Small But Mighty: Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Cannabidiol (CBD) has a tremendous amount of advantages suited to assist mental and physical functions via our endocannabinoid system. The molecule is extracted from the hemp plant and added to your favorite products such as CBD oil and CBD salve. But these perks are different from the caloric supplements derived from hemp. In addition to the CBD and other cannabinoids, hemp also contains a small but mighty superfood.
This superfood is hemp seed. The hulled seeds are often referred to as hemp hearts in recipes or store aisles. The seed is where hemp nutrition is derived in the form of oil, milk, protein powder, or eating the seeds whole.
From boosting cardiovascular health to improving skin conditions, hemp seeds are jam packed with nutritional gains thanks to a large concentration of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is important to know that hemp seeds do not contain cannabinoids, however being that they contain healthy fats, and CBD is fat soluble, incorporating hemp seeds into your diet could help the absorption of CBD in your body. We use hemp seed oil as our primary carrier oil, which means you’ll receive unique benefits from both, the buds (CBD) and the seeds (hemp seed oil) when you try any of our CBD Livity products.
Remember, CBD oil is not a dietary supplement. Although you will intake small amounts of the following benefits in our oils, we also recommend consuming hemp seed in addition to CBD use.
Nutritional Compounds in Hemp Seed:
- A total of 18 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids
- Omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (GLA) fatty acids
- Complete proteins
- Vitamin E and B vitamins
- Soluble and insoluble fiber (especially in seeds that haven’t been hulled yet)
- Minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, and iron
- Phytosterols
How should hemp be consumed? Hemp seeds are the edible part of the plant containing all the advantages mentioned above. You can either purchase the hemp seed hearts, hemp protein powder, or hemp seed oil.
We recommend buying hemp seeds in packaging that doesn’t expose the seeds to light. Opaque bags mean the seeds are stored in the dark and less likely to spoil. Since hemp seeds are full of omegas, they can go rancid faster if left in light. Make sure to store the seeds in a dark container in the fridge to make them last up to a year.
Hemp seeds have a subtle flavor, making them a great addition to salads, smoothies, cereal, or just about anything else. They have a bit of a chewy crunch with a nutty flavor. You can toast them to enhance the taste, or sprinkle them on top of your meals as is.
How exactly will these nutritional compounds benefit your health? We compiled a short list below to breakdown the major advantages.
Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds and Hemp Seed Oil:
- Amino acids and omegas are a major source of protein, especially for vegan diets (25% of the calories of each seed come from protein).
- The protein arginine and gamma-linolenic acid produce nitric oxide to lower blood pressure and the risk for heart disease.
- Phytosterols remove fat buildup in arteries and combat cholesterol
- GLA and magnesium can regulate hormone imbalances during periods or menopause
- Omegas can lessen the effects of eczema and acne
With plenty of protein, minerals, and omegas, hemp is a great addition to any diet – and especially to diets with little to no animal protein. The complete protein superfood status gives hemp seeds the credit they deserve. Rest-assured you’re receiving these nutrients when you consume our CBD oils, but we also recommend purchasing hemp seeds for added benefits to your health!
We encourage you to discuss CBD with your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have any specific health related questions or concerns. There are also many independent research studies about CBD available on the internet.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease.