For thousands of years, people have used marijuana for various health reasons. Did you know that there are also several benefits of hemp hearts, which come from cannabis sativa plants? The tiny seeds aren’t psychoactive like their other family members, but they’re just as healthy.
There’s plenty of evidence pointing to the nutritional value of hemp, and you can consume the seeds in various ways. Growing and smoking nugs from a batch of Jack’s Girl seeds or eating roasted hemp kernels can be almost equally beneficial.
Keep reading to crack open this superfood and discover how it can benefit you.
Different Ways to Consume Hemp Seeds
Before we dive into the benefits of eating hemp seeds, what are the different ways to consume them?
They’re as versatile as other edible seeds, and you can use and consume them in the following ways:
- Eat them raw, cook them, or roast them
- Add them to your smoothie, cereal, or any other dish
- Buy hemp milk or hemp butter (non-dairy, healthy alternatives)
- Use hemp seed oil
The seeds sometimes have low levels of THC; but no more than 0.3%, so they won’t get you high. Though they come from the same plant, if you want cannabinoids, you need the leaves and flowers, not the seeds.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or people using anticoagulants should avoid ingesting hemp or cannabis. Otherwise, they’re perfectly healthy and naturally allergy-free.
Always remember to use them in moderation and stick to regular servings; we’ll get into all that next.
The Nutritious Value of Hemp Seeds
Are hemp seeds healthy?
Absolutely! They’re filled with nutritional goodness, and many people have categorized them as a superfood. A regular serving of three tablespoons (1.06 oz. or 30 grams) contains the following:
- 166 calories
- 0.04 oz. (1.2 grams) of fiber
- 0.33 oz. (9.47 grams) of protein
- 0.09 oz. (2.6 grams) of carbohydrates
- 0.016 oz. (0.45 grams) of sugar
- 0.5 oz. (14.6 grams) of fat
Over and above that, they’re a fantastic source of:
- B-vitamins
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Iron
- Potassium
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
They also contain essential fatty acids, including linoleic, gamma-linolenic (Omega-6’s), and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3). The hemp seed omega ratio is 3:1 (ideal), which supports a healthy immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and better metabolism.
What do these nutritional values mean? Adding hemp seeds to your healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way in improving your overall well-being. This superfood also contains all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks for a healthier body.
Let’s look at how hemp seeds can contribute to improved health.
5 Health Benefits of Hemp Hearts
From easing joint and muscle pain to improving heart health, here are the main ways consuming hemp seeds can benefit you:
1. Improved Heart Health and Reduced Risks
Research has shown that fatty and amino acids improve heart health and reduce the risk of developing problems later in life. The benefits of eating hemp hearts include significant factors for a healthier ticker.
You can regulate your heartbeat and prevent developing coronary heart disease by increasing your magnesium intake. Hemp seeds are a great source of this mineral, contributing to stronger bones and optimal nerve function.
The linoleic acid in hemp seeds helps reduce cholesterol levels and stabilize blood pressure. The amino acid arginine converts into nitric oxide, which dilates and relaxes your blood vessels. It keeps the vessel walls elastic and lowers your blood pressure.
2. Reduces Inflammation
Many strains of cannabis, such as G13 Fem seeds, have anti-inflammatory properties. As it turns out, one of the uses of hemp seeds is reducing inflammation. They contain essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which help ease burning, swelling, tenderness, and other symptoms.
Gamma-linolenic acid works as an anti-inflammatory and aids in managing chronic disease symptoms. It’s particularly beneficial for women going through menopause and PMS, as it can reduce pain and related symptoms.
3. Promotes Better Skin
We all despise dry skin and acne. Our immune system relies on fatty acids and omegas to fight off bacteria and inflammation that causes bad skin. Thanks to the presence of these compounds in hemp seeds, eating them can promote a healthier epidermis, clearing eczema and easing itchiness.
4. Regulates Hormones
You can eat hemp seeds for hormone balance. You might have one of these common hormone deficiencies after 50 or other imbalances that could happen to anyone.
The fats and essential amino acids in hemp seeds help to regulate and maintain your hormones at optimal levels. Gamma-linolenic acid, in particular, helps reduce some symptoms associated with imbalances in the pancreas, endocrine gland, or thyroid.
Other potential symptoms of hormone imbalances that hemp seeds could help reduce are:
- Low testosterone levels in men
- Low estrogen and progesterone levels in women
- Mood swings
- Low sex drive
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Excessive hair growth in women and hair loss in men
- Insomnia
- Stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhea
5. Aids in Digestion
One of the health benefits of hemp seeds includes an improved digestive system. They contain high levels of insoluble and soluble fiber.
The fiber in hemp hearts contributes to lower cholesterol levels, a cleaner gut, and slower glucose absorption. It helps you feel fuller for longer, reduces food cravings, and relieves constipation and gastrointestinal issues.
Start Enjoying Hemp Seed Benefits Today
People have used the versatile hemp plant and hemp seeds from cannabis sativa for many different purposes. From paper and clothing to skin creams and oils, it’s a multi-faceted plant with countless benefits.
You can start enjoying the benefits of hemp hearts today by adding them to your diet. They’re safe to eat and allergy-free; the only downsides are that they interact with anticoagulants. If you’re concerned about possible counteractions, speak to your doctor before consuming them.
Enjoy better heart health, digestion, reduced inflammation, and clearer skin today.
Douglas Kester, a cannabis growing expert at I49 Seed Bank. He has been working in the weed industry for more than 10 years. During that period, he built up a vast experience and depth of expertise in this field. Douglas has a detailed understanding of every aspect of marijuana, from its cultivation and species to the effects it brings. He’s also up to date on all the cannabis-related legislation nuances.