9 reasons to add hemp seeds to your diet

Long ignored because of its membership in the cannabis family, hemp is now considered a superfood. Although hemp seeds (often called hearts) come from the cannabis sativa, a plant similar to marijuana, the edible part of hemp contains no psychoactive substances and is extremely nutritious. In fact, hemp seeds are rich in protein and offer many health benefits.

Discover 9 benefits of hemp seeds and add them to your diet today.

1.  Hemp seeds: A complete protein

Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids that make up a complete protein. This is quite rare in the plant kingdom. Apart from hemp, quinoa and algae, other plants must be combined to form a complete protein. Hemp is at the top of the list of plant proteins since 25% of its weight is actually protein. Thus, only 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds offer 10 g of protein.

2. Hemp seeds: Versatile

Small seeds with a subtle nutty taste, hemp hearts are very low in allergens and suitable for all diets. Paleolithic, ketogenic, vegetarian/vegan and raw foodists can use hemp hearts with ease. Hemp seeds have maximum benefit when served raw, but some people enjoy roasting or toasting them for a more nutty taste.

3. Hemp seeds: Mineralizing

Hemp is rich in magnesium and zinc, minerals that are increasingly difficult to obtain through the diet due to poor mineralization of the soil and an unbalanced modern diet. Hemp seeds also contain phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, calcium and iron. In short, hemp hearts offer a range of minerals necessary for good health.

4. Hemp seeds: Rich in omegas

Hemp is a storehouse of good fats. Omega 3 and 6 represent 30% of the mass of hemp hearts. These fats are essential, which means that the body does not produce them itself. However, omegas 3 and 6 are of vital importance to the proper functioning of the body. They ensure the health of our cells, the constituents of each tissue, each body organ. The majority of the benefits of hemp are due to the omegas 3 and 6 contained in the seeds.

5. Hemp seeds: Anti-inflammatory

Hemp seeds contain a balanced ratio of omega 3 and 6. These omegas contained in hemp seeds work in synergy to reduce body inflammation, whether it is chronic or not. In fact, several studies have shown that the good fats contained in hemp seeds are powerful anti-inflammatories that the body cannot do without.

6. Hemp seeds: Fight bad cholesterol

Excessive bad cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is one of the biggest health issues. Researchers have determined that a diet rich in omega 3 and the consumption of hemp seeds reduces blood cholesterol levels. In addition, the omegas contained in hemp could reduce the risk of complications related to bad cholesterol, including heart attack.

7. Hemp seeds: Cardiovascular health

Hemp contains a large amount of arginine, an amino acid that dilates the arteries, reduces blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.² Large-scale clinical studies have shown that the arginine and fats present in hemp reduce inflammation associated with cardiovascular disorders.

8. Hemp seeds: Menstrual health

80% of women of fertile age suffer from some form of premenstrual disorder including abdominal cramps, breast pain, mood swings and irritability. The anti-inflammatory compounds contained in hemp can reduce these symptoms and improve the health of women during menstruation. In fact, some studies have shown that omegas greatly reduce the symptoms associated with premenstrual disorders.

Moreover, the fatty acids (omegas) contained in hemp would have similar effects on the undesirable symptoms associated with menopause.

9. Hemp seeds: Skin and hair health

The oils and fats contained in hemp are particularly helpful in remedying skin and hair disorders. People with dry and brittle hair often have a diet low in omegas, which decreases the luster and strength of the hair. Skin cells, especially facial skin, are prone to respond strongly to nutritional deficiencies. The good fats contained in hemp promote hair health, while reducing the inflammation associated with skin disorders.

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Véronique Cousineau; Naturopath, NHN