Nutrition is a very important part to look at because if you take care of your body, you are going to live a long and healthy life. Hemp seeds can do just that. They have been proven to help in weight loss, increasing energy levels, and decreasing symptoms related to depression, cancer, and more. The article lists the benefits of hemp seeds for pain, weight loss, and cancer patients.
Where Do They Come From?
Hemp seeds came from the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Sometimes hemp is confused with the cannabis plants, which serve as sources of the drug marijuana. Although we can say that all three products – hemp, marijuana, and hashish contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s a compound that also produces psychoactive effects in humans. The variation of cannabis cultivated for hemp has only little to small amounts of THC relative to that grown for the production of hashish or marijuana.
We can also add that hemp seeds are known to be rich and nutritious in healthy protein, fats, and various minerals.
Hemp seeds are highly nutritious and edible [1]. These seeds also have a high concentration of fiber. They also contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids are important nutrients for the heart and skin health.
Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are one of the most nutritious seeds in the world, and when you add that to the fact that they are easier to digest and have minimal to no side effects, I think it’s fair to say that when it comes to eating hemp seeds, we need to get over our misconceptions. The majority of people simply don’t know enough about hemp seed’s benefits that can be attributed due to their consumption. Below are the amazing benefits of hemp seeds
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
As we all know, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide [2]. The most interesting thing about this hemp seeds may reduce your risk of having heart disease. The seeds do contain high amounts of amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in our bodies [3]. If you’re curious, nitric oxide is a gas molecule that makes our blood vessels dilate and relax, leading to lowered blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease.
May Benefit Skin Disorders
Hemp seeds are also very rich in healthy fats. They have an amazing ratio of 3:1 of omega-6 to omega-3, which benefits skin diseases and also provides relief from eczema and its uncomfortable, itchy symptoms.
A study shows that giving hemp seed oil to people who have eczema may improve blood levels of essential fatty acids. The hemp seed’s oils may also improve itchiness, relieve dry skin, and reduce the need for skin medication [4].
May Reduce Symptoms of PMS
Women of reproductive age suffer from the physical and emotional symptoms caused by premenstrual syndrome, which is caused by the sensitivity to the hormone prolactin. Hemp seeds have gamma-linolenic acid, which produces prostaglandin E1, reducing prolactin’s effects [5],[6].
In a study that was conducted for women with PMS, they took 1 gram of essential fatty acids, which also includes 210 mg of GLA per day, which resulted in a significant decrease in symptoms [7].
Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects people worldwide. This autoimmune condition causes the immune system to attack its own tissues, leading to the joints’ inflammation.
Research from 2014 conducted on human cells said that hemp seed oil might have anti-rheumatic effects [8].
Brain Health
For an optimal level of nutritional benefit, a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty is great, which hemp seeds have. Because this balance supports both cognitive and heart health, wherein most diets lack.
It also contains another amazing plant compound called terpenes. With further research ongoing, studies suggest that terpenes may be useful in helping to protect the brain and prevent tumor growth.
Other Health Benefits
Although there is not enough research data to back up claims that hemp seeds are a safe or effective treatment for various conditions. But other people still use it as a remedy for various illnesses, though, including:
- Bloating
- Cough
- Arthritis
- Syphilis
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
- Warts (when applied topically to the skin)
- Urinary conditions (for increasing the urine flow)
Hemp Seed Nutritional Profile
Another amazing thing that this seed has to offer is that it contains a lot of protein, fiber, and healthful fatty acids.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), consuming 3 tablespoons of it has 116 calories and the following nutrients [9]:
| Protein | 9.46 g |
| Fat | 1.20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.60 g |
| Monosaturated fatty acids | 1.62 g |
| Total fatty acids | 14.62 g |
| Saturated fatty acids | 1.38 g |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 11.43 g |
This wondrous seed also has a healthful source of vitamin E and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil
Hemp oil is also popularly known as hemp seed oil. This is obtained by cold-pressing hemp seeds. Hemp seed oil is also different from CBD oil. CBD oil is extracted directly from the cannabis plant combined with base oil.
Hemp oil comes from hemp seeds only. It isn’t derived from the cannabis plant itself. It also doesn’t contain any psychoactive properties, and you can’t get high from it.
Side Effects of Hemp Seeds
Consuming whole hemp seeds by mouth may cause a lot of side effects, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Bradycardia
- Throat Irritation
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Hypertension
Eating this seed is not considered safe at all, including eating hemp leaves or other parts of the plant. Due to the high-fat content, the seeds may cause mild diarrhea.
