The use of medicinal cannabis has increased tremendously over the past few years. Cannabis is the genus of three sub-species with psychoactive properties – Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Ruderalis, and Cannabis Sativa (commonly known as marijuana).
Cannabis contains over 100 chemical components called cannabinoids, two of which are the famous tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The first produces the “high” associated with cannabis, while the latter has a non-euphoric effect.
When talking about cannabis, most would probably refer to its flower buds. But the versatility of the cannabis plant knows no bounds. The stalks, roots, leaves, and seeds of the cannabis plant each have unique properties.
Many experts are conflicted over the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Medicinal cannabis is legal only in 37 states, including Guam, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and 12 other states allow restricted use of the plant as medicine.
The debate on the legal use of cannabis springs from the fear that it could be the gateway to transition to heavier substances. However, not all parts of cannabis are created equal. One of the best ways to use cannabis is through hemp seeds. Hemp seeds are the tiny, brown seeds harvested from Cannabis Sativa.
Yes, these are the same hemp seeds commonly used in Keto Diet. They are often used as a substitute for oatmeal or added to smoothies. Although hemp seeds are nuts from the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa, they do not contain or have very little content of THC and CBD and provide many health and nutritional benefits.
Nutritional Benefits of Cannabis Sativa Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a rich source of fiber, proteins, and fatty acids, including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, earning its right as a superfood.
Fiber
Hemp seeds have two parts, the outer hull and the inner heart (also known as hemp hearts). The outer hull contains most fiber, especially those with intact hulls or shells. It does not mean unshelled hemp seeds are not fibrous. About 30 grams of hemp seed can provide 1.2 grams of fiber.
The seeds of the Cannabis Sativa have an ideal nutritional target of the fatty acid ration 3:1
- Fiber is known to give the following benefits:
- Promotes healthy gut
- Helps maintain blood sugar levels
- Gives the feeling of fullness, thus reducing the appetite
- Aids in weight management
Protein
The protein in hemp seeds provides all 9 essential amino acids that the body alone cannot produce. The body receives around 9.46 grams of protein from consuming only 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds. Only a handful of plants can provide a complete source of amino acids. One of the essential amino acids in hemp seeds is arginine, which is beneficial to the heart.
Fats
Hemp seeds do not contain trans fat and are low on saturated fat. Many tend to consume omega-6 fatty acids, but the consumption of polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 has become popular. There should be a balanced ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Omega-6 helps increase good cholesterol (HDL); however, too much Omega-6 can increase inflammation. Many of the food consumed by Americans contain more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids. An animal study showed that Cannabis Sativa hemp seeds and hemp oil could increase omega-3 to produce a more balanced ratio.
Vitamins and Minerals
Hemp seeds derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant contain 5 essential micronutrients necessary to maintain immune function, including vitamin E, Iron, B6, Magnesium, and Zinc. Hemp seeds are also rich in manganese, potassium, phosphorous, B-vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and folate.
Health Benefits of Cannabis Sativa Hemp Seeds
Some research experts suggest that the nutritional benefits of Cannabis Sativa hemp seeds help aid some positive health benefits.
Boosts Heart Health and Lowers Blood Pressure
The rich magnesium in hemp seeds can help prevent coronary heart disease and regulate your heartbeat. The omega-6 fatty acid provides linoleic acid that can reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
It also contains a healthy ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and arrhythmias. The high level of the amino acid arginine produces a healthy level of nitric oxide essential in artery and vein dilation and keeping the walls of the blood vessels elastic and smooth.
Improves Neurological Conditions
The healthy ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids found in hemp seeds supports cognitive health. Hemp seeds also contain antioxidants that can help prevent oxidative stress on the brain cells. It also contains the compound terpenes, believed to help prevent tumor growth and protect the brain.
The other compounds, including CBD, found in hemp seeds may have neuroprotective properties that suggest being beneficial to neurological conditions like:
- neuropathic pain
- Parkinson’s disease
- multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- childhood seizure disorders
Anti-Rheumatic Effects
The compound gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in omega-6 may provide anti-inflammatory properties similarly found in pain killers like ibuprofen. A study showed GLA reduces up to 75% of pain associated with arthritis.
The autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis inflames the joints when the immune system attacks its cell tissues.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The rich presence of omega-3 and its balanced ratio to omega-6 helps reduce inflammation. In addition, the healthy presence of polyunsaturated fatty acid GLA provides anti-inflammatory effects.
Animal studies suggest that GLA is a potent anti-inflammatory; however, studies on humans suggest that it is not always effective. Experts conclude more studies are needed to prove the effects.
Anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like:
- type 2 diabetes
- heart disease
- metabolic syndrome
- fatty liver disease not caused by alcohol
- arthritis
Improves Skin Conditions
Acne and Atopic Dermatitis (AD) can result from dietary causes linked to omega-3 deficiency and chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seeds can help reduce chronic inflammation of the skin. A study showed that consuming more omega-3 fatty acids may improve acne symptoms. The rich source of fiber in hemp seeds can also help manage AD symptoms.
Hemp seed oil applied topically on the skin can relieve dry and itchy skin and symptoms of eczema.
Like other plants, ensure your hemp seeds come from high-quality Cannabis Sativa plants. You can purchase them from a reputable farm or start producing them by starting your own Cannabis business.