Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant. I had never heard of hemp seeds until recently, but now that I know how many benefits they provide, I’m surprised I didn’t know about them earlier.
If you’re looking for ways to maximize your health with superfoods that may not currently be familiar to you, I invite you to try adding hemp seeds to your diet. Here are six reasons to take on this challenge.
Improved Brain Health
As we age, our brain function tends to slow down a bit (or a lot!). It’s important to consume foods that nourish the brain if we want to remain sharp and witty as we age. Hemp seeds are a great choice for supporting brain health because they contain anti-inflammatory properties that may help with a variety of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Reduced Inflammation
Many people live with chronic inflammation throughout their bodies. This can cause mild to severe daily pain and can increase the risk of developing diseases like arthritis, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Hemp seeds are rich in gamma linoleic acid, which is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that may act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Improved Heart Health
Your heart is your body’s workhorse and it never gets a break. To keep your heart running strong for as long as possible, you should nourish it with healthy foods and ingredients. Hemp seeds may be particularly helpful for heart health because they have a healthy ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower blood pressure and support heart health.
High Protein Content
If you’re looking for healthy, non-meat sources of protein, look no further than hemp seeds! These little seeds may be small, but they’re considered a “complete” source of protein (meaning they have all nine essential amino acids the body needs). In every 3 Tablespoons of hemp seeds, there are approximately 9 grams of protein. That’s almost as much protein as soybeans!
Good Fiber Content
If you’re not getting enough fiber in your diet, you’ll probably have a hard time staying regular. Fiber is necessary to add bulk to stools and promote gut health. Fortunately, hemp seeds contain over a gram of fiber per every 3 Tablespoons!
Excellent Vitamin and Mineral Content
In addition to all of the benefits already outlined, hemp seeds also contain a hefty amount of vitamins and minerals, including:
Vitamin E
Vitamin B-6
Magnesium
Niacin
Phosphorous
Boosting your vitamin and mineral intake can help strengthen your immune system and boost your overall health. Give hemp seeds a try today and experience their many benefits for yourself.