For those looking to start a more health-conscious substitute for their meals or those simply looking to max out their nutrient intake in their current diet, consuming hemp seeds is a viable alternative to the many options flooding the market. This article will cover many of the benefits of eating hemp hearts an amazing superfood.
Hemp Hearts contain many nutritional benefits that are not only incredibly appealing for the strictest of eaters, but also particularly useful as a supplement for a specific workout regimen or planned diet. There are many pros to using hemp in your recipes. From a powerful protein source to its nutrient-rich composition, see for yourself just how super this ‘superfood’ really is.
What makes hemp a superfood?
Hemp hearts are a healthy food that has many benefits for your body. In this blog post, we will talk about 13 health benefits of hemp and why you need to start adding this plant-based superfood to your diet today.
For those looking to start a more health-conscious substitute for their meals or those simply looking to max out their nutrient intake in their current diet, hemp is a viable alternative to the many options flooding the market. It contains many nutritional benefits that are not only incredibly appealing for the strictest of eaters, but also particularly useful as a supplement for a specific workout regimen or planned diet. There are many pros to using hemp in your recipes. From a powerful protein source to its nutrient-rich composition, see for yourself just how super this ‘superfood’ really is.
#1. Hemp seeds are a great source of protein.
Do hemp hearts have protein?
Hemp hearts are packed with protein, which is essential for your body. Protein helps build muscle, skin, and hair so you can see why hemp seeds would be a great choice if you want to look thinner or healthier. Hemp hearts also have fiber in them which will help keep things moving along in the digestive system as well, pun intended.
As mentioned hemp seeds provide an excellent source of protein, comparable to soybeans. This makes them an ideal addition to a completely vegan diet, as there aren’t many superior plant-based protein sources that can adequately fulfill this particular need.
Related: How to Make Hemp Milk
#2. Hemp hearts have more omega fatty acids than other types of fats.
Hemp Hearts contain all the essential amino acids your body needs.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your body to function properly, so it is important that you include them in your diet. Omega-fatty acids reduce inflammation, promote heart health, and help regulate blood sugar levels, which can prevent things like diabetes and obesity. Hemp hearts have more of these than other types of fat, which makes them a great choice.
Eating hemp hearts can help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis because they contain Omega-three and six which is what your body needs to decrease inflammation and pain in joints, so you’re less likely to suffer from bone or joint pain.
Omega-3 has also been claimed to help regulate your mood and your ability to concentrate while Omega-6 has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.
Learn more about essential fatty acids.
#3. Hemp is Extremely Rich In Vitamin E and Fiber
Hemp seeds are a powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients, hemp seeds contain large amounts of vitamin E and fiber among a multitude of other vitamins and nutrients. Not only does this make them absurdly potent as an ingredient when you’re trying to manage your weight, it also means that they serve as an excellent snack!
Vitamin E is important in any diet as it provides a variety of benefits including reducing oxidative stress, slowing down the aging process, and increasing fertility.
Fiber is essential in any diet for aiding digestion as well as promoting weight loss by preventing you from feeling hungry after eating!
#4. Hemp Seeds Contain Large Amounts of Potassium and Phosphorous
Potassium is an important part of a healthy diet, and hemp seeds potassium content is more than adequate. Potassium is important for health as it helps to balance electrolyte and water levels in the body. It also helps maintain a healthy heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle contractions.
Hemp seeds contain large amounts of phosphorous as well – 16% of your daily value per ounce (compared to meat like beef which contains relatively small amounts of phosphorous). Phosphorous is important for the formation of bones and teeth, energy production, nerve function, and cell growth.
Phosphorus also plays a role in how well your kidneys work to remove waste from your body. If you have kidney problems or are on dialysis treatment – hemp seeds could be an excellent food to add to your diet.
#5. Hemp Seeds are Rich In Sodium and Sulfur
Sodium is an important part of your diet, sodium promotes the health of your heart and brain, regulates blood pressure levels, balances out the acidity in our bodies. Hemp seeds are not only rich in sodium but also contain a significant amount of sulfur as well.
Sulfur is another beneficial mineral found in hemp hearts that helps with skin conditions, bone growth, and it’s a part of many protein complexes.
#6. Hemp is Rich in Calcium and Iron
Hemp seeds contain calcium which is important when it comes to your health. The body needs calcium to develop and maintain strong bones. This mineral also aids in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve function. Hemp seeds calcium content is very high and easily digestible.
Hemp seeds are high in iron which is essential for the formation of hemoglobin (iron) that carries oxygen through your bloodstream.
A single tablespoon of hemp seeds provides about 20% of your daily recommended iron intake.
#7. Hemp hearts are also rich in magnesium and zinc.
Magnesium and zinc help to regulate blood pressure which can prevent things like heart disease or stroke, and help with other conditions such as diabetes.
If you are diabetic you will be happy to know that hemp hearts can also help regulate blood sugar levels.
As you can see, hemp hearts are a great way to add healthy fats and protein into your diet while reducing the risk of various common health problems that people may face in their lifetime.
#8. Hemp is an excellent source of energy.
