Hemp Seeds: A Tablespoon or Two of Hemp Seeds a Day Keeps the Doctor Away !

Hemp seeds or hemp hearts  are produced from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa L. While hemp is commonly confused with marijuana, as it belongs to the same family, the two plants are quite different. Most notably is the level of THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Hemp contains less than 1% of the psychoactive drug while marijuana contains up to 20% or more.

Why Hemp Seeds are Good for you:  

1. High in GLA 
GLA is a fatty acid which is thought to help: 

• Weight-loss as it promotes feeling of fullness
• Reduces PMS (premenstrual syndrome), tender breasts 
• Wards off rheumatoid arthritis 
• May help drug-resistant cancers 
• Keeps skin supple, smooth and helps to retain its moisture. 
• Anti-inflammatory properties 
• Assists in the protein synthesis to build muscle tissue 
• ADHD 
• Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy 
• Heart disease 
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Skin allergies / conditions 

2. Arthritis and Joint Pain
Research has shown that hemp seeds and hemp seed oil can be helpful in relieving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. For treatment, take one tablespoon of hemp seed oil daily along with a quality fish oil.

3. Weight Loss
Hemp is a natural appetite suppressant and can help you feel full longer and reduce sugar cravings. Some experts recommend that adding four tablespoons of the seeds to your breakfast will help curb excess hunger the entire day, this is probably due to its high fibre content. One to two tablespoons added to your smoothie or oats will suffice.  

4. Digestive Health 
High in insoluble and soluble fiber, hemp seeds provide more than enough bulk to keep your gastrointestinal system regular. Additionally, this healthy mixture of roughage feeds the probiotics in your gut and helps to ensure a healthy immune system. One of the benefits of high-fibre foods like hemp seeds is the ability to help relieve constipation. 

 5. Hair, Skin and Nails
Hemp seed benefits for skin and hair go a long way in improving dry, red, flaking skin. The oil in hemp seeds penetrates the inner layers of the skin and promotes healthy cell growth — the recipe for smooth, soft skin. Internal and external use of hemp seed oil helps improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. 

6. Cancer
A report in the British Journal of Cancer stated that the THC in hemp seeds can stop and possibly reverse glioblastoma multiforme (a deadly form of brain cancer). In another report  published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment confirmed that THC in hemp seeds improved advanced stage breast cancer. Researchers from the University of Rostock, Germany, discovered similar evidence that cannabinoids derived from hemp seeds can inhibit cancer growth and metastasis, particularly in lung cancer. 

7. Heart Health
Research in animals and humans strongly suggests that hemp seeds can improve cardiovascular health and high blood pressure. 

Consuming two tablespoons of hemp seeds to a morning breakfast such as oats, muesli, yogurt or a smoothie can help to naturally lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol and improve triglycerides.

Nutrition Profile 

“Perfect protein” not only containing all 20 amino acids, but also each of the nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce.

One ounce (28 grams) of hemp seeds contains about: 

• 161 calories
• 3.3 grams carbohydrates
• 9.2 grams protein
• 12.3 grams fat
• 2 grams fiber
• 2.8 milligrams manganese (140 percent DV)
• 15.4 milligrams vitamin E (77 percent DV)
• 300 milligrams magnesium (75 percent DV)
• 405 milligrams phosphorus (41 percent DV)
• 5 milligrams zinc (34 percent DV)
• 3.9 milligrams iron (22 percent DV)
• 0.1 milligram copper (7 percent DV)