy and find comfort in knowing that this amount is already contained in hemp seeds! That makes the seeds perfect for consumption, as they provide the right nutritional balance which allow for the prevention of a heart attack and stroke.

Cancer Prevention

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Hemp seeds aid in the elimination of free radicals. You’re probably wondering why this is important and what this means for you. Free radicals are the by-products of cellular metabolism which damage healthy cells and replace it with cancerous ones. This corrupts the quality of the cells and compromises their performance. One of the health benefits of hemp seeds, however, is that by consuming the seeds, they destroy these free radical by acting as an antioxidant, which slows or terminates the reaction before cells are damaged. This essentially lowers the risk of cancer development. Additionally, the presence of significantly higher levels of vitamin E, namely, tocopherol (y-tocopherol) helps to reduce incidences of colon cancer, acting as an anti-cancer agent by decreasing the formation of mutagens resulting from free radical oxidation.


Digestion

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It’s a common plight of doctors, but many do not understand the importance of consuming a diet high in fiber. It is recommended that women under 50 receive 25 grams of fiber daily, and men under 50 should receive 38. But why is fiber so important to good digestive health?

“It helps to keep waste moving through your intestines” explains Boston University’s Joan Salge, Clinical Associate Professor of Nutrition. This prevents constipation and diarrhea and allows waste to be properly excreted from our bodies. Fiber also helps to control hunger and by extension weight gain as it provides you with a full feeling, faster, which helps to satisfy snack cravings.

As an excellent source of dietary fiber, one of the health benefits of hemp is that you can get the fiber in both soluble and insoluble form. Both are essential to the relieving of the digestive tract, as well as the increase in digestive and gastric juices to aid in regulating the digestive process.

Menopause and PMS

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Many women suffer from symptoms of PMS and menopause on a daily basis. Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) present in hemp seeds has been noted for its effect on the aforementioned conditions. GLA produces Prostaglandin E1 which has been found to reduce the effects of Prolactin which causes abnormal facial hair in women. In a study of women with PMS, after taking one gram of essential fatty acids per day, it was revealed that they noticed significant reduction in the decrease in their symptoms.

It's a Cruelty Free Protein Alternative

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Hemp seeds have been proven to contain all the amino acids that our body needs and constitute a good source of protein for us to consume. This makes it a great addition to meals for the average person, as well as athletes and body builders. The health benefits of hemp seed extend to those who require a vast amount of protein to enable them to effectively fuel and promote muscle recovery, as well as tone and build muscle mass. Hemp seeds contain approximately 65 percent Edestin and 35 percent Albumin amino acids, the former of which is considered to be the most digestible form of protein as a result of its closeness to the structure of protein found in human blood. Additionally, hemp seeds provide an excellent remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort as it is free from sugars like those found in soy and oligosaccharides, which studies have shown, have a tendency to cause minor stomach pains.

Hormonal Balance

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The presence of gamma-linoleic acid in hemp seeds acts as a hormone regulator that can combat several of the symptoms that arise from hormonal imbalances. GLA specifically targets the pancreas and thyroids and curbs symptoms of moods swings, depression and anxiety. Gamma-linoleic acid is known to produce prostaglandins which research has shown, soothe muscle contracts, control body temperature, as well as inflammation.


Treatment of Anemia

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Anemia is a disease resulting from the deficiency of red blood cells, or hemoglobin, in the blood due to a decrease in iron intake in the body. One of the health benefits of hemp seeds is that they provide a good source of iron necessary to combat this illness. It aids in the proper construction of the red bloods cells and is a necessary requirement in an individual’s diet.

Appetite Suppressant

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Consumption of hemp seeds are encouraged in some form or another, as it allows for the management of an individual’s weight. The seeds can be added to salads, blended in shakes, or added to full meals to provide the enhancement of the nutritional value of a meal. The protein content in hemp seeds, upon consumption, helps to make the body feel full. This is achieved due to the absorption of amino acids which have been found to inhibit the release of ghrelin. Additionally, people suffering from hypertension can consume hemp seeds, as the low sodium content poses little threat to the sodium levels within the body. This makes regulating the disease much easier for patients.

Hair, Skin, and Nails

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Hemp seeds have been proven to assist in repairing skin conditions, such as dry and flaky scalp. Additionally, they promote essential cell growth and help to improve the overall conditions of the skin. Homemade products, such as skin creams and masks, can help to provide soothing relief to the skin. Dermatologists have indicated that the health benefits of hemps seeds can have a positive effect on several skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Insomnia

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Can’t sleep? Tossing and turning all night? Hemp seeds might be what you need to sleep a little better at night. The high mineral content in the seeds, such as magnesium, provide an effective relief for insomnia. When digested hemps seeds release serotonin and when serotonin travels to the brain, further produces melatonin, a powerful sleep aid which helps to soothe and relax the nerves in the body.

The health benefits of hemp seeds are numerous and a true testament to the superior qualities of this plant. A great additive to your dietary practices, hemp seeds join the line of other great seeds that have been proven to have quite the significant impact on our overall health and wellness.

A great addition to any snack, Hemp Hearts have a slightly nutty taste, similar to a sunflower seed or pine nut. Add these hemp seeds to your yogurt, salads, and smoothies, or eat them straight out of the bag. Gain all the health benefits of hemp seeds named above by adding these seeds to your daily diet for a quick and easy boost to your overall mind and body wellness!

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About the Creator

Ami Roach

Jewish Barnard graduate, surprise surprise.

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