What are the health benefits of hemp seeds?

Hemp seeds are widely known to be one of the healthiest foods that you can consume, mainly due to its high nutrient content. Its various nutritional benefits range from improving heart health to aiding digestion and preventing chronic diseases. These seeds come from a type of cannabis sativa plant, which is the same plant that produces marijuana, but without the psychoactive substance THC. Let’s take a closer look at the significant health benefits of hemp seeds.

1. Rich in Nutrients

Hemp seeds are considered as a superfood because of the various nutrients it contains:

• Protein: A 30-gram serving of hemp seeds contains around 9.46 grams of protein making it higher than other plant-based protein sources such as flax seeds, chia seeds or quinoa.
• Healthy Fats: Hemp seeds are a great source of healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for the body but cannot be produced on its own.
• Fiber: The fiber present in hemp seeds helps regulate digestion, creates a feeling of fullness, and aids in weight management.
• Minerals and Vitamins: Hemp seeds have essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamin E.

2. Improved Heart Health

Hemp seeds are beneficial to heart health because of their high ratio of essential fatty acids omega-6 to omega-3, ranging from 3:1 to 1:1. Its key benefits include:

• Reduction in blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, improved blood circulation and prevention of heart disease.
• Contain lignanamides that help reduce blood pressure levels.

3. Improved Digestive Health

The fibers present in hemp seeds facilitate the growth of probiotics in the gut, which is useful for maintaining healthy digestion and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, bloating, and diarrhea.

4. Reduced Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seeds are due to its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, an omega-6 fatty acid that has been shown to be effective in treating inflammatory pain, joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.

5. Promotes Healthy Skin

Hemp seeds are a rich source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors. Its healthy fats help maintain the skin’s natural moisture and elasticity, keeping it smooth and supple. Furthermore, hemp seeds contain high levels of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, which are effective in minimizing inflammation and reducing acne and other skin-related issues, hence promoting healthy skin from the inside out.

6. Reduce Symptoms of PMS and Menopause

Hemp seeds contain GLA, an essential fatty acid that helps regulate hormone imbalances that can cause PMS symptoms. Hemp seeds also have phytoestrogens that mimic the activity of estrogen in the body, which may help relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and anxiety..

7. Helps in Weight Management

The fiber in hemp seeds decreases appetite and slows down digestion, which is useful in maintaining a feeling of fullness and helps in weight management. Hemp seeds are also rich in arginine, an amino acid known to assist weight loss by suppressing weight gain, reducing food intake, and regulating hormones that affect appetite.

8. Manage Stress, Depression, and Anxiety

Hemp seeds contain magnesium, promoting a better nervous system and lower anxiety. Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency causes anxiety; thus, consuming hemp seeds reduces the stress of everyday life.

9. Diabetes Management

The fiber content in hemp seeds helps regulate sugar levels, and its GLA content reduces inflammation caused by diabetes, making insulin function better in the body, ultimately regulating sugar levels.

Conclusion

Adding hemp seeds to your diet is an excellent way to improve your health and wellbeing. They are easy to add to different meals and are suitable for people of all ages. Its many health benefits including improving heart health, reducing inflammation, promoting healthy skin, reducing symptoms of PMS and menopause, and assisting in weight management are just the tip of the iceberg why hemp seeds are an essential superfood for your overall health.