5 Surprising Benefits of Hemp Seeds

By Claude Parsons 4 years ago

Hemp seeds come from a plant named Cannabis sativa, which is the same species of plant that Marijuana comes from.

But unlike marijuana, hemp seeds won’t make you high. However, they are full of vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats. As such, they are a welcome addition to most people’s diet.

Keep reading to find out 5 health benefits of hemp seeds that are guaranteed to surprise you.

  1. Source of Healthy Fats

There are several health benefits of consuming omega-3 polyunsaturated fats. As the body cannot synthesize its own omega-3s, they must be taken in through diet alone.

Hemp seeds are a good source of healthy fats including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is also a precursor to other important omega-3 fats.

Many people eat a high amount of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and a low amount of omega-3s. Increasing your consumption of hemp seeds can help rectify this balance.

  1. High Nutrient Value

Another benefit of eating hemp seeds is their rich nutrient content. They contain a wide array of important vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamin E, magnesium, vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin, folate, and potassium.

All of these nutrients help to improve your metabolism and boost your immune system.

Hemp seeds are also a great source of protein as they provide all the essential amino acids that your body needs. You can eat hemp seeds raw, fried, cooked or toasted. Hemp comes in other forms too, such as these candies.

  1. Reduce Inflammation

The high amount of omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seeds can help to lower inflammation. In fact, hemp seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Many chronic diseases are inflammatory in nature. This includes:

  • Arthritis
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Autoimmune diseases

Eating hemp seeds may help to ease the symptoms of such disorders.

  1. Good For Your Skin

Chronic inflammation can cause skin conditions such as acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seeds may help to reduce the severity of these conditions.

A deficiency in omega-3 specifically has been linked to skin problems. In fact, researchers in 2018 found that eating more omega-3s helps to improve the symptoms of acne.

Hemp seed oil can also moisturize your skin and helps to relieve itchiness. Many people enjoy using hemp seed oil as an organic, natural alternative to skin creams and medications.

  1. Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Did you know that heart disease is the number of cause of death plaguing our modern society?

Consuming hemp seeds can help lower your risk for heart disease by providing your body with important nutrients, such as arginine.

Arginine is an amino acid that helps your blood vessels dilate and relax. It also lowers inflammation, which is linked to heart disease.

Studies have shown that consuming hemp seeds or hemp seed oil can reduce blood pressure and decrease the chances of blood clot formation.

Reap the Benefits of Hemp Seeds

Now you understand the incredible health benefits of hemp.

Hemp seeds are highly nutritious and they have several health properties that make them an ideal addition to your diet.

Hemp seeds are high in omega-3s, which helps to lower inflammation. They can also decrease your risk of heart disease and improve the condition of your skin.

If you found this article interesting, be sure to read more in the ‘health’ section of our blog.