(TRFW News) The seeds of the hemp plant will not produce the psychoactive qualities that are associated with the cannabis family of plants, but hemp seeds can provide valuable health benefits that make it a good addition to your diet.
While hemp seeds do contain a trace amount of THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the active ingredient in marijuana, the levels are insufficient to cause any psychoactive reactions (1).
Lots of nutrition in a tiny seed, but is eating hemp seeds good for you?
While not as popular as other seeds, such as flaxseeds and chia seeds, hemp seeds contain a well-rounded nutritional profile. Containing all 20 amino acids, including all of the nine essential amino acids, hemp seeds support the body to break down food, repair tissue, and grow new muscle (2).
Protein and essential amino acids are traditionally found in animal sources (3), which makes hemp seeds a rarity among plants, as two tablespoons provide five grams of protein. Since essential amino acids are not produced by the body, finding one source such as hemp seeds that provide all of the essential amino acids, makes it easy to provide the body with the building blocks needed for a healthy life (2).
Hemp seeds are good for your heart
A four tablespoon serving of hemp seeds provides 15 grams of essential fats: both Omega 6 and Omega 3 in an optimal ratio of 2:1 and 3:1 (4). Similar to the essential amino acids in hemp seeds, the essential fatty acids are not produced by the body, thus must be consumed on a regular basis in order to reap the benefits (5).
Some of the benefits that have been identified in regards to Omega-3, include: preventing arrhythmias by assisting the heart to maintain a steady rhythm, lowering blood pressure, and helping to lower triglyceride levels (5). The typical diet provides sufficient levels of Omega-6, but many diets are low in Omega-3 (5), which makes hemp seeds a good plant source for both these essential fatty acids.
Fiber in hemp seeds can help to keep you regular, and so much more
Hemp seeds also are a good source of fiber, containing one gram per tablespoon (3). While fiber can help to relieve constipation, the fiber in hemp seeds can also reduce the risk of developing diabetes, as well as heart disease (6). The majority of fiber that is contained in hemp seeds is composed of non-digestible or insoluble fiber (4), which has been associated with lowered risk for type II diabetes compared to individuals who consumed low levels of insoluble fiber (6).
Sources for this article include:
(1) Hemp seeds: Benefits, nutrition, side effects and facts. www.seedguides.info
(2) Amino acids. Medline Plus. www.nlm.nih.gov
(3) Roussell, M. (2012). Ask the diet doctor: Should I eat flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds?www.shape.com
(4) Callaway, J. C. (2004). Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview. Euphytica, 140, 65-72.www.building-body.com
(5) Omega-3 fatty acids: An essential contribution. Harvard School of Public Health. www.hsph.harvard.edu
(6) Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417-1435.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(2) Amino acids. Medline Plus. www.nlm.nih.gov
(3) Roussell, M. (2012). Ask the diet doctor: Should I eat flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds?www.shape.com
(4) Callaway, J. C. (2004). Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview. Euphytica, 140, 65-72.www.building-body.com
(5) Omega-3 fatty acids: An essential contribution. Harvard School of Public Health. www.hsph.harvard.edu
(6) Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417-1435.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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