Top 10 Benefits of Eating Hemp Seeds: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
Are you in search of fibre-rich and nutritious products? Are you aware of the various beautiful benefits of eating hemp seeds or hemp?
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Hemp seeds are famous, especially during the festive season of Holi. I am sure every one of you may have tried it once. But do you know hemp seeds can do more wonders in your body than you know or can think of?
Our Indian culture is known for using different seeds in our diet, such as flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, and others. One such seed which is gaining popularity these days is hemp seeds.
Hemp is also from the same cannabis sativa family. But it does not have any similar effect as cannabis on the body.
More wonderful is to know that hemp seeds are legal to grow in India because THC (TetraHydroCannabinol) is just 0.3 percent, which will not make you feel high.
It might be the reason that this superfood is gaining popularity in Indian cuisine, and you can also add it easily in your daily recipes.
Nutritional Profile of Hemp Seeds
Consuming three tablespoons of hemp seeds can provide the below nutritional value to your body [1]:
| Protein | 9.48 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.6 g |
| Fat | 1.2 g |
| Energy | 166 kcal |
| Calcium | 21 mg |
| Vitamin E | 0.24 mg |
| Fatty Acids | 1.62 g |
Adults need 0.8 grams of protein per kilo of their body weight per day [2].
So, hemp is a good source for meeting that requirement.
Nutritional and Health Benefits Of Hemp Seeds
Here are some of the hemp seeds benefits that can make you choose this marvelous herb. It can be added to your family’s lifestyle in multiple ways. Let’s look at the top 10 benefits for you:
1. Hemp Seeds May Also Aid In Digestion
Digestion is vital for the human body. A great digestion process supports the overall health of the body. Since hemp is rich in fibre, it fully supports the digestion process.
Moreover, whole hemp seeds are fibrous, thus an excellent ingredient for promoting healthy gut bacteria. This gut bacteria is the main source of a healthy digestive system.
Do you know?
Hemp also has a highly insoluble fibre that aids in passing stool normally down your gut, making your tummy a happy tummy.
2. Hemp Seeds are Full of Proteins
Our bodies need a lot of amino acids that are required to build protein. These amino acids are usually obtained from the different food products and the type of diet that we eat.
Hemp is one such ingredient that has all nine types of amino acids [3].
You will find very few plant-based food items with the same protein percentage as hemp. One such is soybean.
You can include hemp seeds in your diet if you are a vegetarian or prefer vegan products. You will get the right amount of protein needed for your body by simply eating one small ingredient.
3. Hemp Seeds Have Lots of Unsaturated Fats
One of the unsaturated fats our body lacks in producing is Omega 3. People usually eat different food items to increase their fatty acid levels in the body, such as Omega 6 and Omega 3.
But maintaining a balance between the two is always difficult. Hemp is an ingredient that will offer you a complete and balanced proportion of omega-6 and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Moreover, hemp has significantly less or limited saturated fats and no trans fats, making them very good for our health and body.
4. Hemp Seeds May Help To Promote Weight Management
Surprisingly, people consider hemp bad for health, whereas it is full of fibre and nutrition. The shell or the outer hull of the seed has the most fibre.
Therefore, when buying hemp, buy it with shells or intact. Eating this fibrous food will make you full and reduce your hunger. It will eventually help in reducing and controlling your weight.
Tip – Add the hemp or hemp seed powder into your Aashirvaad Multigrain Atta and make a chapatti dough. You will get extra nutrition and fibre, which is good for your gut and result in a happy tummy.
5. Hemp Seeds Have Loads Of Minerals And Vitamins
Only a few food products we eat regularly have the minerals and vitamins that Hemp has.
You will be surprised to known that hemp has a very long list, such as vitamin E, which is good for the eyes and skin.
Along with it, there is a high quantity of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B. These properties also reduce the development of acne on the body.
6. Hemp Seeds May Also Enhance The Immune System
Hemp or hemp is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties supporting the immune system [4].
These seeds also effectively control many diseases, thus helping overall health.
Consuming these hemp seeds in a balanced way will promote healthy living and fewer chances of falling sick.
7. Hemp Seeds May Help Women During Periods
More than 80% of the women worldwide who are reproduction active suffer from period pains. They are known to be caused by hormone sensitivity.
An exceptional property in the hemp seeds is said to reduce that sensitivity effectively. It helps reduce breast tenderness, irritation, depression, and fluid retention in the women’s bodies.
