The Benefits of Hemp Seeds and Hemp Hearts

The Benefits of Hemp Seeds and Hemp Hearts

Hemp seeds come from the same family as the cannabis but contrary to the popular misconception, hemp seeds are not marijuana. Cure By Design hemp seeds(hyperlink) contain legal levels (less than 0.3%) of THC, the psychoactive compound i.e. Hemp seeds won’t get you high.

You can make Hemp seeds a part of your regular diet without worrying about experiencing mind-altering effects.

The Difference between Whole Hemp Seeds and Hemp Hearts

Hemp Hearts is the whole hemp seed in which the crunchy outer shell is removed. They are also known as Shelled hemp seeds, Hulled hemp seeds and Hemp nuts.

Whole hemp seeds or simply known as Hemp seeds are not hulled and withholds all the fibrous properties of the outer layer of the hemp seed.

Even though the hulls are quite crunchy and fibrous, we are not used to eating them, making Hemp hearts more popular than Whole hemp seeds.

Often dubbed as the ‘superfood’, these highly nutritious Hemp seeds pack a ton of benefits justifying its name.

It is so healthy that there is speculation around using hemp seed to fight world hunger. Its high protein and calorie content will make hemp seeds a potential staple food for countries that are severely affected by food scarcity and malnutrition.

If you haven’t tried either of them already, then the right time to give it a try is right now.

Because…

They are incredibly nutritious

The Chinese aren’t using hemp seeds for at least the past 3000 years for nothing!

Hemp seeds are rich in protein with more than 25% of their total calories coming from high-quality protein.

Hemp seeds pack more than 30% fat. They especially contain a rich amount of omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) fatty acids in the optimal ratio of 3:1.

Hemp seeds also contain much-needed vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc.

Not a lot of plant-based food has all the 9 essential amino acids like hemp, constituting it to be the best vegan alternative to fish and krill oils.

Help with Digestion

Including fibre in your diet constitutes to improved digestive health.

Both soluble and insoluble fibres are essential for a healthy digestive system. Hemp seeds contain both of them and 20% and 80% respectively.

The soluble fibres found in hemp seeds contain vital nutrients for the helpful digestive bacteria and is also known to moderate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

On the other hand, insoluble fibre adds bulk to your stool and helps food and waste pass through your gut.

However, if you are looking forward to adding more fibre in your diet, go with whole hemp seeds (hyperlink) as the highly fibrous and beneficial hulls are shelled in Hemp hearts.

Help Alleviate the Symptoms of PMS and Menopause

More than 3/4th of all women are susceptible to symptoms of PMS like breast pain, irritability, depression and fluid retention. These symptoms are highly taxing both physically and emotionally. They are caused by sensitivity to the hormone prolactin. (source)

Gamma-linolenic acid(GLA) abundantly found in Hemp seeds aids with the secretion of prostaglandin-E1, which in turn counters the effects of prolactin.

A study conducted by NCBI has suggested that the regular intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids along with GLA have resulted in a notable decrease of these symptoms.

GLA is also suggested to help reduce symptoms of menopause.

Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the cause top cause of death globally.

Making hemp seeds a part of your regular diet will help you axe the risk of heart disease.

Hemp seeds contain a lavish amount of arginine, an amino acid that is responsible for the production of nitrous oxide in our body. Nitrous oxide, in turn, dilates and eases the blood vessels resulting in moderated blood pressure and lowered risk of cardiovascular disease.

The GLA is also associate reduced inflammation, which may decrease the risk factors of many diseases including cardiovascular disease. (source)

Additionally, animal studies have shown that hemp seeds or hemp seed oil may reduce blood pressure, decrease the risk of blood clot formation and help the heart recover after a heart attack.

Did you know Hemp seeds are proven to minimize the risk of blood clot formation and moderate blood pressure in animals? Click here(hyperlink) to learn more about the perks of giving hemp seeds to your pets.

Help with Skin Disorders

The anti-inflammatory compounds found in Hemp seeds may help with atopic dermatitis and acne.

The deficiency of omega-3, along with other dietary causes, is responsible for acne.

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids. The ample amount of omega-6 and omega-3 found in hemp seeds in the optimal ratio of 3:1 will help with acne.

The balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids will affect the immune system of your body.

Studies also suggest that administering hemp seed oil(hyperlink) helps people with eczema.

While making hemp seeds a part of your diet is immensely beneficial, choosing between Whole hemp seeds(hyperlink) and Hemp hearts comes down to personal preferences. People who look to adding more fibre to their diet (and don’t mind a bit of crunchiness) can go with Hemp seeds, whereas people who would prefer to eat something soft and chewy can go with Hemp Hearts.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19842026

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21968645

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-natural-menopause-tips

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21241460/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21241460/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24678964/