Hemp is a versatile plant with many health benefits. It has a nutty taste that goes well with salads, yogurt and avocado toast.
Hulled hemp seeds (hemp hearts) are rich in nutrient-dense omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the amino acid arginine, which helps reduce cholesterol levels and promote heart health. They can be roasted to add crunch to snacks and main dishes.
Health Benefits
Hemp seeds are nutrient-dense powerhouses that offer a good source of protein, healthy fats and fibre. They contain both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated and help reduce bad cholesterol levels while improving good ones. They also contain arginine, which helps the body produce nitric oxide, which improves blood flow.
Hemps are high in soluble and insoluble fibre, which is essential for digestive health. They are also a great source of vitamin E, magnesium and iron. The seeds contain a healthy dose of potassium, which is important for heart health. Hemp seeds are also low in fat and contain no trans fats, making them a healthy alternative to other oils.
Research shows that hemp seed oil can relieve eczema and other itchy skin conditions. This is because it contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Hemp seed oil may also help lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering triglycerides and improving blood pressure.
The omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seeds can strengthen the immune system, preventing diseases such as colds and flu. In addition, they can help treat acne by reducing inflammation. The seeds also have antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress on the body and protect against certain cancers.
In addition to omega fatty acids, hemp seeds are rich in a number of vitamins and minerals. They have iron, zinc, folate, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin E. The protein in hemp seeds is also essential for maintaining a healthy weight and building muscle.
Hemp seeds have a mild flavour and nutty taste, so they can be added to many foods. However, consuming hemp seeds in large quantities can cause diarrhoea in some people. It is important to consume them in small amounts at first, until your body gets used to the dietary change.
Weight Loss Benefits
Hemp is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that can help you lose weight and build muscle. It is one of the few plant foods considered “complete proteins,” meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids. It also helps to suppress hunger, boost metabolism and promote fat loss. Its high fiber content is helpful in preventing overeating and weight gain. Incorporate hemp seeds into your meals to enjoy the benefits of this superfood.
Hemp seeds are packed with protein, a crucial nutrient that helps the body to feel full and reduce cravings. They are also rich in fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which support healthy metabolism, reduce inflammation, and increase energy levels. You can incorporate hemp seeds into your diet by sprinkling them over a salad or adding them to a smoothie. You can also make Hemp Seed Energy Balls by combining dates, cocoa powder, and hemp seeds in a food processor.
In addition to reducing hunger, hemp seeds are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, which helps digestion. They contain both ALA and GLA fatty acids, which help prevent inflammation in the digestive tract and stimulate the production of bile, which can help reduce constipation.
Hemp seeds are also a source of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which are known to have an appetite-suppressing effect. These compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body, which is responsible for many control processes, including appetite, digestion and metabolism. ECS can become out of balance with certain conditions, such as stress or a poor diet. ECS supplementation with CBD and other cannabinoids can help bring the body back into balance.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Hemp is a rich source of EFAs and polyunsaturated fats. These are healthy fats that help lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular issues. In addition to its heart-healthy properties, hemp seeds are rich in arginine which can convert to nitric oxide and improve blood flow. Hemp also contains magnesium, a mineral that promotes normal heart rhythm and helps to lower high blood pressure.
Moreover, hemp seed benefits include the ability to relieve constipation and alleviate dermatological problems. Hemp oil, which is made from pressing the seeds, has been shown to improve skin and hair health by moisturizing and promoting healthy cell growth.
Another important hemp benefit is its protein content. It contains all essential amino acids. This makes it a valuable source of protein for vegetarians and vegans who cannot get the amino acids they need from other sources.
Hemp seed contains vitamin B1 (thiamine) and manganese. Thiamine is an essential nutrient that helps break down carbohydrates and produce energy for your body. A three-tablespoon serving of hemp seeds contains 35 percent of your daily allowance of thiamine.
Manganese is an antioxidant and a powerful anti-inflammatory. It's necessary for many critical functions, including blood sugar regulation, protein production, bone health and normal heart function, according to the National Institutes of Health. A serving of hemp seeds provides nearly 130 percent of your daily allowance of manganese.
Hemp seeds are high in fiber and protein. They are also a good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. However, it is important to be aware that too much dietary fiber can cause gastrointestinal distress. It is important to monitor your fiber intake and limit it to 25 grams per day.
Immune System Benefits
Hemp contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals that our immune system needs to function optimally. The seeds have a very high fibre content, protein and healthy fats that provide the nutrients our immune system needs to fight off infections. Hemp seed oil is also rich in omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids, which are known to support a healthy immune system. These fatty acids can synthesise endocannabinoids to help reinforce the body’s natural immune response.
Hemp seeds are also rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that can protect our cells from damage. They also contain many other minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium. These nutrients contribute to building and repairing cells, muscles and tissues. They also support our nervous system, kidney functions, blood pressure regulation and help balance our pH levels.
In addition to these vitamins and minerals, hemp seeds also contain a wide variety of phytonutrients that can provide our bodies with a number of health benefits. These phytonutrients include flavonoids and terpenes, which can have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Hemp is also a good source of linoleic acid, which helps lower cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Hemp is not prone to many diseases or pests, and it can be grown on a variety of soils. However, it is vulnerable to root-feeding insects such as flea beetles and rice root chafers. These insects can cause damage to the plant, but Integrated Pest Management programs are in place to prevent them from damaging the crop. These programs include cultural and physical controls as well as chemical applications, with insecticides being used only when necessary.
Side Effects
Hemp is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, good fats and other plant compounds that boost the body’s immunity and prevent autoimmune diseases. Consuming hemp regularly can also improve digestion and keep the gut clean. Hemp seeds are also a source of fibre, which helps reduce cholesterol levels. In addition, they help increase the metabolism and suppress appetite. They also contain linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid that can be converted to gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, which may have anti-inflammatory properties and enhance skin health.
Hempseeds contain a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, which are essential for the body’s heart health. They are rich in arginine, which converts to nitric oxide, a molecule that keeps blood vessels open and relaxed. This decreases the chances of atherosclerosis, which is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. Hemp also contains soluble and insoluble fibre, which helps the digestive system function properly and promotes regularity.
Hemp is also a good source of magnesium, an important mineral that plays a role in regulating stress hormones. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein, which provides the building blocks of the human body. It is rich in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and protects the body from damage from free radicals. It also contains a healthy dose of zinc and iron. The oil produced by hemp seeds contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the oil can cause gastrointestinal issues in people who are not used to it. It can also cause diarrhoea in some people, especially if they consume too much of it.