These seeds also regulate hormonal imbalance during menopause [5].
8. Hemp Seeds May Also Help Hair Growth
If you are worried about your hair and wish to grow them naturally, try using hemp oil. A little massage with this excellent oil can help your hair grow naturally.
The oil nourishes the head and scalp and helps with proper blood circulation. It further assists in removing dandruff and inflammation.
9. Hemp Seeds May Also Reduce Stress And Calms the Body and Mind
Stress is a common problem that a lot of Indians face these days. It is because of the high and competitive work environment.
Many properties of hemp support and control stress and relaxes the body by calming it down.
Therefore, it is considered the natural and safest stress reliever.
10. Hemp Seeds May Also Help Build Muscle And Energy
The different proteins and other elements in hemp make them the perfect energy source.
People who prefer protein powders to build on muscle can replace them with hemp seed powder. It is natural with no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Since they have significantly less to little carbs, they promote good energy in the body.
Ways to Include Hemp Seeds in Your Diet
You can get hemp seeds in the market in raw, whole, split, or powder form.
Considering the different benefits this excellent seed can give to your body, here are some of the ways through which you can add these seeds to your lifestyle:
1. Using Hemp Seeds As A Garnishee
Since hemp is a tiny seed, it can easily replace chia or flex seeds. You can sprinkle these seeds on your yogurt or raita or make a powder and use it as you use jeera powder.
These seeds will also give your fruit and vegetable salad a nice crunch.
2. Adding Hemp Seeds To Smoothies
When you prepare smoothies of different fruits, you can add some raw hemp seeds for taste. It will give you nutrition as well as a distinct and unique taste.
3. Making Hemp Milk With Hemp Seeds
All those vegans who love to try a different alternative for their coffee and tea should go for hemp milk. Like almond milk, you can use it to make your favorite beverage. It is very easy to make this seed milk at home.
Simply blend the seeds with water, giving you a nutty and creamy flavor. Use and replace it with regular milk and go dairy-free.
5. Risks or Side Effects Associated With Using Hemp Seeds
Since the hemp seed comes from the cannabis plant, there is a certain percentage of THC.
The rate is safe for consumption with no harmful effects on the brain. But, it can be a problem for sportspeople or athletes. Since these people undergo drug and medical testing, it may come in the test when consumed. So, anyone undergoing a sports activity should check the rules and regulations before consuming the seeds.
Though it is just a seed, you should remember to eat it in balance. Eating an excess (more than 2-3 tbsp. a day) of it can result in gastric and digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, and nausea.
Hence, people with gastric problems should avoid eating these seeds. Moreover, it may not be safe for a pregnant or breastfeeding mother to eat hemp seeds, and if needed should check with their doctor before consuming it.
Additionally, people with specific medications should always inform their doctor or check with them before introducing anything new into their diet, including hemp seeds.
Bottom Line
With the gaining popularity of people moving towards nut, seed, fibre based products, hemp makes an excellent addition to that list. There are many myths associated with the consumption of hemp seeds.
But remember, excess of anything is always wrong. Hence, when hemp seeds are taken in the right proportion and amount, they have excellent health and nutritional benefits.
Hemp is an excellent eco-friendly material apart from being a great food source. Growing hemp doesn’t take too much water, and thus it leaves fewer carbon footprints on the Earth.
FAQs
1. Are there any side effects of eating hemp seeds?
Eating in large quantities can result in nausea, bloating, or constipation problem as they are very high in fibre. It would help to drink a lot of water to avoid these situations.
2. What are the advantages of eating hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds are a great source of healthy fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and fibre. They are suitable for weight management, hair, skin, and digestion.
3. How many hemp seeds can be eaten per day?
You can eat around 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds daily. It is enough to give you all the essential health benefits and nutrition. It would help if you preferred to divide these between your meals throughout the day.
4. Can hemp seeds make you feel sleepy?
Hemp is considered to be a super food with many benefits. It has specific properties that can promote healthy sleeping patterns. It is, therefore, a natural sleeping aid.
5. Is there the best time to eat hemp seeds?
Like any other food item, there is no good or bad time to eat hemp. You should include it over your entire day if you are following a minimum amount to be eaten daily.
6. Do hemp seeds help in burning body fat?
Body fat is burned by using calories, and eating hemp seeds will make you full as they are rich in fibre. There is no direct relation between these seeds helping burn body fat.
