Hemp seeds are nutrient-dense food. These seeds, which are technically a nut and are part of the hemp plant, can be either eaten raw or can be cooked, or even used to make milk, oil, protein powder, or cheese alternatives.
For years, these hemp seeds are being utilized to treat and prevent many health problems through oral and topical applications. Many of these statements and treatments are backed up by a growing amount of modern clinical research.
Additionally, Hemp seeds also include Vitamin E, Manganese, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, and B-vitamins.
Nutrition Information of Hemp seeds
Raw hemp seeds have the following nutrients in a 30-gram serving (three tablespoons):
- Calories: 166
- Protein: 9.47 g
- Sugar: 0.45 g
- Fat: 14.6 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.6 g
How to Eat It?
Hemp seeds can be consumed roasted, raw, or cooked in a variety of ways. Likewise, shelled hemp seeds can be eaten by sprinkling a teaspoon or two on top of salads, yogurt, or cereal.
Another way of consuming Hemp seed is by coating chicken or fish in place of breadcrumbs for people who are gluten intolerant. Just as you can make almond milk by blending almonds and water, the same can be done with hemp seeds to make its milk, replacing regular dairy milk in drinks and recipes.
Moreover, hemp seed oil should not be used for frying or cooking since the delicate omega fatty acids will break down during the cooking process. This deprives the oil of its nutritional properties. Rather it should be used as a finishing oil.
We can use hemp seed oil to dress salads or drizzle it over grilled vegetables, spaghetti or popcorn.
Benefits of Hemp seeds
- Heart Health
Hemp seeds are excessive in magnesium, a mineral that aids in heart rhythm regulation and prevents coronary heart disease. Furthermore, they also include Linoleic acid, which contributes to lowering blood pressure and also helps to decrease cholesterol levels by 15%.
The seeds are also rich in arginine, a nitric oxide-producing amino acid. Nitric oxide is required for vein and artery dilatation and supports the smooth and elastic maintenance of blood vessel walls.
- Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Hemp seeds contain Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is an omega-6 fatty acid that may have anti-inflammatory properties like ibuprofen. After nine months of GLA supplementation, participants in one research reported a 75% reduction in arthritis-related discomfort.
A few animal studies, according to Trusted Source, also show that GLA has anti-inflammatory properties. Recent human research, on the other hand, reveals that the acid is not consistently practical.
According to a review published in The European Journal of Pharmacology, people handle GLA more intricately, explaining why human research yields more diverse outcomes than animal studies.
- Skin condition
Chronic inflammation can cause atopic dermatitis (AD) and acne. Hemp seeds include anti-inflammatory chemicals that may benefit.
Acne may be linked to a lack of omega-3 fatty acids, among other nutritional factors. Therefore, hemp seed’s rich omega-3 content may aid in the reduction and improvement of acne problems.
Hemp oil can be utilized in cooking and applied topically to the skin to bring nutritional advantages to your dish. Hemp seed oil is also used in studies to help with eczema symptoms and dry, itchy skin.
Furthermore, the impact of dietary changes on skin problems was investigated in a 2018 review. While the scientists discovered indications that eating extra omega-3s may help with acne symptoms, more research is needed to determine the profundity of the effects.
- Assists in weight loss
GLA, found in hemp seeds, can help you lose weight by reducing sugar cravings and functioning as a natural appetite suppressant.
Hemp seed oil is lofty in containing GLA, which helps people lose weight by reducing weight gain. According to one study, formerly obese people who took GLA supplements for a year gained less weight.
- Aids Digestion
Fiber is necessary for a fine digestive system. Whole hemp seeds are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Moreover, insoluble fiber bulks up the stool and aids in the passage of food and wastes through the digestive system.
Additionally, soluble fiber is good for lowering cholesterol and controlling blood sugar levels. Thus, it even reduces the risk of diabetes.
Nutritional Benefits of Hemp seeds
- Protein
Hemp seeds have about the same amount of protein as soybeans. There are 9.46 g of protein in every 30 grams (g) of seeds which is about three tablespoons. These seeds include all nine of the essential amino acids. Thus, are a complete protein source, meaning they.
Moreover, Amino acids are the building blocks for all proteins. However, nine of these acids are not produced by the body, so they must be absorbed from the diet.
Hemp seeds are an effective supplement to a vegetarian or vegan diet since few plant-based foods provide complete protein sources.
- Unsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are becoming increasingly popular for their health benefits.
Hemp seeds are lofty in terms of essential fatty acids, including an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Also, the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids ratio is crucial. People eat too many omega-6s as compared to omega-3s. However, putting hemp seeds into the diet can help restore balance.
Furthermore, hemp seeds also have a low saturated fat content and no trans fats.
- Fiber
The outermost hull, or shell, of hemp seed, contains a lot of fiber. Therefore, purchase hemp seeds with the hulls intact if at all possible.
With three tablespoons having around 1.2 g of fiber, Hemp seeds are an excellent source of fiber even without the shells. Besides, getting enough fiber in your diet can help you:
- Help with weight loss
- Lower your appetite
- Gut health improved
- Try to keep blood sugar levels in check
Potential Risks of Hemp Seeds
Primarily, the beneficial essential fatty acids contribute to the fat content of hemp seeds. Therefore, eating them leniently can help you to meet your daily fat needs. One should do this because a high-fat diet can also cause nausea and diarrhea.
There isn’t sufficient clinical evidence suggesting that Hemp is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, either orally or topically; thus, it isn’t suggested.
Certain medications, such as anticoagulants, may interact with hemp seeds. In addition, hemp seeds have been proven in studies to prevent blood clotting, which can interact with blood-thinning prescriptions.
THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, can be found in tiny concentrations in hemp seed shells. As a result, people who have previously been dependent on cannabis may want to consider finding an alternative.
