The cannabis plant has plenty of compounds that have been found beneficial for health, but researchers have only recently begun to discover its wonders. Besides the recreational purposes for which most people use this plant, its seeds and flowers can positively impact one’s health, as it can help with anxiety issues and fight inflammation and other medical conditions.
The cannabis plant is complex but fascinating due to its multiple uses and properties. One of the most significant discoveries of cannabis’ benefits is that one of its components, CBD, is a great treatment for rare epilepsy syndromes, like the Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome. Along with this finding, multiple studies have been conducted which show that cannabis seeds actually have plenty of health benefits for humans, which is what we’ll discuss in the following paragraphs.
Improved heart health
Worldwide, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. Most cases can be prevented through lifestyle changes, like having a healthy diet, being physically active and minimizing alcohol and tobacco intake. Managing this issue can be done by implementing hypertension programs to reduce such problems, but you can also reduce heart health risks by consuming hemp seeds.
That’s because the seeds contain plenty of amino acid arginine that generates nitric oxide, which is known to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Plus, researchers have also found gamma-linolenic acid in hemp seeds that are linked to reducing inflammation which can help decrease the risk of many diseases, including heart disease.
You can easily introduce cannabis seeds into your diet by sprinkling them on salads or breakfast cereals, adding them to smoothies or creating your own recipes for raw bars.
Reduced PMS symptoms
PMS syndrome can have upsetting symptoms, including mood swings, irritability, fatigue and depression. Sometimes, the physical pain can become unbearable, but the emotional and behavioral swings can truly affect one’s life. Moreover, women also experience menopause (that occurs between the ages of 45 and 55), which can cause anxiety, brain fog and hot flushes.
One effective treatment can be found in cannabis seeds that produce a certain substance which is known to reduce the effects of prolactin, the hormone that causes all those symptoms. Consuming cannabis seeds can also help with regulating hormone imbalances and reduce the symptoms of menopause due to the levels of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Organic cannabis seeds are best because they’re not treated with pesticides or any other toxic substances, so be wary of the place where you purchase them.
Regardless, you should consult with your doctor on consuming cannabis seeds, as there are more types of seeds which offer different benefits. There are regular seeds that are 100% pure, feminized seeds, and autoflowering seeds that grow the fastest and are fit for consumer-friendly cannabis products.
Better skin condition
Skin diseases don’t usually have obvious symptoms, as they usually affect our immune system first. Plus, we’re not usually aware of the fact that fatty acids can affect our immune systems, especially if they’re unhealthy. But good fatty acids, like omega-6 and omega-3, can help your immune systems.
Those two elements have been found in cannabis seeds, from which the oil made can help people with eczema and relieve dry skin from other skin disorders. But it may also help you with:
- Acne and acne scars, as the seeds have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties;
- Skin aging, due to the cannabis compounds that reduce oxidative stress;
- Hyperpigmentation and UV damage by increasing the removal of melatonin due to the a-linolenic and linoleic acids present in the plant;
- Infections (bacteria and fungi) because of the antimicrobial compounds and antioxidants from the plant;
Enhanced nutritious properties
Whether you have a healthy lifestyle or not, you can always make improvements by adding cannabis seeds to your diet, as they contain:
- 30% fat, with the two essential fatty acids mentioned before that are known to improve eye health and brain health and fight inflammation;
- Gamma-linolenic acid that helps maintain brain function, skeletal health and metabolism;
- High-quality proteins come from 25% of their total calories. These help with muscle-building and maintaining healthy skin, nails and hair.
- Vitamin E (good for the brain, skin and the health of your blood) and other minerals (potassium, sodium, iron and zinc);
Cannabis seeds are versatile for consumption, as you can eat them raw, cooked, or roasted. Their taste is similar to a regular nut, so you can easily add them to your meals. If you want to increase your consumption but don’t know how, you can simply blend a tablespoon of seeds with water. Still, adding them to your daily meals will help you absorb more vitamins.
Great source of protein
Along with their nutritious properties, cannabis seeds also provide a great source of plant-based protein, similar to beef and lamb. Therefore, they can offer all the essential amino acids necessary for your body, which cannot produce them by itself.
Better digestion
Digestion problems, whether it’s chronic constipation, food intolerance or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are known to make people struggle to get over them. Besides the obvious symptoms, these problems can also make you more tired, lose appetite or experience headaches.
One cause of these problems is related to the lack of fiber in our bodies and meals. This essential element is linked with better digestive health, and among the solutions for this issue, hemp seeds contain 20% soluble fiber and 80% insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber is a valuable nutrient source that reduces cholesterol levels, while insoluble fiber helps food and waste pass through your gut. Although cannabis seeds contain fiber, de-hulled or shelled seeds are not that rich in fiber, so make sure you get the good ones if you have digestive issues.
Wrapping up
Cannabis seeds have become more popular lately since researchers are interested in their potential benefits. The plant’s components are also known to be beneficial for health, such as CBD, which you can find in an FDA-approved medication. So, why not give them a try and help your body with a little boost?
