7 reasons why you should start consuming Hemp
Hemp, an ancient plant has a long history of use throughout the world for many purposes. It is a plant grown in the northern hemisphere that takes about 3-4 months to mature.
Hemp- Cannabis, but not Recreational Cannabis
Both hemp and recreational cannabis (marijuana) are cannabis plants. The vital difference is the amount of THC, the chemical that produces psychoactive effects associated with a “high.” Hemp is the cannabis that includes less than 0.3 per cent of THC content per dry weight. Hemp plant and all its parts can be used, from its chemical components and natural processes to its seeds, stems, roots, leaves, and flowers.
Shelled Hemp seeds
The primary part of the hemp plant is the hemp seeds that are edible which contain most of the plant’s nutrients. Also, hemp seeds have over 30% fat, containing necessary fatty acids. Therefore, the health benefits of hemp primarily come from its shelled seeds. You can't really derive a lot of nutritional value from the seeds, so when you see a bag at the store labelled "hemp seeds," what you're actually buying is those soft inner kernels, also known as hemp hearts.
So let’s explore some of the rich benefits of Hemp plant-
The powerhouse of healthy nutrients
Hemp has significant nutritional benefits that many people are not aware of – benefits that make it worthwhile, adding to your diet. The shelled seeds of the hemp plant have about 33 per cent plant protein, thus contributing to building healthy bones, muscles, blood, skin, cartilage amongst other things. It is also rich in healthy fatty acids, which help to keep the immune system strong, improve cellular health, and prevent several health problems.
Reduce the risk of heart disease
Most of the people die due to heart disease worldwide. Interestingly, having hemp seeds in your diet may reduce your risk of heart disease. The seeds are rich in amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in your body. Also, animal studies have shown that hemp seeds or hemp seed oil may help reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of blood clot formation. Moreover, it also helps the heart recover after a heart attack.
Boosts your Immunity
Hemp can provide the best of both worlds when it comes to boosting our immune systems and fighting immunity-related diseases or conditions. Also, hemp oil is composed of fatty acids, including both omega six and omega 3. It is crucial in enhancing your body's ability to fight diseases and maintain a robust immune system.
Gets rid of stress
Thanks to the complex make-up of the hemp plant and its seeds, which makes this plant a great remedy in managing stress. Using hemp seeds or hemp oils may help to reduce anxiety and stress. Vitamins B and magnesium present in the hemp plant makes the body strong by countering the effects of stress. Its power to impact nervous system chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) helps the person to get rid of stress and tension.
Acts as a pain reliever
Hemp is an extraordinary plant which has constituents that work with the body’s own cell receptors to help reduce pain. When used internally and externally, the plant helps in promoting the analgesic effect. With a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), hemp oil makes a soothing and gently pain-relieving agent which should be used for massage and should be rubbed into the muscles after a workout. It is also used to cure sore joints pain, be it from natural wear and tear of a joint, or a result of an inflammatory condition.
Helps in healthy weight loss
Due to the rich content of dietary fats and fibre, hemp seeds help you to feel fuller longer, repressing your appetite, which in turn helps you to hit your weight loss goals right. Also, its soluble fibres help to reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol, which promotes satiety and in turn, controls your weight.
Aids in Digestion
The digestive benefits of eating foods like hemp are extremely high in fibre, which can be felt in both the short-term and the long-term. The fiber in the hemp seeds feeds the probiotics in the stomach, which helps to keep it healthy. As an extra benefit, it is beneficial for people dealing with constipation too.
Improves skin and hair
Hemp oil is frequently used in cosmetics as it has the ability to penetrate through layers of skin to promote cell growth. Consuming hemp seeds can also help to repair and moisturize dry and damaged skin – they also support healthy hair and nails. According to the clinical trial, the Omega-3 and Omega-6 found in hemp oil help dry skin and are beneficial for the treatment of conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
The next time someone expresses concern about consuming hemp products, you can address their misconceptions and enlighten them about the incredible nutritional benefits too.
