Hemp is a variant of cannabis sativa that is mainly cultivated for its many industrial applications. Hemp fiber has been in use for thousands of years. Read out below for the health benefits of Hemp seeds.
Today, the plant is used widely to make clothes, construction materials, paper, rope, food, biofuel, etc.
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Is hemp the same as marijuana?
No. They are two different varieties of cannabis sativa that look similar but vary in terms of their chemical composition. If you wish to learn more about different types of cannabis strains, you can do so here.
But put simply, the compound that separates marijuana from hemp is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp is known to contain no more than 0.3 percent of this psychoactive component, while marijuana has more than that.
However, the plant is associated with many potential health benefits, especially the oil derived from its seeds.
You’ve probably noticed the hype surrounding hemp seeds. In this post, we’ll take you through some of the biggest health benefits of hemp seeds.
1. Stress Prevention
The central nervous system needs amino acids to function properly. These amino acids are responsible for creating proteins and neurotransmitters that support the communication between neurons in the brain.
When you don’t take enough proteins, you won’t be making enough neurotransmitters in the brain. This will lead to low levels of serotonin and dopamine, hormones that are largely responsible for balancing your moods.
You may end up feeling depressed just because your diet doesn’t contain enough proteins.
Hemp seeds are not only rich in proteins, but they pack a heavy punch when it comes to plant-based protein, roughly 5 grams per tablespoon. For people observing a vegan diet, these seeds can help maintain a healthy protein intake.
2. Immune System Boost
Hemps seeds are also some of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
You likely already know how special these essential fats are. They have tons of benefits for the body, such as preventing cardiovascular problems, arthritis, inflammations, high blood pressure, neurological disorders, etc.
Studies have added immune-boosting capabilities to this long list of benefits you can get from essential fatty acids.
The fatty acids support the immune system and not just by fighting inflammation. They also stimulate immune cells
3. Digestive Health
Generally, whole seeds are a great source of fiber, and studies show that fiber aids in digestion.
If you have problems with indigestion, hemp seeds may offer a unique solution since they contain high amounts of fiber.
Fiber comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber, which is plenty in seeds and citrus fruits, dissolves in water. This form of fiber is useful in the making of digestive bacteria.
Insoluble fiber, primarily found in vegetables and whole grains, doesn’t dissolve in water. It plays an essential role in the movements within your digestive system.
The best part is, hemp seeds contain both of these types of fibers, provided you don’t remove the husks.
4. Rheumatic Diseases
Rheumatic diseases are a group of disorders of the immune system. Over a hundred diseases are classified as rheumatic, and they all have one thing in common: they tamper with your immune system big time.
A rheumatic disease makes your immune system attack your body from organs to joints, bones, and even muscles.
One research suggests that the oil from hemp seeds may be able to reduce the effects of rheumatoid diseases.
While there isn’t enough evidence that hemp seed oil can treat rheumatoid diseases, it doesn’t hurt to try it. After all, people have been using the oil to treat these exact conditions for hundreds of years.
5. Reduced Risk of Stroke
Hemp seeds may reduce the risk of stroke because they contain B vitamins.
B vitamins have many health benefits like improving the skin and metabolism. A recent review of multiple clinical trials has added to the list by linking B vitamins to reduced cases of stroke.
According to the study, vitamin B supplements lowered overall stroke incidents among the participants.
Conclusion
People have been using hemp throughout history, and one of the popular parts of the plant is its seeds.
Different cultures use hemp seeds in food preparation and medicine. Today, it’s become clear with research that these seeds are highly nutritious and support overall health.
