4 Mind Blowing Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are obtained from the industrial hemp plant, a particular species of Cannabis Sativa L., which is celebrated for its long-lasting fibers in industrial goods. Hemp seeds, often referred to as hemp nuts, have so many fantastic uses that they are often considered a plant-based superfood. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of this nature’s marvel.
1) Hemp Seeds are packed with protein
Hemp seeds contain all of the essential amino acids, which makes it a complete source of protein just like beef, chicken or fish. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends including more non-meat sources of protein, and hemp seeds make for an incredibly attractive plant-based option.
One serving of hemp seeds (3 tablespoons), provides:
Calories: 180, Calories from Fat 126
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.0g
Total Carbohydrates 2.0g 1%
That same one serving of hemp seeds provide 7.5 grams of Omega-6 fatty acids and 3 grams of Omega-3 as well as 0.6 grams of Super Omega-6 Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and 0.3 g Super Omega-3 Stearidonic Acid (SDA). The one deficiency that hemp seeds contains is the lack of Leucine, the amino acid that is responsible for triggering muscle growth. Check out this mind-blowing side-by-side comparison by
Bottom Line: Hemp seeds are packed with all types of nutrients. They are a plant-based superfood which can help provide needed daily essentials. They are an excellent source of protein and iron and are low in saturated fats!
2) Hemp Seeds & Oil show improvements in skin conditions
Hemp oil derived from the seed has show some positive improvements in the conditions of those affected with skin conditions. One such study¹, out of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kuopio, in Finland, focused on atopic dermatitis (eczema) and showed promising results. Here is the technical summary of the study quoted exactly as presented:
Hempseed oil is a rich and balanced source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Anecdotal evidence indicated that dietary hempseed oil might be useful in treating symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
Dietary hempseed oil and olive oil were compared in a 20-week randomized, single-blind crossover study with atopic patients. Fatty acid profiles were measured in plasma triglyceride, cholesteryl and phospholipid fractions. A patient questionnaire provided additional information on skin dryness, itchiness and usage of dermal medications. Skin transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was also measured.
Levels of both essential fatty acids (EFAs), linoleic acid (18:2n6) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n3), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n6) increased in all lipid fractions after hempseed oil, with no significant increases of arachidonic acid (20:4n6) in any lipid fractions after either oil. Intra-group TEWL values decreased (p=0.074), qualities of both skin dryness and itchiness improved (p=0.027) and dermal medication usage decreased (p=0.024) after hempseed oil intervention.
Dietary hempseed oil caused significant changes in plasma fatty acid profiles and improved clinical symptoms of atopic dermatitis. It is suggested that these improvements resulted from the balanced and abundant supply of PUFAs in this hempseed oil.
Bottom Line: The early results from these tests are incredibly positive. Eczema affects nearly 32 million Americans so hopefully more and more studies will continue to look at the positive effects of this study out of Finland.
3) Hemp seeds are built to aid in digestion
There are two different types of fiber; soluble and insoluble. The first, soluble, is defined as substance that can be dissolved in water. This type of fiber is known to interfere with the body’s ability to absorb dietary cholesterol which lowers your levels of the bad LDL cholesterol in your blood.
The second, insoluble fiber, does not absorb water and therefore passes through the intestinal system mostly intact as a laxative effect and can help to prevent constipation. Insoluble fiber adds mass to your stool and may help food and waste pass through your gut easier.
Hemp seeds are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The former providing 20%, and the latter providing 80%, which is why the greatest benefit is on the digestive side. You can see from the below graphic hemp seeds are also more digestible than flax seeds, soy beans, and kale.
The average American significantly falls short of the recommended amount of fiber, consuming on average only 12 – 17 grams per day. It is suggested that an adult has 25-40 grams per day of fiber.
Beans (of course, right?)
Fruit, especially berries
Vegetables with dark skin
Bottom Line: Hemp seeds are a fantastic source of fiber, primarily insoluble fiber. They are easy to obtain and consume. They can greatly help make up for the deficiency that most Amercians have in daily fiber intake.
4) Hemp seeds have natural ingredients that can aid in lowered blood pressure
Hemp seeds have a very high content of the amino acid, arginine (L-arginine). This amino acid produces nitric oxide. (Note: very different than nitrous oxide)
Hundreds of studies have found nitric oxide be beneficial in so many areas of the body. Improvements have been seen in reducing inflammation, improving quality of sleep, increased endurance, and boosting of the immune system.
One of the biggest benefits of nitric oxide is it’s effect on blood pressure. The molecules assist in dilating and relaxing blood vessels which allows more oxygen and better blood flow. This, in turn, leads to lower blood pressure which can help to decrease future heart conditions and complications.
As we age, our cells produce less nitric oxide, so blood vessels become more narrow and rigid. This can cause high blood pressure (hypertension), inflammation in blood vessels, and plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This is all compounded by the fact that all three of things (hypertension, inflammation and atherosclerosis) if untreated actually hinder the production and acceleration of nitric oxide.
Bottom Line: Hemp seeds are chock-full of the amino acid, arginine. This produces nitric oxide which has many amazing benefits. As we get older we produce less nitric oxide. A supplement like hemp seeds can help make up for deficiency.
The hemp plant itself is amazing. However, hemp seeds are the true hero. The hemp seed is one of nature’s miracles. It has some mind-blowing health benefits that are backed by studies, scientists, and health professionals. The exciting thing is we are just on the cusp of the full understanding of the benefits of hemp seeds. A revolution is upon us. Please consider following along for more information.
Also, please check out what Hemp Crate is trying to do in creating a new experience.
