10 Ways Hemp Seeds Could Benefit Your Life

By Joy D'Souza

Source: huffingtonpost.ca

If you've been in a health food store lately, you've probably noticed a lot of hemp products on the shelves. From hemp milk to seeds to oils, pastas and even paper — this super plant has plenty of uses.

Don't let the controversy around hemp confuse you. While hemp seeds belong to the cannabis plant family Health Canada regulations ensure the seeds must contain no more than 0.3 per cent of THC, the chemical responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of marijuana. Hemp products themselves are delicious and nutritious.

"Being a source of all essential amino acids and fatty acids, and an array of vitamins and minerals makes hemp seed a nutrient dense, complete nutrition-packed seed," says Shaistha Zaheeruddin, registered dietitian and founder of Modest Nutrition in Milton. "This seed is comparable to many healthy nuts and seeds (like walnuts, flax, chia seeds) with a lot of promise [for long term health benefits]."

And like those other types of seeds and nuts, hemp seeds have a mild nutty flavour that makes them great for snacking, and even useful in cooking and baking.

Below, Zaheeruddin shares 10 benefits of consuming hemp seeds and hemp seed oil, including a few ideas on how to eat them.

Usage In Traditional Chinese Medicine

Associated with the spleen and large intestines, hemp seeds have a history of being used as a laxative in traditional Chinese medicine.

It Contains Healthy Fats

Hemp seeds and its oil contain heart healthy essential fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in hemp seeds and oil is 3:1, which is recognized as the ideal ratio of these fats for optimal health by World Health Organization (WHO).

Eating a tablespoon or two of hemp seeds a day may be sufficient to give you the recommended amount of ALA in your diet.

It Is A Complete Protein

Two tablespoons of hemp seeds contain between seven to 11 grams of protein, which is almost equivalent to protein in two egg whites. 

Hemp seeds contain all essential amino acids your body needs, making it a high quality source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.

It's Good For Your Skin Too

In a study on the effects of hemp seed oil on humans, those who ingested the oil noticed more supple skin, less itching and reduced symptoms of skin conditions like eczema.

Hemp Seed Oil Can Reduce Joint Pain

Thanks to hemp seed's high levels of Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), the oil is believed to assist in reducing joint pain and stiffness among people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

It's A Source Of Fibre

Hemp seeds contain between one to nine grams of fibre per two tablespoons, about 10 to 23 per cent of the recommended 25 to 38 grams of fibre we should be consuming per day.

Fibre helps keep you feel fuller, improves digestion and bowel movements, and help reduce cholesterol absorption and manage blood sugar.

It Contains Cholesterol-Lowering Phytosterols

Hemp seeds naturally contain plant sterols, which are recommended for people with elevated cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

It's A Good Source Of Vitamin E

Hemp seeds help improve immune function, and act as an antioxidant — preventing organ and tissue damage. 

Vitamin E in food may also play a role in preventing some chronic diseases and cancers.

The Oil Is Best Used In Dips, Dressings And Spreads

Hemp seed oil is known to be the richest source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, however it should not be used for frying. 

This oil can go rancid quicker than most other oils and should be stored in dark-colored bottles.

The Seeds Can Be Enjoyed In A Wide Variety Of Ways

From sprinkling a few seeds into your smoothies to baking it into your bread, hemp seeds can be added to any dish. But be warned, like most seeds, they do have nutty taste to them.