Hemp seeds offer a rich nutritional profile and a variety of health benefits
The cannabis plant has been proven to be beneficial from stem to flower. Even the seeds are highly important, as they carry a significant nutritional value. Hemp seeds, which come from the cannabis sativa plant, are also considered to be a superfood with the capability of alleviating the symptoms of a variety of ailments.
Hemp seeds are known to be rich in fiber, protein, healthy fatty acids – including omega-3s and Omega-6s. They also have antioxidant properties that can improve the joints, skin and even the heart.
Hemp seeds contain almost the same amount of protein found in soybeans. For every 30 grams of seeds, 9.46 grams of protein are found. They provide all nine essential amino acids found in protein.
The fiber content is also impressive. The majority of the fiber is found in the shell; however, the seed itself also provides around 1.2 grams in a single tablespoon. This helps in weight loss, blood sugar level stability and to promote a healthier gut.
There is also a significant amount of other vitamins and minerals found in hemp seeds. Vitamin E, calcium, potassium, niacin, B vitamins, iron, zinc, thiamine, riboflavin and magnesium are all in the genetic makeup of hemp.
A recent study in the Food Chemistry magazine showed that hemp seed extracts have antioxidant effects, more than likely stemming from the presence of cannabidiol (CBD) in the seeds. That CBD has also been shown to provide neuroprotective, immune system and anti-inflammatory enhancements, as well.
There seems to be no end to the benefits associated with cannabis. As scientific research continues to develop, it can be said with a fair amount of certainty that cannabis will prove to be a natural wonder drug, without the ugly side effects found in lab-created chemical alternatives.
