More people are turning to natural healing methods and medicines, and many claim that hemp hearts have numerous benefits. These little seeds boast plenty of healthy fats, proteins, and minerals and are highly nutritious.
The hemp plant comes from the same species as cannabis but has only trace amounts of THC—the psychoactive compound in marijuana. While buds produced from https://homegrowncannabisco.com/girl-scout-cookies-seeds also provide a wealth of potential health advantages, we focus on hemp in this article.
Munching on the seeds once a day is good for you, and science says so too. Want to know how a handful of hearts daily can boost your well-being?
We share the many reported health benefits of hemp seeds on your anatomy to see if they’re worth incorporating into your diet. Discover how to consume these hearts for the ultimate well-being boost.
Incredibly Nutritious
Hemp seeds are technically nuts and often referred to as hearts. The flavor is nutty, too, making them a delicious snack or excellent addition to any meal. They’re little balls of nutrition waiting to impact your body positively.
China has used hemp seed oil for over 3,000 years in food and medicine. Consume the hearts raw, roasted, or cooked in a dish.
The hearts contain more than 30% fat and boast an impressive hemp seed omega ratio. They are rich in certain essential fatty acids, with a 1:3 balance of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6).
25% of the hearts’ calories come from high-quality protein, much higher than similar foods like flaxseeds or chia.
Expect heaps of minerals, including zinc, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and iron, as well as a hefty dose of vitamin E.
May Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Heart disease is the number one reason for death worldwide, and individuals everywhere welcome anything that helps reduce their risk. Are hemp seeds healthy for your heart? Their makeup certainly implies they do.
Hemp hearts may help blood vessels dilate and relax thanks to the high amino acid arginine content. A daily dose of seeds could lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Another acid in hemp hearts, gamma-linolenic, can also help calm inflammation, further decreasing the likelihood of the condition.
Improve Skin Disorders
Studies suggest the balance of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids affect the immune system’s functioning. The ratio of these acids in hemp mentioned above is the optimal range and may improve many individuals’ skin conditions.
Most dermal issues are an immune response to inflammation, so a handful of seeds each day may be beneficial. Expect a boost in essential fatty acids in your blood to experience relief from itchiness and redness.
One of the popular uses of hemp seeds is in oil form, which helps you target specific spots when rubbed onto the skin.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
More people are adopting a meat-free diet, but getting enough protein is often an issue. Beans, nuts, and pulses are excellent sources—hemp hearts may be better. The amount of protein in hemp seeds is relatively high, providing similar amounts to lamb and beef.
Health experts consider these hearts a complete protein source, meaning they have every essential amino acid you need. Your body doesn’t produce these alone, so your diet needs to.
It’s hard to find a complete protein source from a plant-based diet, as they often lack one amino acid—lysine. Along with quinoa, hemp has them all, with high levels of many, like arginine and glutamic acid.
Another benefit of eating hemp seeds as plant-based protein is their digestibility. The hearts are much easier on your gut than other sources like legumes, nuts, and grains.
Reduce PMS and Menopause Symptoms
The physical and emotional effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) impact up to 80% of reproductive women. Most experts believe the hormone prolactin is responsible for the symptoms.
Hemp hearts contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which produces prostaglandin E1 in your body and reduces the prolactin effects.
Research suggests that a daily dose of 210 mg of GLA can dramatically reduce symptoms. Women may experience relief from depression, fluid retention, breast tenderness, and irritability associated with PMS.
The hearts are high in GLA, so using hemp seeds for hormone balance will likely help you alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms.
Digestion Aid
Fiber is essential to a balanced diet and helps keep your digestive health in check. Whole hemp seeds contain 20% soluble fiber and 80% insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber is essential for beneficial digestive bacteria and may regulate your cholesterol. The insoluble kind bulks up your stool and could help it pass through your gut.
To enjoy these benefits of eating hemp hearts, keep the shells on. The outer casing is the primary fiber source, so removing them diminishes this health boost.
How to Enjoy Your Dose of Hemp Hearts
The delectable nutty taste of hemp seeds makes it easy to consume them in their raw state. Enjoy your hearts by:
- Sprinkling a spoonful or two over cereal, salads, or yogurt
- Adding a couple of spoonfuls to a smoothie
- Eating them as they are for a mid-morning snack
- Using them as a substitute for breadcrumbs if you have a gluten sensitivity
- Blending them to make hemp milk
- Toasting them to replace nuts if you have an allergy
Want to go a step further? It’s not just the seeds that boast an array of advantages. Raising your own hemp plants is easy, just like with any type of cannabis.
Check out some grower’s diaries online for some cultivation tips, and you’ll soon be enjoying your homegrown supply and reaping the benefits.
Eat Hemp Seeds Daily for a Healthy Boost
There’s no denying the numerous benefits of hemp hearts. Research backs up the anecdotal claims, so why not try it yourself? The tasty seeds make an excellent addition to any meal, or grab a handful to eat raw. Start your journey toward better well-being with hemp hearts today.
Kyle Kushman
Kyle Kushman is an American writer, educator, activist and award-winning cannabis cultivator and breeder specializing in veganic cultivation. He is a representative of Homegrown Cannabis CO company, has been a contributor for over 20 years, and has taught courses in advanced horticulture at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, California and across the United States. Kushman also hosts a cannabis podcast called “The Grow Show with Kyle Kushman”.
