Hemp seeds health benefits

Hemp Seeds are an ideal super food for anyone who would like to eat healthy without the added stress of big lifestyle changes. Hemp seeds are a particularly smart dietary add-in for those who follow a vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based diets due to their high levels of protein and 10 essential fatty acids. Hemp seeds are also allergen free, and can be consumed safely by those with intolerance to nuts, lactose, sugar, or gluten.

While rich in nutrients, hemp seeds are subtle in flavor and can be added easily (and stealthily) to almost any dish, dessert, or snack. Hemp seeds pack a powerful health punch in a number of ways, all due to their unique and potent assortment of natural vitamins, nutrients, and minerals.

Hemp seeds contain:
Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3 and Omega-6
Fiber
Potassium
Zinc
Magnesium
Copper
Calcium
Iron
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)
Vitamin B1, B2, and B6
Antioxidants
Carotene
Vitamin E
Vitamin D
Phosphorous
Phospholipids
Phytosterols
Enzymes
Protein
Antioxidants

What are Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds come from the Cannibis sativa plant, which (to be clear) is not the same plant associated with marijuana. Although both plants are in the same family, their genetic makeup and side effects are entirely different; while hemp contains less than 1% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana contains 20% or more. Most commercially harvested hemp seeds have eliminated all trace amounts of THC through the washing process, or contain compounds that counteract the low levels of THC. Either way, the amount of THC present in the resin of the plant is so minimal that it would be nearly impossible to experience any of the psychotropic side effects associated with other Cannabis byproducts. If you're particularly sensitive to the idea of consuming any THC at all, simply opt for washed hemp seeds, or wash them yourself to remove any plant resin that may have come in contact with the seeds during the production process.

Nutritional Benefits
The benefits of consuming hemp seeds range from promoting long term physical health to short-term cellular rejuvenation, energy levels, digestive health, and muscular recovery. Hemp seed consumption can be especially beneficial for those with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, eczema, arthritis, or diabetes. Hemp seeds effectively:
Lower blood pressure
Lower LDL cholesterol
Improve skin health
Encourage healthy hair
Increase metabolism
Promote circulation
Promote cellular health and organ function
Reduce Inflammation
Regulate prostate problems
Boost muscular recovery after exercise
Encourage healthy digestion
Increase natural energy levels
Control blood sugar levels

Hemp seeds offer an effective a natural solution to boosting health and managing symptoms of long-term illness, but they should never substitute your prescribed medications without the advice of a doctor. If you are on medication, you should consult a medical specialist before introducing regular hemp seed consumption to your routine. Although current research has not found any proven interactions between hemp seed and prescription medications, Blue Shield of California urges
any patients taking anticoagulants to exercise caution before adding large amounts of hemp seed to their diet.

How to Eat Hemp Seeds
You do not need to grind or cook hemp to reap the health benefits of this powerful little seed; in fact, cooking them may reduce some of their positive side effects. Opinions differ on the whether the "hulled" or whole hemp seeds are more beneficial, though all agree that hemp seeds offer important nutrients no matter what part of the seed you consume. The recommended daily amount of hemp seed is 4 Tablespoons (42 grams) for healthy individuals, and 5–6 tablespoons (55 grams) for those dealing with arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eczema, or digestive issues. For best results, add hemp seeds to cold dishes, or stir them into hot dishes after cooking is complete.
Use hemp seeds in:
Vegetable and noodle salads
Hot or cold cereals
Soups or stews
Nut and seed crust for fish or chicken
Casseroles
Smoothies
Homemade granola or nut mixes
Breads, muffins, cakes, etc.
Homemade hemp milk recipes

As hemp seeds grow in popularity, many cooks have adapted classic recipes to include hemp seeds or other hemp products. Hemp seeds can be used to make hemp milks, which can be used as a milk substitute in any diet. You may also consider using hemp oil in your cold noodle dishes or salads, though it is important to note that it is not recommended as a cooking oil. There is a plethora of new and interesting ways to use hemp products in your diet.

Hemp Seed Storage
Hemp seeds contain oils that are highly perishable and can quickly go rancid without proper storage. For this reason, experts recommend that hemp seeds be stored in an airtight container inside your refrigerator or freezer in order to extend their shelf life. Buying hemp seeds in bulk at your local grocery or health food store can help cut costs, but make sure to store your hemp seeds effectively in cool temperature to avoid losing your batch.

The original article can be found on my blog under the title "Hemp Seed Health Benefits"