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Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds come from the plant of the same name in the Cannabis family. Hemp has a sketchy reputation because it’s a distant cousin of another more popular variety of plant in the same family – marijuana. However, it’s vastly undeserved as it contains less than 0.03% THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana responsible for that popularity.
To say that hemp has been around a long time is to understate that fact. People have been using hemp to make paper as far back as the Han Dynasty in China some 2000 years ago. Hemp is also used to make wax, rope, pulp, cloth, fuel, textiles, biodegradable plastics, building materials, and more. And oh yah, the seeds are edible. And extremely healthy!
Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, sprouted, or made into hemp milk. Ground hemp seeds can also be used in baked goods. And you can press the seeds to make hemp oil, which is another great way to incorporate the health benefits of hemp seeds into your diet.
Hemp Seeds Benefits
Hemp seeds are the king of the jungle when it comes to plant based protein, as they contain a whopping 73% of our Daily Recommended Intake in just 100 grams. Also high are magnesium (160%), zinc (77%), and iron (53%). And hemp seeds are considered a complete food, as they contain all nine essential amino acids that are not made by the body.
Hemp seeds contain a high volume of essential fatty acids, as well, such as polyunsaturated, linoleic, and alpha linolenic. In addition, hemp seed benefits include the ability to …
- Strengthen the immune system
- Rid the body of toxins
- Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Improve memory and cognition
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Improve condition of skin and hair
- Maintain a healthy digestive tract
- Reduce inflammation
- Induce weight loss
Hemp seeds are extremely high in antioxidants (such as carotene, chlorophyll, and vitamin E) and phytonutrients that are important for our blood, tissues, cells, and organs. Hemp seeds also contain 20 amino acids. And they provide a perfect 3 to 1 ratio of omega 6 fatty acids to omega 3 fatty acids.
One recent study looked at the cardiovascular effects of supplementing with hemp seeds, based mostly on the abundance of essential fatty acids that the seeds contain.[118] Their conclusion was that hemp seeds are a particular benefit to heart health. Another study concluded that a hemp seed enriched diet could help prevent strokes and heart attacks by reducing platelet aggregation, which in turn reduces arterial clotting.[119]
This study on the nutritional profile of hemp seeds shows some remarkable health-promoting properties.[120] But aside from the inner benefits of consuming hemp seeds, the outer body seems equally affected. Benefits of the oil, in particular, include stronger nails, improved skin quality, and thicker hair. Even those patients suffering from eczema showed improvements in skin quality.
A 2012 clinical trial studied the effects of a hemp seed rich diet for feeding hens.[121] Yes, chickens! What they discovered were much higher amounts of essential fatty acids in the eggs laid by these hens. This is important as a reminder: you are definitely what you eat. But when consuming dairy, meat, and eggs, you’re also what those animals ate. Think about that the next time you drive by a commercial feedlot!
Super seeds like hemp, chia, and flax are all well deserving of their superfood status, and I recommend incorporating all three into your diet. However, each is unique in the health benefits that it provides. Check out this video, as Abra Pappa explains the differences (and similarities) between the three.
Hemp Seeds Uses
There are numerous ways to consume hemp seeds. You can eat them alone, or mix them into yogurt or smoothies. Or you can combine them with other seeds and nuts, coconut, raw cacao, and a few other super fruits like bilberries and goji berries in a super healthy trail mix. You can also make your own hemp milk, which is very easy to do and provides a nice base for superfood smoothies.
Hemp seeds can be added to salads. And the oil can be used to make homemade mayo, pesto, and salad dressing. You probably won’t find a more versatile seed. Check out this Pinterest page on hemp seed recipes for a bunch of ideas sure to make you salivate.
Navitas Naturals, once again, is my go-to source for hemp seeds. If you cannot find them in your local supermarket, you can definitely purchase them through iHerb. And remember, not only will they be cheaper at iHerb, compared to most other sources, if you follow the link above you’ll get $5 off your first order.