Side effects of hemp seeds
Hemp Cannabis sativa L. The various parts of the hemp plant are used to make different products. The seeds of hemp are edible and are considered highly nutritious with a high concentration of soluble and insoluble fiber, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for heart health and skin health. Hemp is grown for non-drug use because it contains only trace amounts of THC the psychoactive component of the marijuana plant that is responsible for getting a person high. There are three different species of plants that come from the Cannabis genus in the Cannabaceae family ; these include Cannabis sativa , Cannabis indica , and Cannabis ruderalis.
14 Hemp Seed Health Benefits & Side Effects + Recipes
Produced by hemp plants, otherwise known as Cannabis sativa , hemp seeds are small and dark brown. Since the s, many people have been scared away from hemp seeds due to the fact they are related botanically to marijuana, a member of the cannabis family. They contain tetrahydrocannabinoids THC , but the amount of this chemical contained in the seeds is incredibly small, trace amounts only. Hemp cultivated for non-intoxicant purposes is known as industrial hemp.
In , Cannabis sativa was split into 2 subspecies; Cannabis sativa subspecies sativa , which has less than 0. During the earliest days of human history, cannabis thrived near the temporary dwellings of our ancestors. For millennia, hemp was cultivated in Europe and Asia. At that point in time, most of its value was found in it being a source of fiber , as well as an oilseed.
We know that hemp has long been used as a textile fiber because we have discovered remains of cloth woven from hemp as far back as years 4.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the things hemp can be used for, but our main focus today is not on every conceivable use but rather on the many direct benefits of the powerhouse hemp seed.
The following is 14 evidence-based hemp seeds health benefits. You might be surprised to know that these tiny little hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts, are packed with a nutritional punch. Though classified as a seed, hemps hearts are actually a nut. When you eat them, you can expect a mild, nutty flavor. As far as macronutrients, one ounce of shelled hemp seeds 28 grams will provide you approximately 5 :.
The vitamin and mineral content of hemp seeds is as follows 6 , 25 :. Get all these nutrients in just 2 to 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds and they are easy to incorporate into your everyday diet. High in vitamins and minerals, and full of protein and healthy fats, hemp seeds provide a broad spread of nutritional benefits. You can get around 10 grams of protein from 2 to 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds 8.
Of course, the amount of protein you need will vary depending on the type of life you live and your chosen way of eating. The National Institute for Health recommends that 10 :. Many people think they have to rely on meat sources for protein, but that is simply not the case. While it is often difficult to find a complete protein that is plant-based due to them not containing the amino acid lysine, that is not an issue with hemp seeds. Edestin is similar to protein found in the human body and this protein works hard to repair cellular DNA.
Albumin is a protein also found in egg whites 8. The protein found in hemp seeds is far easier for your body to digest when compared to protein from several other nuts, legumes and grains. High levels of glutamic acid and arginine, as well as the amino acids cysteine and methionine can be found in hemp seeds This makes hemp seeds ideal for your plant-based protein needs. Linoleic acid omega-6 and alpha-linolenic acid omega-3 are two essential fatty acids that are found in high amounts in hemp seeds 8.
Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to improving health like the development of muscle fibers 12 and helping to heal skin disorders 13 , and they are also essential for balancing your immune system Unfortunately, studies show that many people living in the Western world do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diet When researchers studied the relationship between coronary heart disease and linoleic acid the omega-6 from hemp seeds , they found that people who consumed more linoleic acids had a lower risk of coronary heart disease events, and were less likely to die if an event did occur When the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is not properly balanced in our body, it can result in health problems like obesity and systemic inflammation Your body does not have the ability to create these fatty acids, nor can it convert omega-6 fatty acids into omega-3 fatty acids.
The balance of these two fatty acids is important because when the balance is not properly maintained it can be detrimental to human health Too much omega-6 in the diet can result in the exacerbation of many inflammatory diseases, and put you at risk for developing diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis For most people eating a Western diet, the balance of omega-6 to omega-3 is completely out of balance as they consume a ratio of at least The recommended ratio of these fats in a healthy diet is High consumption of omega-6 in our diet can be harmful to our health.
Resulting in nearly 10 million deaths a year, heart disease is the number one killer in the world and has been for almost two decades Inflammatory processes have been linked to coronary heart disease 24 , so avoiding inflammation is important in reducing your risk of heart disease.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder characterized by extremely high cholesterol 26 and those who live with this disorder are more likely to die from heart disease while they are young As the excessively high levels of cholesterol collect in the platelets they can lead to abnormal platelet aggregation, which can increase the risk of atherothrombosis 28 that leads to cardiac death.
