Written by What are Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds are found in the hemp plant. They are the edible seeds in the hemp plant that are also called “hemp hearts.” As you may know, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component in cannabis. This component is responsible for giving you that “floating” feeling. However, hemp seeds don’t contain even a single milligram of THC.
How to Use or Consume Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds can be in the form of whole seeds, hulled seeds (hemp hearts), hemp seed oil, or hemp protein powder. But if they are in their original seed form, you can incorporate it in several ways such as:
• Sprinkling on smoothies, yogurt, or cereal
• Topping hemp seeds on ice cream
• Baking with brownies or cookies
• Use as a salad topping
Hemp seed oil can also be used in several ways such as topically applying onto the face or orally by taking a tablespoon or two daily. You can also use hemp seed oil as a salad dressing or give your pasta sauce a little oomph.
Benefits of Hemp Seeds
1. Good Fiber Source
The body needs two kinds of fibers: Soluble and insoluble fibers. To tell the difference between the two, soluble fiber absorbs water and insoluble fiber doesn’t. While soluble and insoluble fibers are found in oatmeal, beans, apples, nuts, fruits, whole wheat grains, and bread, hemp seeds are a good source of both fibers.
Soluble fiber is known to control sugar levels especially if you have type 1 or 2 diabetes. On the other hand, insoluble fiber is known to aid in digestion, keeping your gut in good condition.
2. Great Substitute for Meat
Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids the body needs. As you may know, amino acids are considered the building blocks of proteins. Proteins aid the body in many different ways such as promoting muscle growth, preventing muscle loss, boosting workout sessions, or improving sleep and mood.
3. Improve Skin Conditions
As mentioned, hemp seed oil can be applied topically if you want to soothe skin irritation or some dry patches in your skin. But of course, hemp seeds can equally provide you with the same benefits. Because they contain enough omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, they help to improve the body’s immune responses to external and internal toxins. They also support your skin’s structure, keeping your skin hydrated.
4. Enhance Heart Health
Because of amino acids called arginine, hemp seeds can lower your chances of heart failures. Nitric oxide, which is found in the blood, is responsible for opening up the blood vessels. The more arginine intake, the more nitric oxide increases. Hence, when the blood vessels are expanded, this prevents blood clots which in turn, reduces the chances of heart attacks.
5. May Help in Neurological Disorders
Hemp seeds may come in specks, but they are very powerful seeds that may help patients with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or neuropathic pain because of CBD’s (cannabidiol) beneficial properties.
6. Lessen Inflammation
GLA (gamma linolenic acid) is an essential omega-6 fatty acid. It is mostly found in leafy green vegetables and nuts. However, hemp seeds also contain a good amount of GLA. GLA undergoes an oxidative process via our digestive system and then turns into dihomogamma linolenic acid (DGLA). The byproducts of this entire process are anti-inflammatory properties called eicosanoids. In effect, GLA modulates the inflammatory responses preventing chronic inflammation which is especially useful to relieve rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Hemp seeds are packed with the necessary vitamins and minerals the body needs to help bone healing, wound healing, and immune system boosting. Vitamins and minerals also help turn food into energy and fix cellular damage. You can find vitamin E in hemp seeds and minerals such as potassium, sodium, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc.
Author Bio:
Leanne Brooks is an ardent blogger, frequent traveler, and advocate of legalization, who loves to write about medical and recreational hemp and how these promote both mental and physical health. She also blogs at GreenSociety.ca, one of the leading online dispensaries in Canada.
