H
emp (also known as industrial hemp) is found in a variety of cannabis Sativa species. This plant is mainly produced for industrial use and is part of a wide range of products.
In addition to their
use in various products, hemp seeds
are also an edible product with many health and beauty benefits.
Hemp seeds are high in protein and are a natural source of iron. You can eat them raw, sprouted, ground into hemp flour, or make a form of dried hemp powder. Hemp seed can also be made into a liquid and used in baked goods or beverages such as tisanes or hemp milk. Hemp oil is a cold-pressed form of seed and is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The leaves of the hemp plant are also edible and are consumed raw as leafy greens in salads. These leaves are also pressed to make hemp juice.
Health benefits of hemp seed
Recently, people have considered hemp seed as a superfood. These seeds have a very rich nutritional profile and offer a range of health benefits. Despite coming from the cannabis Sativa family, they do not have any psychoactive effects. They are small brown seeds that are rich in fiber, fatty acids, and proteins. The fatty acid profile includes omega-3 and omega-6. Additionally, whole hemp seeds also have antioxidant effects. This can help reduce the symptoms of many health problems and improve overall skin, heart, and joint health. Here we will talk about hemp seed nutrition.
The incredible nutritional profile
Hemp seeds have an amazing nutritional profile. They have a mild nutty flavor also known as hemp hearts. These little hearts contain over 30% fats. They are rich in two essential fatty acids: linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). These seeds also contain gamma-linolenic acids that have many health benefits. They are also a source of protein: over 25% of their net calories come from high-quality proteins. This makes them more palatable than foods like flaxseed and chia seeds. Meanwhile, they provide you with vitamin E and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, zinc, iron, and sodium.
Reduced risk of heart problems
Hemp seeds can also reduce the risk of common heart problems. As heart problems are the leading cause of death worldwide, consuming hemp seed can help reduce the risk of heart problems. These seeds contain a large amount of amino acids known as arginine, which naturally produces nitric oxide in the body. This gas molecule can cause your blood vessels to dilate and relax, leading to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart problems. Meanwhile, the gamma-linolenic acid in hemp seed can also reduce inflammation, which ultimately can lower the risk of heart attacks.
Dealing with skin conditions
Sometimes, fatty acids can affect the immune response in the body. According to studies, the immune system relies on the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Since hemp seed is a good source of both polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids, your skin can benefit from it. Giving hemp seed oil to people with eczema can improve the blood levels of essential fatty acids. The oil can also relieve dry skin and reduce itching, while reducing the need for skin medication. However, it is strongly recommended to consult a dermatologist before taking such medications.
Great source of plant-based proteins
Over 25% of the calories in hemp seed come from the protein portion. This is relatively higher than other plants. By weight, hemp seeds provide the same amount of protein as lamb and beef. About two to three tablespoons of hemp oil provide almost 11 grams of protein. Being a complete protein source, they can also provide all the necessary amino acids. If your body is unable to produce essential amino acids, adding hemp seed oil can supplement the required quota.