Hemp seeds are truly gotten from the Cannabis sativa plant but they do not alter your mind like you may have imagined. These tiny brown seeds have rich amounts of protein, healthy fatty acids such as omega – 6s and 3s, and fiber. The amino acids in hemp seeds are gotten from their protein supply. These seeds also act as antioxidants reducing symptoms of several ailments, including skin, joints, and heart health. Although it is worth considering that researchers used more of these deed extracts than the whole seeds during their study.
You can purchase split, ground, or shelled seeds. People often use a food processor, pestle, and mortar to remove the hard shell of this seed at home. The whole seed supplies fiber to your diet aiding digestion. There are ways by which you can incorporate these seeds into your diet. You can do this by sprinkling ground or whole seeds on yogurt or cereal. They can be added to smoothies, baked, made into hemp milk, or can be sprinkled with other nuts or seeds on your salad. These seeds are sold at health food and grocery stores, supermarkets, and online.
Amino Acids and Other Nutrient in Hemp Seed
Hemp seeds are very nutritious, here are the nutrients that can be found in them;
1. Amino acids
In every three tablespoons or thirty grams of seeds, 9.46 gms of protein is supplied.
Hemp seed is listed as a complete protein. This means that it has all the nine nutritionally essential amino acids your body needs and can only get through your diet. There is only a few plant-derived foods with complete protein making these seeds very valuable especially for a vegan or vegetarian diet.
The amino acid, arginine, is a surplus in hemp seeds and it is known to have a positive effect on the heart’s health.
2. Unsaturated fats
There is increasing knowledge on the benefits of fatty acids, the polyunsaturated types, particularly omega 3s. And hemp seeds contain a good amount of these in their alpha-linolenic acid form.
Your body is unable to produce the essential types of fatty acids therefore it gets them from your diet. These nutrients are vital for maintaining your health in the long run. It is also important to note the ratio of omega 6s to omega 3s. People generally tend to consume more omega 6s and omega 3s which is not good. With hemp seeds, you can balance this out.
3. Fiber
Most of the hemp seed’s fiber is gotten from its shell or outer hull. If you can, then purchase the seeds with their hull still intact. However, even if the shells are gone, you can still get a good amount of fiber from the seeds alone. Three tablespoons contain about 1.2 gms of fiber.
What is the benefit of eating fiber daily?
- It reduces your appetite
- Helps manage weight
- Stabilizes the level of your blood sugar
- Promote healthy gut
4. Vitamins and minerals
An impressive profile of minerals and vitamins accompanies hemp seeds. They are rich sources of vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These seeds are also great sources of zinc, iron, and B complex vitamins such as riboflavin, folate, vitamin B6, thiamine and niacin.
Hemp Seeds Health Benefits
Some research has gone further from finding out about its nutritional benefits to suggesting possible health effects that can be gotten from consuming hemp seeds. These seeds may;
1. Protect your brain
According to the study, extracts from hemp seeds have some antioxidant effects. The cannabidiol content of the seed may be responsible for this effect. In the year 2018, a review suggested that these cannabidiol content alongside other compounds found in the seeds may have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective effects. It may also help in immune system regulation.
This review went ahead to suggest that due to these properties found cannabidiol may aid in treating neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, neuropathic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood seizures, and multiple sclerosis.
2. Improves heart health
The health community believes omega 3s improves heart health and lowers one’s chances of developing issues like heart disease and arrhythmias. Hemp seeds have a rich amount of this omega 3s in a healthy ratio to omega 6s.
The high arginine level of hemp seed also contributes to this effect because arginine is converted to nitric oxide. This oxide is very important for the dilation of the vein and artery. It helps to keep the walls of the blood vessels elastic and smooth.
Reducing blood pressure, carrying out several exercises, and eating healthy helps in decreasing heart failure risks.
Risks
Although these seeds are gotten from cannabis plants, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is absent. THC is an active ingredient found in cannabis. Thus, hemp seeds do not have any mind-altering traits.
However, those who undergo drug testing like athletes should be aware that taking hemp products may cause failed urinal tests. THC levels in the hemp product depend on how the product was manufactured.
In some countries, like Canada, hemp seeds production is strictly regulated to avoid THC cross-contamination with the cannabis plant. The U.S legally prohibits its people from cultivating these seeds with high THC concentration, which is above 0.3 percent. The importation of these seeds or their products is also strictly regulated.
Takehome
The amino acids in hemp seeds, as well as their other nutrients, makes it a very impressive seed. Including the seeds in your diet may give you its nutritional benefits. For instance, its fiber content would aid your digestion process. There are suggested health benefits linked with these seeds but more research using the seed directly and not its extracts need to be carried out before making any concrete recommendations.
Hemp seeds are a good choice but just like any other food item, they should be eaten in moderation and with a good balance of other meals.
