The 419 on Nutrition & Health

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 Hemp seeds have high levels of vitamins  A, C and E and beta-carotene and are rich in protein, carbohydrates,  minerals and fiber. ... I also recommend eating whole hemp seeds as a good source of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. They're delicious, and very easy to prepare. 

 Hemp seeds are rich in protein,  polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 6, omega 3 and insoluble fiber. They  are a good source of tocopherols, or Vitamin E antioxidants. ... High in  essential fatty acids, Omega 6 and omega 3, hemp oil can be used to increase immunity, counteract aging skin and improve cardiovascular health. 

 For a long time, hemp seeds were ignored for their nutritional benefits  because of hemp’s botanical relationship to medicinal varieties of  cannabis. However, hemp seeds don’t cause any psychotropic reactions and  instead may provide significant health benefits because of hemp’s  unique nutritional profile. 

 Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that actually has a long  history of use in the United States. Unfortunately, since the 1950s it’s  been lumped into the same category as marijuana because it contains a  small amount of naturally occurring tetrahydrocannabinoids (THC), and  its use has been marginalized to a great extent. TCH has been researched extensively, and science shows us that when  it’s not smoked, it has substantial health benefits with hardly any side  effects. We’re talking about improving everything from asthma to  cancer, much like the benefits of cannabidiol. Not as powerful as marijuana, industrial hemp contains about 0.3  percent–1.5 percent THC, whereas marijuana contains about 5 percent–10  percent or more THC. This means two things:  

1. Eating hemp seeds is extremely beneficial for you and your family.
2. Consuming hemp seeds and hemp products will not get you high like smoking a joint so they’re completely safe, healthy and legal.

If you’re looking to improve digestion, balance hormones and improve  metabolism, then hemp seeds may just be the superfood you’re looking for. 

 1. Rich in GLA  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. Researchers  have surmised that GLA supplementation is necessary for proper hormone  health, which is probably why many women suffering from PMS symptoms have been helped by it. (1) GLA and GLA-rich foods like hemp seeds have also been observed to help people with:  

• ADHD
• Breast pain
• Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Multiple sclerosis
• Obesity
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Skin allergies

2. Arthritis and Joint Pain Research has shown that hemp seeds and hemp seed oil can be helpful in relieving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology  took a look at hemp seed oil’s effects on arthritis. What researchers  found was hemp seed oil treatment lowered the survival rate of MH7A  rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synovial cells, and at certain  doses it even promoted cell death. They concluded that hemp seed oil has  anti-arthritic effects, which can help patients suffering from its  symptoms. (2) For treatment, take one tablespoon of hemp seed oil daily along with a quality fish oil. 

3. Weight Loss Hemp is a natural appetite suppressant and can help you feel full  longer and reduce sugar cravings. Some experts recommend that adding  four tablespoons of the seeds to your breakfast will help curb excess  hunger the entire day. (3) This is partly due to the fiber in hemp seeds, which promotes satiety and in turn aids weight loss. 

 4. Digestive Health  High in insoluble and soluble fiber, hemp seeds provide more than  enough bulk to keep your gastrointestinal system regular. Additionally,  this healthy mixture of roughage feeds the probiotics in your gut and helps secure a robust immune system. One of the benefits of high-fiber foods like hemp seeds is the ability to help relieve constipation. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology  and conducted at Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Chinese  Medicine comprised two parts: a placebo-controlled clinical study and  dose determination study. Subjects were studied in a two-week run-in,  eight-week treatment and eight-week follow-up plan who had excessive  syndrome of constipation and were given hemp seed pills. (4) The researchers found that a dose of 7.5 grams was more effective and  therapeutic than doses of 2.5 or five grams, and that the hemp seed  pill treatment was effective for relieving functional constipation. 

5. Hair, Skin and Nails Hemp seed benefits for skin and hair go a long way in improving dry,  red, flaking skin. Mostly used in high-end cosmetic products, hemp oil  is oftentimes included in lip balms, lotions and soaps. The oil in hemp  seeds penetrates the inner layers of the skin and promotes healthy cell  growth — the recipe for smooth, soft skin. In fact, researchers studying  the effects of hemp seed oil on atopic dermatitis, or eczema, a skin condition that causes inflammation and dry skin, found that patients’ symptoms improved with the use of the oil. (5) Since hemp seed oil is also good for skin disorders, such as psoriasis  and eczema, it’s a good idea to eat at least a couple tablespoons of  hemp seeds every day to maximize these benefits as well. You can  also make a homemade skin cream combining hemp seed oil, shea butter and  essential oils like lavender. 

6. Cancer Because of its perfect fatty acid profile of omega-3 fats and GLA,  hemp seed helps naturally balance inflammation levels and strengthen the  immune system. The British Journal of Cancer reports that the THC in hemp seeds can stop and possibly reverse glioblastoma multiforme (a deadly form of brain cancer). (6) The journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment confirmed the THC in hemp seeds improved advanced stage breast cancer. (7)  Researchers from the University of Rostock, Germany, discovered similar  evidence that cannabinoids derived from hemp seeds can inhibit cancer  growth and metastasis, particularly in lung cancer. (8) All this shows the potential of hemp seeds as some of the best cancer-fighting foods available. 

7. Heart Health Some of the key ingredients in building a healthy heart include  fiber, plant-based protein, healthy fats and eating less sugar. Hemp  seeds help in doing all of those things. Research in animals and humans  strongly suggests that hemp seeds can improve cardiovascular health and  high blood pressure. (9, 10)