In animal studies it was found that adding hemp seeds to the diets of rabbits increased the measured levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids PUFA in the plasma, which in turn normalized the levels of cholesterol induced abnormal platelet aggregation When you get your cholesterol tested, they measure your total cholesterol, your HDL good cholesterol and your LDL bad cholesterol.
Your total cholesterol is divided by your HDL to find your cholesterol ratio, which helps determine your risk of heart disease The higher your ratio is, the greater your chance of developing heart disease PUFAs like the gamma-linoleic acid found in hemp seeds can help lower the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL 32 , thereby lowering your risk of heart disease. High C-reactive protein CRP levels in the blood are an indicator of inflammation 34 as well as a predictor of heart attacks Arginine found in hemp seeds has been shown to be useful in the reduction of CRP Though heart attacks themselves can result in death, the ensuing ischemic reperfusion injury can also kill An animal study from has shown that a diet containing hemp seeds played a large role in the post-ischemic recovery of rats This study showed that during post ischemic reperfusion there were many cardio-protective effects brought on by the PUFA content of the hemp seeds.
It results in severe memory loss as well as problems with behavior and cognitive abilities, and it worsens over time. Soluble fiber can dissolve in water and forms a thick gel like sludge in the gut.
Insoluble fiber increases the amount of roughage to help food and waste travel along your gut. Insoluble fiber ingestion has been linked a lowered risk of type-2 diabetes 54 , A study conducted in China looked at patients who were suffering from constipation and the efficacy of using hemp seed to treat this problem.
While there is plenty of fiber in the hemp hearts, most of the fiber in hemp seeds is found in the shell of the seed. Therefore, if you want as much fiber as possible you will want to eat whole hemp seeds instead of the shelled hemp hearts since they contain very little fiber. KEY POINT : Hemp seeds are a great source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber which helps us to have healthy digestive systems, resulting in better health.
Fatty acids can be a beneficial tool in the modulation of immune responses The fatty acids found in hemp seeds can play a role in the production of cytokines, gene regulation, signal transduction pathways, and antioxidant enzymes Because hemp seeds contain all 21 essential amino acids and provide the perfect ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 essential fatty acids 62 , hemp seeds can be pressed into an oil that is beneficial to skin. There are many skin disorders, some the result of systemic disease 63 and others as a symptom of autoimmune disease The omega-3 and omega-6 oils found in hemp seeds can reach the deepest layers of your skin, alleviating the dry, itchy, red skin that can happen as a result of inflammatory skin disorders Atopic dermatitis, or eczema symptoms showed improvement when treated with oil from hemp seeds Studies suggest that this improvement is a direct benefit received from the PUFAs in the hemp seed oil One such antioxidant found in hemp seeds is Vitamin E 70 which has been used in the treatment of dermatological disorders for decades KEY POINT: If you suffer with dry itchy skin, you may find relief in using hemp seed oil due to its rich content of fatty acids and antioxidant properties.
The most satiating macronutrient available in our diets is protein. This is believed to be a result of the amino acids contained in protein Not getting enough protein in your diet can cause you to feel hungrier and increase your desire to eat Because hemp seeds are a complete protein containing all 21 amino acids as well as several essential fatty acids , they can help to naturally suppress your hunger 8.
Fiber is another macronutrient that can promote satiety and help you to control your appetite Many people add hemp seed protein to their diets in an attempt to raise their intake of protein without adding more meat. In one 30 gram 4 tablespoons serving there are around 15 grams of protein We know that hemp seeds can play a role in reducing inflammation 78 due to their high levels of beneficial PUFAs. Researchers theorize that hemp seeds anti-inflammatory nature will be useful in the treatment of cancer and have started looking into this option.
Though the levels are minimal, there is THC in hemp seeds. THC has proven beneficial in the treatment of cancer. In one study, THC was shown to inhibit the growth of glioblastoma multiforme tumors in the brain Another study found that CBD oil also derived from the hemp plant has proven effective in improving advanced stages of breast cancer Cannabinoids have also been found useful in treating the side effects of cancer treatment People who suffer with multiple sclerosis MS experience many symptoms, but no two people will experience them in the same way.
Some of the more predictable symptoms of this disease are fatigue, difficulty walking, weakness and numbness, spasms and problems with vision In a demyelinating disease, the myelin sheath of the nerves is damaged which impairs the transmission of signals in the nerves that have been affected One such study claims that because of the hemp seeds effect on improving the myelin membrane, it might help to also prevent MS KEY POINT : Hemp seeds have show its effectiveness in rebuilding myelin membranes which gives promise in the treatment and prevention of multiple sclerosis.
