Hemp seeds and hemp hearts will keep you satisfied, healthy, and improve cardiovascular functioning.
The dietary use of hemp seeds is nothing new. Neither is the use of hemp. In fact, it used to be a staple in American farming. When America was still a new country, farmers were legally required to grow hemp for the health benefits of the seed and for the many uses of the stalk and stem. Early American producers would use fibers to create paper and clothes, as well as rope and other materials for construction.
In fact, Thomas Jefferson – one of the most famous founding fathers – once said: “Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth and protection of the country.”
In the time between the eighteenth century and now, the demonization of “marijuana” occurred and used as a symbol of corruption and moral degradation due to anti-cannabis interests. Sadly, hemp felt the brunt of that too.
Now, multiple uses for the hemp plant are coming back into vogue. Despite the criminalization of cannabis on a federal level, the increased legalization of the plant on statewide level has encouraged the population to see the benefits.
Hemp vs Cannabis
For all intents and purposes, these terms are interchangeable because hemp is a type of cannabis, but it is not THC-rich like its cousin that shares the same genus. In everyday language, we use the term “hemp” to mean a cannabis plant with less than 0.03% THC.
Also remember that raw plants don’t give access to THC directly. It’s only after decarboxylation that THCA becomes THC. The cannabinoids that you find in eating raw cannabis products are just as good for your health and healing as those found post-decarboxylation.
Hemp seeds contain cannabinoids, but in very low levels. Some would argue that these levels are so low, there is not a cannabinoid benefit derived from their consumption. There are, however, other amazing benefits:
Keep You Full Longer
If you’re looking to lose some weight, hemp seeds contain a vitamin E (as well as smaller levels of others), and potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. They’re also a rich source of protein. These are great for keeping you full and nourished on a smaller (but appropriate) amount of calories throughout the day.
Excellent Source of Protein
Natural plant proteins are crucial to a human health. In fact, they’re healthier for you than a meat protein diet. Research has suggested that diets with a higher animal protein are more likely to lead to increased mortality rates through cancer and heart disease. Hemp seeds are high in protein and easy to include in your diet. Hemp hearts have a pleasant, nutty flavor and can be sprinkled over your salad or smoothie, added to a sandwich and even baked into bread. Hemp seeds are little less palatable, with a crunchy and dry texture.
High in Brain and Heart-Loving Omega Fatty Acids
You may not know this, but your body doesn’t actually produce Omega 3 and 6. This is why get the “essential,” label, meaning that they need to come from your diet. Hemp seeds can provide that.
Omega-rich diets are critical to improving cardiovascular health and function. Omega helps to lower blood pressure and to reduce the risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke. Hemp seeds also contain gamma-linoleic acid which reduces inflammation in cardiovascular tissue, therefore helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, arginine relaxes blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Can Hemp Seeds be Part of Preventative Healthcare?
If you want mega health benefits then what you really want is preventative medicine. And hemp seeds provide exactly that. The amino acids and essential fatty acids provided are ways to prevent heart disease as well as to prevent other late-life diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Throwing them into your smoothies in the morning can be a great way to combat diseases that tend to hit later in life.
So, get hemp seeds into you! Other types of foods that go great with hemp include oatmeal, yoghurt, and quinoa. Try hemp seeds and hearts with your favourite recipes. Let us know how it goes in the comment section.
