I first learned about the incredible health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seeds around 5 years ago. I had read pretty much everything I could find on the internet at the time about how to reduce inflammation and naturally fight autoimmune disease progression – and then my wise aunt came to visit. She listened while I shared what I had read and learned and then said, “Well, have you considered hemp? Hemp seeds pack all the benefits without any of the mind-altering effects of CBD.”
I had actually never heard of hemp seeds or the benefits of hemp and hadn’t even considered it. My mind was officially blown. Fact is, no matter how much you think you know – there is always, always more to learn.
I started researching the benefits of hemp and hemp seeds and was so intrigued by how incredible they were for healing and also how easy they were going to be to add to my anti-inflammatory diet.
It’s been five years and I still incorporate hemp and hemp seeds into my diet almost daily.
I’m excited to share all about them with you and the easy way to up your hemp seed intake – for some serious inflammation fighting, health boosting power. Also, some product links below are affiliate links.
What Are Hemp Seeds or Hemp Hearts:
Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant. They are technically considered a nut, which explains their nutty, earthy flavor. One of the misconceptions of hemp seeds is that they contain THC, when actually, they contain little to none of the active compound THC. So, you’ll get many of the healing properties without any mind-altering effects at all.
Hemp seeds can be eaten a variety of ways, such as eaten raw, cooked or roasted, pressed to create oils or milk, or shelled and eaten as hemp hearts, which is what I use in my smoothies. The hard exterior is removed and you’re left with the softer insides that blends well.
What Are The Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds:
1. Hemp Seeds Are Full of Protein:
Hemp seeds or hearts contain all 9 essential amino acids, making them a perfect and excellent source of plant based protein! They are also digested very easily by the body, so they’re great for digestion, too. If you’ve struggled with alternative proteins or the heaviness from animal proteins, you might just love how light hemp hearts are – while offering a complete protein.
2. Hemp Seeds Are Great for Heart Health:
Hemp seeds are packed full of magnesium, a critical nutrient for so many bodily functions, as well as linoleic acid, which have both been linked to reducing blood pressure and preventing coronary heart disease.
Yay for reducing our risk for heart disease!
3. Hemp Seeds Are Powerful Inflammation Fighters:
Hemp seeds contain a very high level of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. The amount of omega-3s in hemp seeds and the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is excellent for reducing inflammation. Hemp seeds also contain gamma linoleic acid (GLA) which has been shown to help with inflammation, although the way the body metabolizes GLA is more complicated.
Because of this ability to cool the body’s inflammatory response, it is not surprising that…
4. Hemp Seeds Are Great For Skin Conditions:
If you’re suffering from inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and atopic dermatitis, among others, you may see some relief by incorporating hemp seeds, hemp oil and hemp lotion into your daily routine!
5. Hemp Seeds Can Reduce PMS & Menopause Symptoms:
Hey, girl, hey! Looking for that natural remedy to help with that time of the month? Angry Flo’ no mo’ with your hemp seeds! You’ve probably heard of the benefits of primrose oil for PMS and menopause symptoms – and that is because of the GLA, but hemp seeds have it, too!
So, by incorporating hemp seeds for inflammation, you can also hit a one-two punch with your girl time of the month.
6. Hemp Seeds Are Full of Fiber:
Struggling with digestion inflammation or issues? You’re not alone. My posts on castor oil packs and celery juice are always poppin’ – because these are just things that happen with the human body. If that’s you – you’ll love that the fiber profile of the hemp seed is on point. But, if if you’re eating hemp hearts – they contain less fiber, since the part containing has been removed.
7. Hemp Seeds Are a Superfood:
Not all superfoods are really worthy of the title, but in the case of hemp – it’s well-deserved. Hemp seeds also have Vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Wow!
If you’re curious bout the nutritional profile, 3 tbsp of hemp seeds contains: 116 calories, 9.47 g of protein, 2.60 g of carbs, 1.20 g of fat, and 14.62 g of fatty acids.
How Can I Get More Hemp in My Diet?
The easiest way to get more hemp is by putting a tablespoon of hemp hearts into your smoothies. I shared my favorite anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe recently. I typically put a tablespoon of hemp seeds in there and blend it up.
You can add them to any smoothie though. I will caution you -they have an earthy flavor and if you get heavy handed with them, your smoothie will taste like feet. Start small and work your way up.
Another way to get more hemp is through hemp loaded lotions. Our skin does absorb quite a bit of what is put on our skin into our bodies, so check all your products on the EWG and opt for products that will improve your health from the inside out. Hemp lotions are extremely hydrating and soak in really well, so you’ll love using them.
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What do you think? Are you ready to pick up some hemp hearts and start adding them in to your diet?
If you’re looking for more food healers – you’ll love these posts:
- The Major Health & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Turmeric
- The Incredible Health Benefits & Anti-Aging Effects of Collagen
- 10 Anti-Inflammatory Supplements I Take Every Day
- The Health Benefits of Magnesium & How To Get More
Have a fabulous day!
E
