7 Amazing Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are collected from the plant of Cannabis sativa. Though these small, hard, brown seeds are collected from Cannabis sativa, they do not create any kind of cognitive dysfunction. On the contrary, these days, hemp seeds are considered to be a superfood that offers a wide variety of high nutritional values.⁽¹⁾ Consuming hemp seeds on a regular basis offers several health benefits. The small brown color seeds provide several vital dietary nutrients like fiber, protein, Omega 3, Omega 6, and fatty acids. They are a rich source of antioxidants that help to improve general health and also keep diseases of skin, heart, and bones at bay.

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fats. In the course of this discussion, we will take a look at the health benefits of consuming hemp seeds:

1. Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds In Terms of Protein Sources

   Hemp seeds are a rich source of protein. They contain as much protein as that in soybeans. About 30 grams of hemp seeds contain about 9.46 grams of protein. They can provide us with all 9 essential proteins and amino acids.^(1,2) Hence, they can be a great source of providing the building blocks for all the important proteins needed by the human body. No other plant-based food can provide us with all this protein content. Hence all vegans out there can include hemp seeds in their diet regularly to provide them with all the needed proteins. They can help to build stronger muscles and also boost the general immune system of the body. Regular intake of hemp seeds can keep cardiac problems at bay.⁽²⁾

2. Unsaturated Fats in Hemp Seeds and its Health Benefits

   Fats are a very important nutrient needed in maintaining a healthy body. However, these fats must be unsaturated, so that they do not foster the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body. Otherwise, the bad cholesterol can lead to several other health issues.⁽³⁾ Hemp seeds are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acid is rich in unsaturated fats. This has made hemp seeds very popular with the health-conscious people of the current times. The human body is unable to produce Omega 3 fatty acids on its own. Hence, it needs to absorb these nutrients from the dietary intake. However, the body must get a balanced intake of omega 3 and Omega 6. Nevertheless, the kind of diet we have, the amount of Omega 6 is much greater than that of Omega 3. This disturbs the balance between both nutrients. Having hemp seeds can balance this ratio between Omega 3 and Omega 6.⁽⁴⁾

3. Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds From the Rich Source of Fiber

   In a balanced diet, the role of fiber is really important. Fiber can play a very significant role in treating different diseases of the human body. People struggling with problems of weight management can use fiber to their advantage. Likewise in diabetes, fiber yet again, play a major role in helping to control sudden sugar spikes. The glucose content in fiber-rich foods is much lower and digesting fiber takes a long time.⁽³⁾ This helps a person with diabetes to feel full for a long time and also keep the blood sugar levels low. Likewise, fiber helps to promote better gut health. Hemp seeds are a great source of fiber. 30 grams of hemp seeds contain as much as 1.2 grams of fiber.

4. Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds to Promote Better Health Due to the Presence of Vitamins and Minerals

   Hemp seeds are a very important and effective source of a wide array of vitamins and minerals. To summarize the essential vitamins and minerals available from these tiny seeds, the list will include nutritional elements like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, Vitamin E, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, folate, and Vitamin B6.^(1,2) It is needless to say that with all these micronutrients packed into these little seeds, they help to promote better health and stronger immunity in the human body.

5. Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds in Protecting the Brain

   Owing to the nature of the origin of hemp seeds, they contain certain elements and features of cannabidiol or CBD. This compound of the hemp seed has an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect on the human immune system.⁽⁵⁾ Reviews published in 2018 have concluded that hemp seeds can prove to be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and childhood seizure disorders.

6. Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds for the Skin

   Hemp seeds, due to their anti-inflammatory compounds, can help treat certain skin conditions like acne and atopic dermatitis. Research works have also linked acne to the deficiency of Omega 3. Hemp seeds that are rich in Omega 3 content and can help to reduce and manage symptoms of acne.

7. Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

   This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system itself attacks its tissues. This leads to inflammation of joints in the body.⁽⁴⁾ Experts suggest that hemp seed oil can have the effect of anti-rheumatic characteristic which can provide effective relief to people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

On a concluding note, it can be said that as per the recent researches, hemp seeds are a potential source of several nutrients. Protein, fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients – the list happens to be quite long and exhaustive. Naturally, these tiny seeds are considered the powerhouse of effective dietary balance. Whether you follow a vegan diet or not, include these tiny seeds into your diet today to get the entire balanced nutrition your body requires regularly.⁽²⁾

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