Hemp Facts – Health Benefits, Nutrition & Side Effects

Of all the parts of the hemp plant, the seeds are by far the most nutritious. They can be eaten hulled or unhulled, whole or ground into flour, and even turned into milk. Did you know that hemp seed oil can be used as cooking oil? It’s true! You can use it in the same way as olive oil. You can even find hemp seed supplements if you want to add the multitude of impressive health benefits that come with hemp in your diet.

Nutritional Components Of Hemp Seeds

Rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats like omega-3s and omega-6s, the hemp seeds are antioxidant powerhouses that can improve heart health, skin health, and joint function. Let’s examine each one of them in further detail.

• Proteins

Hemp seeds are a nutrient-rich food source, providing all 10 essential amino acids and plant-based protein. This makes them an excellent choice for vegans and others looking for alternative sources of protein.

Studies have shown that 100gms of Hemp Seeds contain as much as 30gms of proteins.

• Good Fats

Though often demonized, fats are crucial to our health – including Omega-3 fatty acids. There are three primary types of Omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Hemp seeds and oils can help improve your cardiovascular health by providing a plant-based source of concentrated ALA. GLA, a specific omega-6 fatty acid found in hemp oil, has been shown to reduce fat build-up in the arteries. In addition, phytosterols present in hemp seeds can also help lower cholesterol levels.

• Fiber

The shell of hemp seed is where the bulk of the fiber resides. If possible, get hemp seeds with their shells intact. The hemp seeds without the shell are known as Hemp Hearts, and they are not as nutritious as the whole Hemp seeds.

Although hemp seeds, even without shells, are a good source of fiber, providing about 1.2 g in three tablespoons (25 g).

• Magnesium

Hemp seeds are high in magnesium, with 30 grams of hemp seeds providing 210 milligrams (mg) of magnesium. Magnesium is required for the metabolism of food as well as fatty acid and protein synthesis. Not only does it aid neuromuscular transmission and activity, but also helps in muscular relaxation.

Now that we’ve established how nutritious Hemp is, let’s look at how we might benefit from it by incorporating it into our meals.

6 Health Benefits of Hemp

Here are 6 incredible medical benefits of hemp that you may not have known about! Here are few hemp facts:

1. Reduces the risk of heart disease

Hemp seeds’ high content of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids benefits the heart by lowering blood vessel inflammation, which is thought to be responsible for many heart diseases. Fatty acids have been shown to improve blood flow, arterial function, and lower heart rate.

2. Improve Brain Function

Omega-3s not only keep your heart healthy, but they also benefit your brain. Scientists have proven that consuming these fatty acids can improve mental well-being.

Hemp has shown potential not only in preventing Alzheimer’s development but in dementia and other mental disorders as well. If you’re an older individual looking for leverage against cognitive decline, hemp might be a supplement worth considering.

3. Boosts the Immune system

Scientists believe that a healthy immune system requires the right balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fatty acids in hemp seeds can help cells in the body fight off viruses and germs. This results in a stronger immune system, which allows people to better resist colds and flu.

4. Improve Digestion

Fiber is essential for good digestive health. Whole hemp seeds are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, with 20% and 80%, respectively.

Insoluble fibers make waste bulkier, which may help food pass through your digestive system more swiftly, whereas soluble fibers provide vital nutrients for the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

5. Help You Lose Weight

Munching on hemp seeds can help stave off hunger and may even cut down on sugar cravings.

Increasing the quantity of high-fiber foods may help reduce appetite. Several studies have found that increased fiber intake is linked with lower body weight. This may be because high-fiber foods are more filling and lead to reduced calorie consumption overall.

6. Other Health Benefits

Though insufficient clinical research data exists to support claims that hemp is a safe or effective treatment for any condition, many people report using it as a remedy for various illnesses, including:

• Asthma
• Cough
• Bloating
• Arthritis
• Syphilis
• Pneumonia

Hemp seeds are highly nutritious and offer many health benefits, so what’s stopping you from adding them to your diet?

Here’s a closer look at how you can incorporate hemp seeds into your meals.

What are some ways to Incorporate Hemp into your Daily Routine?

Hemp Seeds

You can add hemp seeds to your diet by:

• Sprinkling them on top of salads or roasted vegetables
• Adding them to smoothies or juices
• Making a hemp seed pesto
• Using them as a breadcrumb alternative
• Baking them into cookies or muffins

Hemp Nut Butter

Hemp seeds are also crushed and turned into hemp nut butter, which tastes similar to peanut or almond butter.

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is a fantastic dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk. It’s also delicious in smoothies, and it offers a lot of nutrition for the same price as other milk.

Hemp Seed Oil

You can enhance your recipes by cooking with Hemp seed oil instead of using Olive oil or another vegetable oil. Hemp Seed oil is gaining in popularity as a finishing oil, in salads and pasta.

Hemp Seed Oil can keep your skin hydrated, decrease wrinkles, and also promote hair growth.

Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp protein powder is made from hemp seeds that have been ground into a fine powder. It’s a great source of plant-based protein, and it’s also high in fiber. You can mix hemp protein powder with almond or coconut milk to create a plant-based shake that is perfect for before or after workouts.

The bottom line is that there are many ways to add hemp seeds to your diet. If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious way to improve your health, give them a try! You might be surprised at how much you enjoy them.

Precautions for Hemp Use

There are a few side effects associated with eating hemp seeds which is the hemp fact too, that you should be aware of before adding hemp seed products to your diet.

Firstly, consuming hemp seeds can elevate polyunsaturated fat intake. Although this type of fat is beneficial for the body, it may cause mild diarrhea in those who are unaccustomed to it and are therefore more susceptible.

Hemp contains antinutritional substances that impede mineral absorption in the body. Hemp seeds, for example, were found to be high in phytate, which impedes iron and other minerals from being absorbed.

Start by consuming  small quantities, notice and consciously see how your body reacts and accordingly increase or decrease the quantity. You may stop if your body does not react well to it.

In conclusion, Hemp is a highly nutritious food that comes with many health benefits. It is also a very versatile food source, so there is no reason not to include it in our diets.

If you are looking for a reasonable way to increase your health and vitality, then simply add them to your food or take them as dietary supplements! Start incorporating hemp into your diet today!

Click here to read 50 Amazing Hemp Facts by Hemplete

Disclaimer: Please bear in mind that you should always check with your doctor, medical cannabis consultant, or nutritionist before adding anything new to your diet, and we recommend starting with smaller dosages to minimize any unwanted side effects.