Furthermore, take note that there is not enough research done or research data to prove that hemp is safe for use for pregnant or breastfeeding people. It also lacks research to show if it is safe to use topically on the skin.
How to Prepare Hemp Seeds
You can eat it roasted, raw, or cooked with other foods. It’s popular in China to use hemp seed oil as food or made into medicine for thousands of years.
There are various ways to hemp seeds, oil, and protein, including:
- On oatmeal or cereal
- Nut butter
- Yogurt
- Smoothie
- Meal bars or granola bars
- Salad dressing
- Baked goods
- Hemp milk
- Cooking oil
Storage
They should be stored properly. Because the healthy fats that it has can degrade if they are exposed to air for long periods. It also has a similar effect if they are stored at high temperatures. If stored that way, it may contain unhealthy trans fat, which is linked to heart disease.
It’s important to store hemp seeds and oil in an airtight container. Keeping it in a cool, dark place is ideal.
These hemp products come in various forms, including:
- Hemp oil
- Hemp milk
- Protein Powder from Hemp
Dosage
It depends on several factors when we’re going to talk about the dosage of any herbal or natural supplement, like hemp. There are two important considerations to take, which are age and health condition. Keep in mind to never take more than the recommended dosage.
Asking your doctor before taking hemp or any herb is ideal. Because there are certain instances that the recommended dosage might not be right for you.
If you’re considering eating hemp seeds, some experts suggest taking and starting it slow. We have to consider if you have any digestive problems. Starting with 1 teaspoon and working your way up as tolerated.
FAQs
Is Hemp Seed a Superfood?
This amazon seed gives you the perfect combination of iron, fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, and essential amino acids. They also make a complete food source and are regarded as a superfood.
Do Hemp Seeds Contain Cannabidiol?
Hemp seeds come from Cannabis sativa plants but don’t contain cannabidiol.
What Does Hemp Taste Like?
Hemp seeds do have a mild, nutty flavor to them. Similar to unsalted sunflower seeds, although the texture is not as hard.
Are Hemp Seed Hearts and Hemp Seed The Same?
Absolutely not. The fibrous shell of hemp hearts is removed, which makes them lower in fiber and other amazing nutrients than whole hemp seeds. They are also not as nutritious as hemp seeds. However, hemp hearts are high in healthy polyunsaturated fats.
Bottomline
Hemp seeds are also a great source of fiber and protein. They also have other health benefits, though there is not enough research to say for sure. Hemp seeds may also interact with other drugs and cause certain side effects, and it’s important to consult your doctor first before adding hemp seeds into your diet.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Vonapartis, E., Aubin, M. P., Seguin, P., Mustafa, A. F., & Charron, J. B. (2015, May). Seed composition of ten industrial hemp cultivars approved for production in Canada. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 39, 8–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2014.11.004
- The top 10 causes of death. (2020, December 9). Retrieved September 13, 2022, from https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death
- Napoli, C., & Ignarro, L. J. (2009). Nitric oxide and pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of vascular diseases. Archives of pharmacal research, 32(8), 1103–1108. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-009-1801-1
- Callaway, J., Schwab, U., Harvima, I., Halonen, P., Mykkänen, O., Hyvönen, P., & Järvinen, T. (2005). Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. The Journal of dermatological treatment, 16(2), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546630510035832
- ACOG committee opinion. Premenstrual syndrome. Number 155–April 1995 (replaces no. 66, January 1989) Committee on Gynecologic Practice. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (1995). International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 50(1), 80–84.
- Rocha Filho, E. A., Lima, J. C., Pinho Neto, J. S., & Montarroyos, U. (2011). Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Reproductive health, 8, 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-8-2
- Rocha Filho, E. A., Lima, J. C., Pinho Neto, J. S., & Montarroyos, U. (2011). Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Reproductive health, 8, 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-4755-8-2
- Jeong, M., Cho, J., Shin, J. I., Jeon, Y. J., Kim, J. H., Lee, S. J., Kim, E. S., & Lee, K. (2014, July). Hempseed oil induces reactive oxygen species- and C/EBP homologous protein-mediated apoptosis in MH7A human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synovial cells. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 154(3), 745–752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.04.052
- FoodData Central. (n.d.). Retrieved September 13, 2022, from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170148/nutrients
