Of the formidable options that nature offers us, there are hemp seeds. An extraordinary cereal with important nutritional contributions, but above all, with great therapeutic benefits to improve our health.
In the following article, we present you with all the information about the hemp seed, its properties and benefits for your health.
What are hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds ( Cannabis sativa ) come from Central Asia, and are considered a cereal with very interesting nutritional properties.
They have a high concentration of essential minerals and proteins , in addition to providing polyunsaturated fatty acids, important for heart health.
To highlight: One of its derived products is hemp oil , a substance with analgesic therapeutic properties as well as having great nutritional value compared to other oils from seeds.
Properties of hemp seeds
The nutritional and medicinal benefits of hemp seeds come from their chemical and nutritional components and that we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
Hemp seeds contain in their nutritional composition vitamins such as retinol, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C and vitamin E. The vitamin with the greatest presence is tocopherol.
Regarding minerals, these seeds provide mainly iron and in smaller but equally important quantities, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, manganese, zinc and copper.
2. Amino acids and essential fatty acids
They contain in their chemical composition, essential amino acids from sulfur, such as methionine and cysteine and their high content of arginine, vital for some metabolic functions of the organism.
Added to the above, they have essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6 (in an excellent 3:1 balance), key nutritional components for heart health.
What benefits do hemp seeds have?
Hemp seeds provide great benefits to people’s health, which we mention below:
1. They strengthen the immune system
Within the nutritional composition of hemp seeds, there are vitamins and minerals that reinforce the protective activity of the immune system. (1)
Note: Vitamins such as A, C and E and minerals such as zinc, copper, manganese and iron prevent cell degeneration , including the development and proliferation of malignant cells.
2. They reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Thanks to its antioxidant activity, the presence of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and its fiber content, this food prevents cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure or the appearance of heart attacks.
Important: These seeds contain arginine (nitric oxide precursor) , an amino acid that contributes to improving blood flow in the circulatory system. (two)
3. They promote good digestion
The dietary fiber of hemp seeds favors the work of the digestive system , accelerating the passage of food through the stomach and intestines and adding volume to the stool. (3)
Note: Hemp seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fibers , a compound that is directly involved in the health of the digestive system.
4. They fight free radicals
The presence of antioxidants such as vitamin E in hemp seeds help eliminate free radicals, molecules capable of causing oxidative damage and premature degeneration of body cells. (4)
To highlight: Hemp seeds also contain vitamin C and minerals with antioxidant properties that fight free radicals.
5. They protect bone health
Hemp seeds contain calcium, an essential mineral capable of building and maintaining strong and healthy bones , as well as phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and vitamin C.
Note: Vitamin C contributes to the synthesis of collagen , a protein that gives bones elasticity. (5)
6. They help prevent anemia
Hemp seeds contain iron and vitamin C , essential micronutrients for the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood.
Important: This food prevents the appearance of iron deficiency anemia due to its iron content. (6)
7. Reduce menstrual and menopausal discomfort
Hemp seeds contain magnesium, a mineral that is used during women’s menstruation to prevent or relieve menstrual pain and prevent premenstrual syndrome. At menopause, they reduce hot flashes and increase serotonin levels to improve mood.
They also contain phytoestrogens, substances that behave similarly to estrogens, helping to alleviate the symptoms of this type of discomfort.
Note: Hemp oil is also used as an analgesic to soothe premenstrual pain. (7)
8. They improve skin conditions
Hemp oil has been indicated to treat different skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, atopic eczema and psoriasis.
Note: These seeds have the ability to regulate the secretions of the sebaceous glands , allowing to treat disorders associated with dry skin and oily skin.
How are hemp seeds consumed?
Hemp seeds can be eaten in different ways, among which the following can be mentioned: as a cereal in smoothies, yogurts or as a complement to other cereals ; Since they do not contain gluten , they can be used as substitutes for ground bread to cover fish and meat, and a type of vegetable milk can be prepared with them.
You should know: Since they do not have any contraindications, hemp seeds can be consumed by patients with allergies to nuts, sensitivity to gluten or lactose.
Key Findings
- Hemp seeds are rich in vegetable proteins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
- Its consumption prevents cardiovascular diseases and enhances the activity of the immune system.
- Hemp seeds have no contraindication and can be consumed by people with lactose intolerance.
- Its high iron content prevents diseases such as iron deficiency anemia.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.