Prostaglandin is a hormone that has been used to reduce the effects of prolactin and lessen the symptoms of PMS When the joints and the tissues that surround them become inflamed, you will experience the joint pain that is synonymous with arthritis Omega-3 supplementation helped to decrease the disease activity and it also reduced the need for anti-inflammatory drugs In hemp seeds the omega-3 is an excellent source of gamma linolenic acid GLA which has been shown to be effective in treating inflammation Studies found that diets rich in GLA can alter the generation of the prostaglandins and leukotrienes which can influence chronic inflammatory and acute responses Another study looked specifically at the effect hemp seed oil had on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
During the study the researchers discovered that the hemp seed oil slashed the survival rate of MH7A synovial cells found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
It concluded that the hemp seed oil was useful in treating the effects of arthritis Adding hemp seeds to your diet can help reduce your inflammation, thus reducing joint pain and arthritis symptoms. High blood pressure affects nearly half of all American adults
Note: Eating hemp seeds is not considered as unsafe as is ingesting the hemp leaves or other parts of the plant. But the seeds can cause mild. This is a detailed article about hemp seeds and their health benefits. Here are 6 ways The Benefits and Side Effects of Hempseeds. Medically.
The benefits of adding hemp seeds and products made from hemp seeds into your diet are plentiful. Hemp seeds are an easily digestible source of protein and essential fatty acids. They are one of the most nutritional foods found in nature.
Did you know that excessive hemp seed oil usage can trigger hallucinations and paranoia? Hemp seed oil has many benefits, but when used irresponsibly it can lead to many complications like paranoia, among others.
Produced by hemp plants, otherwise known as Cannabis sativa , hemp seeds are small and dark brown. Since the s, many people have been scared away from hemp seeds due to the fact they are related botanically to marijuana, a member of the cannabis family.
Hemp Seeds: Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects and Facts
Despite its use in our diet for hundreds of years, hempseed has surprisingly little research published on its physiological effects. This may have been in the past because the psychotropic properties wrongly attributed to hemp would complicate any conclusions obtained through its study. However, hempseed no longer contains psychotropic action and instead may provide significant health benefits. Hempseed has an excellent content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These compounds have beneficial effects on our cardiovascular health. Recent studies, mostly in animals, have examined the effects of these fatty acids and dietary hempseed itself on platelet aggregation, ischemic heart disease and other aspects of our cardiovascular health.
Shelled Hemp Seed
Hemp seeds are produced from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa L. While hemp is commonly confused with marijuana, as it belongs to the same family, the two plants are quite different. Most notably is the level of THC, or deltatetrahydrocannabinol. Hemp plants are cultivated for industrial use and harvested for their fibers, seeds, oils , and meal. Industrial hemp seeds are available in different forms. They can be sterilized, toasted, roasted, or cracked. Hemp can be pressed into oil or hulled into meal. Hemp thrives nearly anywhere, tolerating a variety of growing conditions.
Some great benefits of including hemp seeds and items produced from hemp seeds into your diet plan are abundant. Hemp seeds are a effortlessly digestible supply of protein and fatty acids.
Hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts in their hulled form, are a trendy health food that's actually been around for centuries. Whether you sprinkle, stir or eat them straight, these tiny, nutty-flavored seeds have powerful properties. Contrary to what you might think, though, instead of getting you high, hemp seeds can help get you healthy. Like other plant foods, they have many nutritional benefits, but there are also a few hemp seed side effects.
Hemp Seed Side Effects You Should Know About
People are often confused about hemp seed nutrition and whether or not the seeds contain cannabinoids, like CBD. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that actually has a long history of use in the U. Instead, this superfood is consumed for its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and its antioxidant effects. They are technically nuts but are referred to as seeds or hearts. Each part of the hemp plant offers different compounds and the seeds are no different. Hemp is actually one of the most widely utilized and diverse industrial crops in the world. Hemp seed oil, or hemp oil, is made by pressing hemp seeds. Hemp hearts are an excellent source of nutrients, especially unsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids. Research shows that the benefits of hemp seeds include their ability to alleviate constipation, support cardiovascular health, improve dermatological issues and ameliorate gastrointestinal diseases. Gamma-linolenic acid GLA is a necessary building block for some prostaglandins — hormone-like chemicals in the body that help smooth muscles, control inflammation and body temperature, and are vital to other body functions. Research published in the European Journal of Pharmacology indicates that GLA-supplemented diets attenuate inflammatory responses.
Hemp Seeds Benefits for Pain, Weight Loss and More
Hemp is a form of the same plant as marijuana that generally has much lower levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid compounds. The seed and seed oil have probably been used for food, cooking, and lamp oil in Asia and North Africa for millennia. Hemp is believed to come from China. The nutty seeds normally have a hard shell which has to be removed to make it edible. Today, in order to be legal in most countries, the seeds must be treated so that they cannot be planted and grown. Our proprietary "Star-Rating" system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people. For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
