What Is Hemp Seed?
Hemp is the common term for a variety of plants in the Cannabis family. Hemp is different to other varieties of Cannabis sativa which are commonly referred to as 'marijuana' as it contains no, or very low levels of THC (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound associated with the psychoactive properties. This beneficial and versatile plant can be turned into fibers, oil, wax, resin, cloth, fuel, and a wide range of other useful products. We are concerned with its use as a food source, and the benefits in that department are vast.
Hemp Seed Nutrition Facts:
Hemp seed is so widely used throughout the world because of its availability, sustainability, versatility, and health benefits. The elements that make it so useful are mainly its chemical components, nutrients, and minerals. These include high levels of zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, and fiber. Also, hemp seed contains 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Furthermore, it is composed of a large number of edible oils and a variety of essential fats in the body, including a rare form of omega-6 called GLA (gamma linoleic acid).
1. Improves Heart Health
Hemp seed has a wide range of effects on heart health, including the proper balance of cholesterol or fatty acids in the body. Most specialists recommended a specific balance of 3:1 or 4:1 omega-6 fatty acid to omega-3 fatty acid. Hemp seed is one of the only plant substances in the world where this is the normal balance already. The proper balance of saturated fats in the body is essential to normal functioning of the body, and the prevention of various conditions, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Furthermore, since hemp seed has a high content of fiber, heart health is further boosted because fiber scrapes off excess cholesterol from the artery walls that also lead to heart conditions, and takes them to the excretory system where they can be processed and eliminated.
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2. Boosts Digestive Health
Hemp seed is a wonderful source of dietary fiber, both insoluble and soluble, in a ratio of 4:1. Insoluble fiber is best for bulking up the stool and easing the passage through the digestive tract, thereby reducing symptoms of both diarrhea and constipation. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, is responsible for slowing glucose absorption and increasing the digestive and gastric juices, which further ease the passing of bowels. Soluble fiber also stimulates bile juice, which reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the body. Overall, the effects of these two types of fiber on the body can help you avoid a number of mild to serious conditions, including colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
3. Relieves Insomnia
One of the most important aspects of hemp seed is its high mineral content, including magnesium, which creates a very soothing and relaxing sensation throughout the body. Magnesium has various stimulating qualities on enzymes and hormones that induce sleep. Serotonin is released when magnesium is administered, and it travels to the brain, where it becomes converted to melatonin. Melatonin is a powerful sleep aid, and insomnia patients have often claimed that magnesium supplementation is the reason. A single serving of hemp seed contains nearly 50% of the daily recommended dose of magnesium, so grab a handful and guarantee beneficial and restorative sleep.
4. Prevents Osteoporosis
Hemp seed has a modest content of calcium, which is a necessary element in the creation and strengthening of bones, and also helps to repair the damaged bone matter. Furthermore, the positive boost of calcium which you get from hemp seed and its oil will help you reduce your chances of developing conditions like osteoporosis.
5. Treats Anemia
One of the other minerals that can be found in hemp seed is iron, an integral part of red blood cell construction in the human body. Iron deficiency can result in anemia, so having a proper amount of iron intake from foods like hemp seed can help prevent anemia, which displays itself in symptoms like fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, and a wide range of other symptoms.
6. Boosts Muscle Mass
Since hemp seed does have the 8 essential amino acids that cannot be made by the human body, it is known as a complete protein, and these are essential in the creation of new tissues in the body, and the strengthening of muscle mass and density. Eating an appropriate amount of hemp seed is a good way to boost your muscle tone.
7. Prevents Cancer
There is a certain amount of phenolic compounds in hemp seed and hemp seed oil, and they act as powerful antioxidants which can prevent various types of cancer by eliminating free radicals. Free radicals are the toxic byproducts of cellular metabolism and can damage healthy cells by mutating their DNA into cancerous cells. By boosting your phenolic content through consumption of food like hemp seed, you can prevent many types of cancer from forming in the body.
8. Strengthens Immune System
By having so many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, as well as phenolic compounds, fiber, and various beneficial oils, your entire immune system can benefit and can help to defend the body against a variety of health conditions and diseases.
9. Regulates Hormonal Imbalance
The gamma-linoleic acid content of hemp seed works as a hormone regulator for the thyroid and pancreas, and it can reduce many of the symptoms that come from a hormonal imbalance, including severe menopausal symptoms, mood swings, depression, and anxiety. It also can help regulate the hormones that affect weight gain and hunger. Overall, by re-balancing your hormones, your body will work at its optimal, ideal level.
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