For years hemp seeds have been struggling to break into the mainstream, largely due to their close associations between hemp and cannabis plants. However, what many don’t know is that there is a big different between a hemp plant and a cannabis plant. Hemp benefits and uses have been explored for millennia, and evidence is beginning to show the long history between humankind and hemp. Hemp seed use is known to provide an abundance of nutrients and general health support. Hemp seed health benefits are often attributed to a number of ailments, but most importantly hemp seeds contain absolutely zero psychoactive effects (no THC).
When eating hemp seeds cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are not present, as those cannabinoids are found on the leaves and flowers after a hemp seed has been planted, not in the seed itself. Hemp seeds are packed with superfood properties such as omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids and is a powerful antioxidant. Hemp seed uses show improved digestion, balanced hormones, improved metabolism and so much more. Here we’ll take a look at what is a hemp seed, hemp seed benefits and uses, and what are the major hemp seed health benefits you need to be aware of.
What is a Hemp Seed?
Hemp seeds also known as hemp hearts are the seeds of a hemp plant, hemp seeds are actually classified as a nut but are commonly referred to as a seed. Hemp seeds used to grow hemp plants, the hemp plants offer a variety of compounds, providing things like hempseed oil, hemp extracts, CBD oil and more. Hemp is one of the most utilized and diverse crops the world has ever seen, it contributes to making food, health products, fabric, rope, natural remedies and much more. Hemp seed health benefits include many sources of nutrients, high values of essential amino acids and fatty acids. Hemp seeds contain 30% fat and 25% of a hemp seeds total calories are from high quality protein. Hemp seeds are also a source of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium iron and zinc. There all almost limitless hemp seed uses and benefits!
What is a hulled hemp seed?
A hulled hemp seed, also known as hemp hearts are the raw hulled hemp seeds. Their texture is soft and chewy and they are found inside the shell of the hemp seed. Hulled hemp seed uses include edible hemp seeds more appealing and more edible.
Hemp Seeds Health Benefits
Hemp seeds are considered to be a high protein source providing essential amino acids, the human body does not produce essential amino acids which makes it essential to consume them through your diet. Hemp seeds are a powerful tool in helping deal with a variety health related concerns.
Reduce Heart Disease
Hemp seeds uses also include heart health support. They are extremely rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is known to help improve overall heart health. They also contain high levels of arginine which is an amino acid that converts into nitric oxide which is a chemical that helps build a stronger and more efficient cardiovascular system. It also helps with lowering blood pressure and is rich in phytonutrients and anti-aging antioxidants like vitamin E which helps build a wall around the cardiovascular system, protecting it from damage.
Improve Skin Quality
Hemp seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is known as a power anti-inflammatory. GLA is a omega-6 fat and hemp seeds have a 3:1 ratio of fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3 which is a strong balanced ratio for the human body. Our immune system depends on that 3:1 ratio. GLA decreases inflammation especially for those who suffering from eczema, arthritis and muscle pain. GLA also helps with skin cells when they are trying to regenerate by speeding up the regeneration process, resulting in healthier overall skin.
Helps with Menopausal and PMS symptoms
Due to the same GLA that helps with skin and inflammation, GLA also helps women alleviate PMS and menopausal symptoms. GLA helps by balancing hormone levels which helps make both PMS and menopausal more manageable and less painful.
Helps Manage Weight Loss and Digestion
Hemp seeds benefits and uses, especially raw hemp seed uses, usually focus on their high fiber contents. Fiber content in hemp seeds promotes satiety which in turn helps control weight. Whole hemp seeds contain around 20% soluble and 80% insoluble fiber, soluble fiber creates a gel-like substance in the gut which helps reduce spikes in blood sugar and regulating cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber helps provide bulk to your stool which can help waste pass through the gut.
Source of Plant Based Protein
A whopping 25% of calories within hemp seeds come from protein, which is a high level for most food sources and a great hemp seed uses. By weight hemp provides a similar amount of protein that both beef and lab do, with 2-3 tablespoons providing 11 grams of protein. The body digests protein from hemp much better then from grains, nuts and legumes.
Hemp Seed Uses: How To Eat Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds health benefits are multifaceted and well documented. With just a few spoon-fulls of hemp seeds, you can provide your body with a lot of the high quality nutrients like omega fatty acids, protein and micronutrients. Hemp seeds are also extremely easy to cook with and have a nutty taste which has been described as a cross between a sunflower and pine nuts. Shelled hemp seeds uses or hemp hearts can be easily sprinkled into easy on the go snacks such a cereal, salads or yogurt. They are also great for those who can’t consume gluten, they can be used as a substitute for things such as breadcrumbs for coating meat. Hemp seeds are also a great alternative for those looking to replace nuts when making almond milk and for those with nut allergy hemp seeds are a great substitute.
The Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil
There is some confusion around the difference between the hemp seed uses and the oils it produces. The term hemp oil is often used as an umbrella term that refers to all two types of oil which is extracted from the hemp plant. CBD oil is derived from marijuana or hemp plants and is used in the form of a tincture or capsule for solely medical purposes. Hemp seed oil is however produced strictly through hemp seeds and is used in foods and medicine due to its high nutritional values. When creating hemp seed oil the process requires cold-pressing of the seeds to extract the oil, for CBD oil it is the hemp plant leaves and flowers that produce the CBD, not the hemp seeds.
CBD is virtually side-effect free in comparison to other pain relieving products, CBD is also known to assist in:
- Building of muscles
- Weight management
- Skin irritation or injuries
- Improving focus and mental alertness
- Improving the quality of sleep
- Easing anxiety & stress disorders
Verlota 100% American hemp, are chemical-free with no solvents, preservatives, herbicides, or pesticides, lab-tested for quality and consistency and contain ZERO THC which means no psychoactive effects. Each bottle contains key ingredients such as hemp seed oil and omegas-3, 6 and 9.
FAQ’s
What are the advantages of hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds offer many benefits to your health, most notably: essential nutrients, supports cardiovascular health, digestion, metabolism, skin, hair & nail health.
What are the side effects of hemp seeds?
There are no noticeable side effects of consuming hemp seeds, but if you consume overly large amounts of them you might experience mild diarrhea due to their high/healthy fats contents.
Do hemp seeds contain CBD?
No, hemp in seed form does not contain Cannabidiol or any other phytocannabinoids – these compounds are produced in the maturing plant.
Which is better: chia or hemp seeds?
Depending on what kinds of health benefits you are seeking, both chia and hemp seeds can be great sources for nutrition.
How much hemp seeds should you eat every day?
On average, 2-4 tablespoons of hemp seeds with meals, in smoothies or on their own can provide a boost of protein, healthy fats, omegas and a multitude of essential nutrients.
Can you eat hemp seeds daily?
Certainly, hemp seeds are an excellent addition to any health diet – as always, be sure to not eat too much of anything or you can risk the benefits becoming a detriment to your health.
Can hemp seeds make you sleepy?
There is no data that suggests that hemp seeds can induce drowsiness, therefore they are safe to ingest throughout the day.
Are hemp seeds good for weight loss?
Hemp seeds provide excellent protein, fiber, omegas and other essential nutrients that can contribute to maintaining healthy weight, fitness, energy and brainpower.