Since they contain Omega-threes which help your heart to beat faster so it’s easier to exercise or do things that require more physical movement without having any adverse effects on your heart.
#9. Hemp Hearts and Cognitive Health
Hemp Hearts can also help you to maintain a healthy brain. The Omega-three fatty acids in hemp hearts are found in abundance and will make up 20% of your diet if you eat enough hemp hearts daily. They’re great for people of all ages because they are so important to the development, function, and integrity of neurons.
As mentioned above hemp hearts can also help increase concentration and focus. It is also claimed it can help to prevent mental disorders as well due to the high Omega-three content, which is a natural mood stabilizer.
In addition, they’re great for people with brain damage and other cognitive disorders.
#10. Hemp is Great for Preventing Heart Disease
Containing large amounts of arginine, hemp seeds contribute to the natural production of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is believed to help in lowering the risk of heart disease. Eating hemp seeds as part of a healthy diet may lower risk factors such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. Consider mixing hemp seeds into your recipes if you or a family member are at heightened risk.
#11. Hemp Seeds May Reduce Symptoms of PMS and Menopause
PMS which is short for premenstrual syndrome is a condition that many women experience in the lead-up to menstruation. Symptoms usually include depression and anxiety as well as physical symptoms such as bloating or breast tenderness.
Menopause on the other hand is when menstrual periods stop permanently for one month out of every year due to hormonal changes which affect ovulation cycles. There are also hormone-related problems like hot flashes – an episode where you suddenly feel very warm followed by feelings of cold sweat (normally these happen during sleep)
Hemp seeds may help reduce PMS and menopause because they contain omega fatty acids which can be found in fish oils but hemp has more content than salmon or tuna do.
It’s suggested that hemp seeds may reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause. One study found that hemp seed oil helped reduce the severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women for up to six months, with a reduction in time spent with moderate-to-severe night sweats by 33%.
#12. Hemp Seeds and Oil May Benefit Skin Disorders and Severe Acne
Hemp seeds and hemp oil may be helpful for the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Hemp is a plant that does not cause any adverse side effects to human health or produce an intoxicating effect on humans like other drugs.
– Eczema: Itchy red patches in response to stressors (such as dryness, irritation from other substances) or triggers (exposure to allergens).
– Psoriasis: Thick raised areas with silvery scales often found near joints.
– Acne vulgaris: A common condition marked by blackheads, whiteheads; pimples; pustules; cysts, or nodules occurring on the face, neck, chest, or back.
#13. Whole Hemp Seeds May Aid Digestion
As mentioned above hemp seeds are rich in fiber and omega fatty acids. Both of these elements are essential for the digestive system to function properly, which is especially important when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Whole hemp seeds have been found in studies done on rats and mice as being helpful with both appetite control and digestion regulation.
Possible Side Effects of Hemp Hearts
Hemp is a favorite among health foodies. It has high levels of healthy fats, but the fat content should be eaten in moderation to meet your recommended daily intake. Eating too many hemp seeds can lead to nausea or diarrhea because they are so fatty and dense with nutrients!
Interested in hemp powder side effects, check out this link.
Medication Interference
Hemp seeds may interact with certain medications including anticoagulants.
Studies have shown that hemp seeds reduce blood clotting, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding or bruising when interacting with blood-thinner prescriptions such as warfarin and aspirin.
Another word of caution, do not ingest hemp when taking cardiac glycosides or diuretics.
Cardiac Glycosides
Try not to take hemp when on Lanoxin. The two substances could interact in a way that is detrimental, and the effects of both might be detrimental.
Please consult with your doctor or another medical professional before mixing the two.
Diuretics
Studies have shown that when there is increased liquid output from the body, as during a dieting phase or due to over-hydration after exercise, potassium levels are also lost. Diuretics such as Lasix and Diuril work by flushing fluids in order to reduce weight quickly but it can lead to dangerously low potassium levels which could adversely impact heart function if not treated with supplements. Meanwhile, hemp has similar effects on your water retention through urination so using them together may result in lower than normal potassium levels.
Pregnancy Concerns
As many pregnant women or women who have been pregnant can attest to is that it’s important to consult with medical professionals about what foods and or medications you are ingesting.
Cannabis for pregnant and breastfeeding women is not recommended due to the lack of clinical research. Again please consult a medical professional before adding hemp to your diet.
Problems with Digestion
As mentioned above, hemp seeds can lead to diarrhea but they can also lead to other digestive issues.
Hemp seeds have been used to promote digestive health and good gut bacteria. The fiber content can be too much for some people, so make sure you drink plenty of water when eating this amazing plant-based superfood.
Conclusion: Hemp Truly is a Superfood
Overall, hemp is a versatile and healthy addition to any diet, whether you’re trying to eat healthier for its own sake or aiming for a certain goal with your weight-watching or muscle building. With a little practice, you’ll be building a hemp cookbook of your own! It’s time to add hemp seeds to your diet.
PLEASE NOTE: Hemp hearts and hemp in general is a product of the cannabis plant, cannabis sativa to be exact. One note, hemp hearts do not contain THC or CBD, dietary hemp will not get you high and is perfectly safe for anyone to eat, including children.
Sources Cited