Hemp Seeds: the Super Food from Nature

Some foods available with nature can justly be termed as “superfoods”. Hemp seed is one such superfood! Though hemp seeds are a derivative of the Cannabis Sativa plant and are of the same species as marijuana, they do not have side effects or any effect on the brain. In fact, they are rich in nutrients. The seeds are small, brown or beige, and packed with fibres, protein and healthy fats. Want to know what are the health benefits of hemp seeds and foods are? Keep on reading!

Hemp seeds contain –

All Nine Essential Amino Acids

Consumption of hemp seeds and foods meets the required need for amino acids in the body. Hemp seeds contain a huge amount of the amino acid arginine which is irreplaceable for heart health. This makes the food one of the most protein-rich plant foods. Hemp seeds contain the same amount of protein as soya beans. Vegetarians or vegans just can’t do without hemp seeds!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Hemp seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid or ALA which is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that the body can’t produce on its own and needs to absorb from the diet. For good health, a person needs to consume a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In our regular diet omega-6 fatty acids can be found in plenty. Thus the balance gets disturbed. Regular consumption of hemp seeds restores this balance.

Fibres

Three tablespoons of hemp seeds contain approximately 1.2g of fibre. Consumption of fibre rich foods stabilize blood sugar, help in weight reduction, increase metabolism restricts appetite and cravings and makes the gut healthy.

Vitamins and Minerals

Hemp seeds are rich in vitamins E, potassium, vitamin B-6, phosphorous and magnesium. Hemp seeds and foods contain minerals such as iron, zinc etc.

How do hemp seeds and foods benefit health?

Studies have proven that hemp seeds have antioxidant properties. The CBD or cannabidiol content in hemp seeds helps in various brain ailments such as Parkinson’s Disease, neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, seizure disorders etc.

Hemp seeds contain arginine. Arginine converts into nitric acid inside the human body and helps in dilation of the arteries and veins and keeps the walls of blood vessels smooth. This reduces blood pressure and accompanied by a good diet and exercise should prevent heart attack.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and omega-3 fatty acids present in hemp seeds reduce inflammation.

Consumption of hemp seeds and foods may reduce your acne. Dermatologists and scientists believe that one of the leading causes of acne might be omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. Hemp seeds contain a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Some studies have shown that hemp seed oil may help with rheumatoid arthritis. This is because hemp seeds can reduce inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis is a condition of inflammation of joints.

Hemp seeds are tiny and can be sprinkled over your food to add that nice crunch and texture. Hemp seeds are also powdered and added to protein shakes. Drinking these shakes is a great way to add the essential nutrients into your diet. Hemp oil and hemp milk are also available. Hemp seeds and foods contain very high-quality proteins and fats. Many communities in the world consume hemp foods regularly and the results can be seen. So add this super food to your daily diet immediately!