We’ve all heard of flax seeds and chia seeds, but what about hemp seeds? This raw (or roasted) super food, available in the form of “milks,” protein powders, seeds, oils and butters is silently sweeping the nation. There are so many health benefits of hemp seeds that it is sometimes impossible to believe how these little seeds pack a punch.
10 Amazing Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are the answer to anyone looking for a real and effective super food. Here are 10 incredible health benefits of hemp seeds:
1. Source of Complete Protein
Hemp seeds are most widely known for their protein content. 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds equal 11 grams of protein. For 15 grams of complete protein, try hemp protein power. Complete protein means proteins that have essential as well as non-essential amino acids. The best proteins are made up of a total of 8 essential amino acids. Animals are the only source of the most complete proteins, with the exception of hemp seeds! Hemp seeds are rich in complete proteins and recommended as a staple in one’s diet.
2. Same Omega 3 Content as Fish Oil Pills
Two fish oil pills provide 3 grams of Omega 3 fatty acids. The same amount on Omega 3s can be sourced from just 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds. These heart-friendly fats boost metabolism, improve the heart, promote brain function and nourish the skin. Hemp seeds are a great vegetarian or vegan source of Omega 3 fatty acids. While walnuts and flax are also great sources of Omega 3s, they do not contain as much protein as hemp seeds.
3. Easily Digested
Of all nuts and seeds, hemp seeds are one of the easiest to digest. They are also one of the easiest to digest amongst all sources of protein. They do not lead to excessive gas formation and bloating or aggravate IBS if taken for the first time.
4. Rich source of Fibre
One serving of hemp seeds, which accounts to 3 tablespoons, has 7 grams of fibre. Furthermore, one serving of hemp seed protein powder has nearly 12 to 14 grams of fibre—it varies according to the brand and variety of hemp seed protein powder. Fibre is helpful in removal of cholesterol. It is also great for keeping blood sugar levels stable. So those who are looking for a rich source of fibre that is loaded with health benefits should replace wheat bran with hemp seeds.
5. No Saturated Fats
Hemp seeds have no unhealthy oils or saturated fats. Hemp seeds also do not contain any other type of harmful fats such as trans-fats. However, to prevent rancidity, they need to be stored in a refrigerator, just like all other seeds and nuts.
6. Fight Anxiety & Depression
Since hemp seeds contain brain-boosting elements and essential minerals and vitamins, they are known to reduce stress and anxiety. Hemp seeds are rich in multiple elements such as iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamins and as mentioned earlier, Omega 3 fatty acids. The protein content found in hemp seeds also curbs anxiety. They have more magnesium content than fish, grains or greens. In fact, hemp seeds have 50% of the magnesium needed by an average person in a day. Magnesium is known for taming anxiety and reducing stress. It also combats weakness, fatigue and cramps. Hemp seeds also provide 15% of daily iron requirement and 20% of daily zinc requirements.
7. Beautiful Skin
The Omega 3s present in hemp seeds are not just healthy for the heart, but also the skin. They lubricate skin cells and keep inflammations at bay. This means that consumption of hemp seeds prevents dry skin and acne problems, thereby promoting healthy, beautiful skin. As discussed earlier, hemp seeds are also rich in protein and this helps in production of collagen, preventing wrinkles and fine lines.
8. Easy on The Pocket
For those who think spending $10 on a bag of hemp seeds is being frivolous, here is some news. A 12 ounce bag of organic hemp seeds provides 30 servings of complete and pure protein. Now compare that with a $10 bag of wild salmon which provides merely 2 to 3 servings, or a $10 bag of organic poultry that provides no more than 10 servings. To gain 30 servings of eggs, one needs to shell out $20. Hence, it is clear that out of all protein sources, hemp seeds are the most cost effective. A single serving of hemp provides nearly 11 to 15 grams of complete protein.
9. Prevent Constipation
Hemp seeds are also helpful in curing constipation owing to the fact that they have such a high fibre content are easily digested. Furthermore, the magnesium content found in hemp seeds coupled with the healthy fats lubricated the gut and relaxes it, thereby contributing to regularity. Also, for people who cannot tolerate grains or nuts, hemp seeds are an ideal solution for constipation and digestion problems.
10. Lean Muscle
Women are always focusing on weight loss, and hemp seeds can work wonders for them. To gain lean muscles and aid in losing fat, the protein found in hemp seeds is a highly recommended protein. Vegan fitness enthusiasts and body builders swear by hemp protein and prefer it over any other protein source. This is also great for those who cannot tolerate protein from brown rice or other grain sources and are looking for low carbohydrate content. Raw, cold-milled hemp seeds are great for those who are aiming for lean muscles. They are not only high on Omega-3’s and fibre but also lower in carbohydrate as compared to brown rice. They also have higher nutrients that aid in formation of lean muscles than other plant sources of protein. Hemp protein does not add bulk to the body; it only aids the muscles in burning fat, giving way to a leaner body.
Where else does one find an easily digestible food that has all 20 amino acids, a high protein percentage, essential fatty acids and phytonutrients? It does not lead to excessive gas formation and bloating like some protein powders do, and does not contain any phytic acid like soy. Also, with more fatty acids than any other seed oil or nut, hemp goes another step up from other botanical sources of fatty acids and protein.
So go ahead and start including hemp in your diet. Your body will thank you!