How to Store
Hemp seeds exposed to air for long periods or stored at high temperatures may lose valuable fat content, resulting in trans-fatty acid formation.
Hemp seeds and hemp oil should be stored in an airtight container at cool temperatures and away from bright light. It’s better to keep hemp goods refrigerated once they’ve been opened.
Why are Hemp seeds considered a ‘Superfood’?
Superfoods aren’t just “good for you” foods. They’re the foods that, when compared to others, have a superior nutritional profile.
Hemp seeds are often recognized as a superfood. Thanks to all its benefits mentioned above. And also because the seeds undoubtedly are high in nutrients and offer a variety of health benefits.
“Hemp is now a genuine superfood,” according to Amy Shapiro, R.D., founder of Real Nutrition. “Hemp is super-nutritious and, despite its small size, quite mighty,” she adds.
Shapiro recommends including one tablespoon of hempseed (also known as hemp hearts) into your daily diet in several ways to gain the advantages. For example, for breakfast, add them to a smoothie or a bowl of oatmeal.
As previously said, hemp seeds include various nutrients that help maintain human health, getting it the title “superfood” of the earth.
Hemp has gotten a lot of attention in recent years, due in part to CBD, which has become one of the most favored wellness products on the market. However, Hemp’s health advantages extend far beyond the THC that has caught the world by storm.
Hemp seeds are believed to be a superfood as they are renowned as the most nutritionally complete food source on the earth, with a virtually perfect omega 3 to omega six ratio and iron, vitamin E, and all of the essential amino acids.
Before you proceed on with the article, here are some cancer terminologies you need to be familiar with.
Metastasis: cancer spreading to other parts of the body
Apoptosis: natural cell death
Endocannabinoid system: biological system which responds to cannabinoids
Breast Cancer Overview
If you don’t know what breast cancer is, there are a lot more insightful sites you can find. But in a gist, it is a type of cancer that originates on the breast due to abnormal growth of cells. To kill a cancer cell is a heavy task for medical professionals. This is what chemotherapy focuses on, to kill the cancer cells. But cancers can be more proliferating than expected, causing chemo to fail. The most effective way to treat cancer is apoptosis. This is what the primary focus of CBD is. CBD is seen as an effective component in curing cancer as it stimulates the natural cell death in the body. This is also the reason for far fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
How does Cannabis cure Breast Cancer?
Cancers work by invading other tissues and organs called metastasis. These chunks of invading cells are collectively known as tumors. When cancer cells reach a certain level of concentration, they stop taking signals from other cells for apoptosis and completely discard the endocannabinoid system. The Endocannabinoid system particularly takes part in curing cancer as it is involved in stimulating apoptosis and controlling cell death. Current studies show that cannabis can directly cease the abnormal growth of cancer cells. Although there aren’t many effective studies done on humans, experiments in the lab show that the use of cannabis at an early stage will likely cure cancer and can reduce cell growth in later stages as well.
The endocannabinoid system particularly consists of CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain. CB2 receptors are found throughout the body in the endocannabinoid system. CBD particularly latch to CB2 receptors. Now, it doesn’t have to be CBD, as long as it binds to CB2 receptors the mechanism is almost similar. When CB2 receptors get latched with CBD and others, it stimulates cell death. And as a result, it kills cancer cells and prevents further cell proliferation. Animal tests have shown that CB2 receptors when signaled, can obstruct cancer cell proliferation, induce cancer cell apoptosis, and impair tumor formation. And very few studies have shown that even THC takes part in reducing metastasis in breast cancers spread to the lungs.
How do the women feel about using cannabis as treatment?
All these talks would go to waste if women themselves stay away from using cannabis for their treatment. But it’s not the actual case. In a survey, among 27 years to 84-year-old cancer patients, 42% of them agreed to use the plant. Among those, 75% of them reported that nothing bad ever happened.
They also reported cannabis was the most effective in symptom management. Even after undergoing chemotherapy, they felt joyful, had an increased appetite, and well stress management. The reason for these is CB1 receptors. CB1 receptors, in particular, affect mood, behavior, and brain functions. When the patients are in the right headspace, they can connect more with their family, enjoy their time despite having cancer. The survey also found that cannabis reduced sickness which is said to be the worst side effect of chemotherapy.
So, it seems that the only thing holding off is education and stigma. If the patients are educated about using the plant, if nothing but to reduce symptoms, a lot more people could spend their time in ease.
Future of Cancer and Cannabis
Cannabis has a very promising future in cancer treatment. If such promising results are derived from a few studies done on animals, the result we can obtain after doing human trials is thrilling. Cannabis does not only cure breast cancer. It has shown the potential to control even aggressive cancers. There are more case studies of people recovering than there are researches done. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and as a result use of the plant for breast cancer is more focused than other cancer types. But many more types of cancers are reported to be cured. The only difference is, they used a different strain. Only laboratory research can determine a particular strain for a particular type of cancer. The decriminalization of cannabis possesses more potential than of alcohol.
The studies concluded that the results are relatively better with higher potency. On the contrary, the only legal cannabis is the one with less than 0.3% THC. The stigma criminalization created has affected more people than ever. Governments spend millions of dollars in funding cures. But they refuse to give their attention to the plant that has shown more positive results than any other drugs. These contradictory acts of the government are nothing but a fallacy. It makes absolutely no sense especially that the system is depriving the patients of their basic human needs. Ignorance and stigma are the home ground of human death. It’s never too late to open up about the taboo in society. Cancer patients deserve to get the medication of choice and the government should be the last one to interrupt.
In a survey, among 27 years to 84-year-old cancer patients, 42% of them agreed to use the plant. Among those, 75% of them reported that nothing bad ever happened.
