Sunday, November 13, 2016

Benefits of Hemp Seeds

If you’re interested in improving your digestion, balance hormones and improve metabolism, then hemp seeds may just be the superfood you’re looking for.


For a long time, hemp seeds we’re ignored for their nutritional benefits because it’s botanical relationship to drug/medicinal varieties of Cannabis.


However, hemp seeds do NOT cause any psychotropic reaction and instead may provide significant health benefits with it’s unique nutritional profile as they only contain only trace amounts of THC, the compound that causes the drug-like effects of marijuana.

Hemp seeds are exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein and various minerals.

Hormones (GLA) 
Research in the 1980s observed that hormone-like substances called prostaglandins play a key role in helping the body function smoothly. It was discovered that prostaglandins help smooth muscles contract, control inflammation and body temperature, and are vital to other body functions.

Hemp seed-rich GLA is known to be a necessary building block for some prostaglandins, and researchers have surmised that GLA supplementation is necessary for proper hormone health, which is probably why many women suffering from PMS have been helped by it.

Arthritis and Joint Pain
A 6 month study published in the journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism found that consuming the stand alone GLA found in hemp seeds reduced arthritis symptoms by 25% compared to the placebo at only 4%.  This along with the fact that hemp seeds have an ideal ratio of omega-3/6 fats along with it’s other minerals help naturally reduce inflammation.

For treatment take 1 tbsp of hemp seed oil daily along with a quality fish oil.

Weight Loss
Hemp is known as a natural appetite suppressant and can help you feel full longer and reduce sugar cravings. Some experts recommend that adding 4 tablespoons of the seeds to your breakfast will help curb excess hunger the entire day.

Digestive Health 
High in insoluble and soluble fiber, hemp seeds provide more than enough bulk to keep your gastrointestinal system regular. Additionally, this healthy mixture of roughage feeds the probiotics in your gut and helps secure a robust immune system.

Hair/Skin/Nails
Hemp seed benefits for skin and hair go a long way at improving dry, red, flaking skin. Mostly used in high-end cosmetic products, hemp oil is oftentimes included in lip balms, lotions and soaps. The oil in the hemp seeds is known to penetrate the inner layers of the skin and promote healthy cell growth; the recipe for smooth, soft skin.

Since hempseed oil is also good for skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema, it is a good idea to eat at least a couple tablespoons of hemp seed every day to maximize these benefits as well and then create a homemade skin cream combining hemp seed oil, shea butter and essential oils like lavender.

Cancer
Because of it’s perfect fatty-acid profile of omega-3 fats and GLA, this helps naturally balance inflammation levels and strengthen the immune system.

The British Journal of Cancer reports that the THC in hemp seeds can stop and possibly reverse glioblastoma multiforme (a deadly form of brain cancer). The journal of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment confirmed the THC in hemp seeds improved advanced stage breast cancer. Researchers from the University of Rostock, Germany discovered the same hemp seed benefits for lung cancer.

After evaluating the research consuming hemp seeds could be part of a healthy anti-cancer diet and natural treatment plan.

Heart Health
Some of the key ingredients in building a healthy heart include fiber, plant-based protein, healthy fats and eating less sugar.  And hemp seeds help in doing all of those things.


I recommend adding 2 tbsp of hemp seeds to a morning smoothie to naturally lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol and improve triglycerides.


Hemp Seed Nutrition Profile 
Excellent 3:1 balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote cardiovascular health.
High in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid found in borage oil and egg yolks that has been proven to naturally balance hormones.

“Perfect protein” not only containing all 20 amino acids, but also each of the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce.
Rich in soluble and un-soluble fiber which naturally cleanses the colon and reduces sugar cravings.
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy2,451 kJ (586 kcal)
Carbohydrates
4.67 g
Sugars
lactose
1.50 g
0.07 g
Dietary fiber4.0 g
Fat
48.75 g
Saturated4.600 g
Trans0 g
Monounsaturated5.400 g
Polyunsaturated
omega‑3
omega‑6
38.100 g
9.301 g
28.698 g
Protein
31.56 g
Tryptophan0.369 g
Threonine1.269 g
Isoleucine1.286 g
Leucine2.163 g
Lysine1.276 g
Methionine0.933 g
Cystine0.672 g
Phenylalanine1.447 g
Tyrosine1.263 g
Valine1.777 g
Arginine4.550 g
Histidine0.969 g
Alanine1.528 g
Aspartic acid3.662 g
Glutamic acid6.269 g
Glycine1.611 g
Proline1.597 g
Serine1.713 g
Vitamins
Vitamin A equiv.
beta-carotene
(0%)
1 μg
(0%)
7 μg
Vitamin A11 IU
Thiamine (B1)
(111%)
1.275 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
(24%)
0.285 mg
Niacin (B3)
(61%)
9.200 mg
Vitamin B6
(46%)
0.600 mg
Folate (B9)
(28%)
110 μg
Vitamin B12
(0%)
0 μg
Vitamin C
(1%)
0.5 mg
Vitamin E
(5%)
0.80 mg
Minerals
Calcium
(7%)
70 mg
Iron
(61%)
7.95 mg
Magnesium
(197%)
700 mg
Manganese
(362%)
7.600 mg
Phosphorus
(236%)
1650 mg
Potassium
(26%)
1200 mg
Sodium
(0%)
5 mg
Zinc
(104%)
9.90 mg
Other constituents
Water4.96 g
Cholesterol0 mg

USDA Nutrient Database Entry
  • Units
  • μg = micrograms • mg = milligrams
  • IU = International units
Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults.

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