7 Surprising Health Benefits of Edible Hemp Seeds

In recent years, Hemp seeds, also known as edible hemp, have gained more attention from researchers and health advocates. Hemp seeds are considered a superfood for many reasons. And while the connection to the (non-edible) hemp plant is a stumbling block, scientists continue to discover new benefits of this seed and its derivatives. While research continues to advance and evolve, hemp seeds have been proven to be a healthy food for a long time. Here are 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds.

Hemp seeds have been used as food and medicine for 3,000 years. People have been using the hemp plant (and its nutritional benefits) since the beginning of recorded history. Traditional Chinese medicine relies on hemp seeds and hemp seed oil as both food and medicine. In fact, there is evidence that this seed was also used in prehistoric times. Although hemp seeds have recently become popular in the West, they are important in traditional Asian medicine and cooking.

Properties of Edible Hemp Seeds

1. It is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Hemp seeds are rich in fiber and vitamins A, C, and E. They are also rich in minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, and a small amount of iron and zinc.

2. It is rich in antioxidants.

Hemp seeds contain a lot of vitamin E, which is one of the most important antioxidants. It also contains tocopherol, which is said to be useful in Alzheimer's disease and arteriosclerosis, as well as phytol, which has anticancer and antioxidant properties.

3. Fight Bad Cholesterol

Research suggests that hemp seeds and hemp seed oil can help break down cholesterol and prevent problems caused by high cholesterol, including blood clots.

4. Improves skin diseases.

Edible hemp seed oil has also been observed to alleviate the clinical symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Research published in 2005 shows that the benefits of hemp seeds on cholesterol and skin are due to the balance and abundance of sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids present in their oil.

4. It has an excellent balance of fatty acids.

Hemp seed oil contains two essential fats in a 3:1 ratio: omega-6 and omega-3. This is the ideal ratio recommended by the World Health Organization and Health Canada for cardiovascular health. No other nut or vegetable oil has this ratio.

5. Prevents Heart Disease

Hemp seed oil is thought to help prevent various heart diseases.

A study published in 2007 concluded that hemp seeds can prevent blood clots, which “may be useful in preventing stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack) caused by blood clots.” Another study concluded that hemp seeds may be good protection against stroke.

Finally, an American Chemical Society review concluded that high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fat) in hemp seeds “may have beneficial nutritional applications and positive effects on the prevention of coronary heart disease and cancer.”

6. It is useful in degenerative diseases.

The same review concluded that the amount of gamma-linolenic acid (an omega-6 fat) in hemp seeds “confers high medicinal value in chronic degenerative diseases.” According to these authors, these diseases could include arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or certain types of cancer.

7. Reduces Inflation

Hemp seeds contain a variety of plant sterols and alcohols that are known to reduce swelling in the body. As you know, flatulence is the cause of various diseases.