Hemp is a highly versatile plant. It’s uses are not limited to food only but expand into other areas like medicine, fiber for clothing, material for building and so on. Hemp seeds are one of the best sources of plant-based protein and GLA and have a huge variety of health benefits, like improving heart health and digestion, build muscle mass, treat anemia, and help with weight loss. They also help to stimulate metabolic activity, prevent various cancers, boost the immune system, reduce symptoms of menopause and menstruation, improve skin and hair health, and build stronger bones.
Health Benefits of Hemp Seed and Hemp Oil
Hemp and its seeds have been used for thousands of years by various cultures as a traditional medicine and dietary supplement because the effects were so clearly positive. This seed is very beneficial in treating many conditions. Let us look at the benefits of hemp seed in detail below:
Digestible Plant Protein
Hemp seeds are one of the only dietary sources of plant matter that contains 21 amino acids making it a complete protein. This means that it contains all 8 essential amino acids that the body cannot produce naturally but requires for a vast number of internal processes like muscle strength, weight loss, reduction in stress, and more.
Prevents Cancer and Strengthens Immune System
The phenolic compounds in hemp seed and hemp seed oil act as powerful antioxidants. These can help prevent various types of cancer by eliminating free radicals. Free radicals are the toxic byproducts of cellular metabolism and can damage healthy cells by mutating their DNA into cancerous cells. Not only that Hemp seeds have many nutrients, vitamins and minerals, fiber, and various beneficial oils, and they have an immune strengthening effect on the entire system, which helps to defend the body against a variety of health conditions and diseases.
Gamma-linoleic Acid or GLA and Heart Health
Hemp seed has a unique characteristic. Gamma-linoleic acid, commonly known as GLA. GLA is a rare form of omega-6 fatty acid that can be found in very few edible sources, and it can have amazingly beneficial effects on your health. It has been connected to improving a number of cardiovascular conditions, and it helps to lower negative cholesterol while increasing the presence of beneficial cholesterol. Hemp seed and Hemp oil has a wide range of effects on heart health, including the proper balance of cholesterol or fatty acids in the body. Most specialists recommended a specific balance of 3:1 or 4:1 omega-6 fatty acid to omega-3 fatty acid. This seed is one of the only plant substances in the world where this balance occurs naturally. The proper balance of saturated fats in the body is essential to normal functioning of the body, and the prevention of various conditions, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Being also high in fiber, hemp seeds boost the heart health because fiber scrapes off excess cholesterol from the artery walls that also lead to heart conditions, and takes them to the excretory system where they can be processed and eliminated. Overall, this seed is a powerful weapon against damage to your heart.
Boosts Digestive Health
Hemp seed is a wonderful source of dietary fiber, both insoluble and soluble, in a ratio of 4:1. Insoluble fiber is great for bulking up the stool and easing the passage through the digestive tract. Soluble fiber, is responsible for slowing glucose absorption and increasing the digestive and gastric juices, which further ease the passing of bowels. Soluble fiber also stimulates bile juice, which reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the body. Overall, the effects of these two types of fiber on the body can help one avoid a number of mild to serious conditions, including colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Prevents Osteoporosis and Regulates Hormones & Menopause Symptoms
The gamma-linoleic acid content of hemp seed works as a hormone regulator for the thyroid and pancreas, and it can reduce many of the symptoms that come from a hormonal imbalance, including severe menopausal symptoms, mood swings, depression, and anxiety. It also can help regulate the hormones that affect weight gain and hunger. Overall, by re-balancing your hormones, your body will work at its optimal and ideal level. Hemp seed has a good amount of calcium, which is a necessary mineral in the strengthening of bones, and also helps to repair the damaged bone matter. Furthermore, calcium from hemp seeds will help you reduce your chances of developing conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and help in improving joint health.
Treats Anemia, Reduces Stress and Hypertension
One of the other minerals that can be found in hemp seed is iron, which is very important for building red blood cells in the human body. Iron deficiency can cause symptoms like fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, shortness of breath and a wide range of other symptoms. Iron also helps in reducing stress and anxiety. One of the most important aspects of hemp seed is its high mineral content, including magnesium. Serotonin is released when magnesium is administered, and it travels to the brain, where it becomes converted to melatonin. Melatonin is a powerful sleep aid, and insomnia patients have often claimed that magnesium supplementation is the reason.
Weight Loss and Builds Muscle Mass
Hemp seed does have the 8 essential amino acids that cannot be made by the human body. It is known as a complete protein, and these are essential in the creation of new tissues in the body, and the strengthening of muscle mass and density. Eating an appropriate amount of hemp seed is a good way to boost your muscle tone. It can be eaten in large quantities without fear of gaining too much weight. Complete proteins make the body feel full because all of the necessary amino acids have been taken in through food, thereby curbing hunger pains. This reduces the chances of overeating and subsequent weight gain. Also, fiber makes the body feel full and stimulates good digestion and fast passage of bowels, which can reduce weight and increase the efficient absorption of nutrients.
Hair, Skin, & Nails
Hemp seed oil is extensively used in cosmetic and skin care products, because of its soothing effects on various skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, skin inflammation, psoriasis, and more. It also helps in eliminating dry and flaking skin and prevents the development of dandruff.
