Due to its botanical connection with cannabis, hemp seeds have long been ignored for its nutritional benefits. In Australia until recently, hemp seeds have not even been able to be sold for human consumption due to this connection and the worry that people who consumed hemp seeds could test positive at a roadside drug test. As this has been found to be highly unlikely, it was finally decided to introduce hemp seeds for human consumption in Australia late last year.
Research has found that hemp seeds have substantial health benefits. In fact there is evidence to say they can improve everything from asthma to cancer. Consuming hemp seeds is extremely beneficial for everyone. They are high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, improves digestion, balances hormones, improves your metabolism and as they are very high in fibre assists you to lose weight as they are a natural appetite suppressant and reduces sugar cravings.
Hemp seeds are called the "perfect protein" as they contain all 20 amino acids including 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce and must be obtained through our diet. Hemp seeds also have the minerals magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, sulfur, copper, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins B1, B2, B6, D, and E. They are high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is a building block for prostaglandins - this assists the body in many ways including regulating body temperature and controlling inflammation.
Hemp seeds have been shown to help people with :
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- ADHD
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Skin allergies
- Breast pain
- Obesity
These seeds are heat and light sensitive so it is good to store them in a cool, dry place or in the fridge. You do not need to soak them.
They have a very nutty pleasant flavour and can be eaten whole sprinkled over your cereal, porridge, yoghurt or a salad. Hemp seeds can also be added to smoothies and can be made into a nut butter like almonds and cashews.
Hemp seeds really don't have any side effects. They are high in nutrition and aren't known to interact with any common medications. If you take any blood thinning medications, be cautious as they blood thinning properties and could cause a bleeding risk but if you have any concerns of this nature just check with your healthcare provider.
Known as a superfood, hemp seeds provide an excellent source of nutrition. They can also be grown without deadly herbicides and pesticides. They have been found to assist our bodies with inflammation, which in today's society with all the inflammatory diseases, is of great advantage to most of us. Hemp seeds have many positive benefits, how could we not take advantage of these seeds. So sprinkle a teaspoon of them on your cereal or in your smoothie in the morning and gain the benefits of these small but mighty seeds!
Leave a Comment