You are probably familiar with chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and even sunflower seeds. But hemp plants, too, yield edible seeds that are used in a variety of ways. The best part? Hemp seeds happen to be nutrient-dense. Even a quantity as limited as 3 tablespoons offers 166 calories, 10 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of carb, 14 grams of anti-inflammatory fat, and 1 gram of fibre. Hemp seeds are also rich in minerals and vitamins, including 99% of the daily value (DV) for manganese, a nutrient necessary for maintaining a healthy immune system and the activation of different enzymes within the body. Not only that, but this powerhouse of nutrition is also high in magnesium, a mineral that boosts memory, learning, mood, and sound sleep.
So, what is the right way of consuming hemp seeds? Experts suggest that these seeds can be consumed in a raw, roasted, or cooked state. In fact, many people across the world have been using hemp seed oil, both as a medicine and food, for thousands of years now. This has proven beneficial particularly to those with arthritis, joint pain, and general aches. Additionally, the Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in hemp seeds reduces the effects of prolactin and lowers the tendency of breast tenderness and pain, depression, irritability, and fluid retention among others.
There are more health benefits tied to hemp seeds, let's check in detail what they are:
1. Reduces the risk for heart disease
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, but consuming hemp seeds could reduce your risk. Hemp seeds are known to be rich in the amino acids arginine which plays an important role in the production of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide leads the blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure and controls your risk for heart ailments.
2. Improves Skin Condition
Other than being used for cooking purposes, hemp seed oil can also be applied occasionally to the skin. A gentle massage on the skin has been shown to relieve the symptoms of eczema and recover dry or itchy skin. Additionally, the oil's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects also help to treat acne.
3. Aids Healthy Digestion
Apart from a high level of protein and fat content, hemp seeds are rich in dietary fibre - both soluble and insoluble. The former can add weightage to your stools, helping to maintain regularity in your digestion. The blend of soluble and insoluble fibre supports the growth of the good bacteria in your gut, which aids healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
4. Supports Weight Loss
Due to the high content of dietary fats and fibre, consuming hemp seeds may help you feel satiated for long hours. Hemp seeds repress your appetite, which takes you closer to achieving your weight loss goals. Just remember that due to their high-fat content, hemp seeds have a good number of calories.
Hemp is certainly a FSSAI approved health beneficial food product, but one needs to know different forms in which hemp is consumed. Different forms of hemp products that provide various health benefits. There are many products available in market like Hemp protein powder are super beneficial for health and natural protein powder. In many regions of India hemp is consumed with food as protein source and now people can consume it forms of protein powders as well and Hemp seed oil can be drizzled on your favourite food (salad, vegetables), drinks (milk, juice, smoothies), or apply on your skin & hair for a lasting boost of moisture.
To sum it up, both hemp seeds and hemp-based foods are antioxidant-rich and nutrient-dense and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But where can you find these hemp seeds products? You will find them in eCommerce stores or at mainstream supermarkets. It's time for you to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different hemp products to incorporate them into both sweet, as well as savoury dishes. Blend them into smoothies or make your own hemp milk, top it on salads or sprinkle it over smoothie bowls with fruit and yogurt.
Truly, you can add hemp seeds and use its products in any way possible for an extra boost of healthy fats, nutrition, and fibre.
Author's bio: Harshal Goel is a research enthusiast and the founder at The Trost
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