Hemp, Hemp Hooray

September 6, 2017
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

There’s a new seed you’ve got to meet.

You’ve probably heard about the benefits of flax and chia, but there’s a new seed in town that you simply must add to your lineup.

Hemp seeds are one of nature’s greatest gifts, perfect little bundles of benefits for your entire body. They’re about one-third healthful fats and one-quarter protein, as well as a magnificent source of natural gamma-linolenic acid. You also can’t get much better than hemp seeds for their 3 to 1 omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. Overall, these little dynamos can sustain energy, encourage weight loss, reduce food cravings, lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar and lipid profiles, and tamp down inflammation.

GLA—also found in borage, evening primrose, and black currant seed oils—supports the normal growth and function of your cells, nerves, muscles, and organs. GLA also happens to be the “good omega-6” known for flushing away body fat, a blessing for those wishing to shed a little excess padding. GLA is an essential fatty acid that triggers fat burning instead of fat storage by boosting your metabolism in a couple of ways, including actually “using up” a lot of calories. GLA is also a natural hormone-balancing fat that can reduce PMS and menopausal symptoms.

If you have an optimally healthy body, you can synthesize GLA from linoleic acid, found in certain oils, grains, and seeds. But due to a number of common dietary and lifestyle factors in today’s society, most of our bodies don’t make that conversion.

Calming Any Confusion

Hemp belongs to the genus Cannibis sativa, cultivated for thousands of years for everything from nutrient-rich seeds and oils to industrial fiber, paper, textiles, building materials, and even fuel. In the United States, the nutritional benefits of hemp seeds have been all but ignored due to their botanical relationship with the drug and medicinal varieties of Cannabis. Although hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species, there are notable differences. Please don’t be confused—hemp seeds are simply incapable of producing a psychotropic reaction because their THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content is so low.

THC is the compound in marijuana responsible for inducing the “high.” Hemp contains only a trace of THC (0.3 to 1.5 percent), and most of it is in the hull of the seed. The majority of hemp seeds produced for consumption are actually “hemp hearts,” which have had their hulls removed, reducing their THC even further.

Protein-Packed

Getting back to hemp seeds’ nutritional properties, their protein is substantial—equal to that of beef or lamb but in a more digestible, bioavailable form. It’s also a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids. Just 30 grams of hemp seeds (2 to 3 tablespoons) contains 11 grams of protein. Hemp seeds offer significant amounts of the amino acids methionine and cysteine, as well as very high levels of arginine and glutamic acid. Arginine lowers blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. There is also evidence that hemp seeds may decrease clot formation and speed up recovery after a heart attack.

The fiber in hemp seeds is contained mostly in the hull, so hemp hearts contain relatively little fiber. However, what they lack in fiber they make up for in calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, D, and E.

Hemp seeds also appear to have strong anti-inflammatory benefits, most likely related to their generous GLA. One study found that hemp seed GLA reduces symptoms by 25 percent for arthritis sufferers. Hemp seed contains plant sterols that may reduce your risk of colon and prostate cancer. New studies are emerging all the time, such as one that identified four compounds in hemp seed (lignanamides) that show promise in protection from Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, hemp seed has benefits for your skin, hair, and nails.

While hemp seeds are not a replacement for flax and chia seeds, they are a fantastic addition to them, bringing along their own unique nutritional properties. When it comes to hemp’s health benefits, science has barely scratched the surface—I suspect many secrets await our discovery with this amazing superfood.

How to Enjoy

Do not cook hemp seeds at high temperatures as it will denature their delicate fats. Instead, eat them raw—and there are many delicious possibilities. Hemp seeds have a pleasantly nutty flavor, somewhat akin to walnut. You can sprinkle them on just about anything—salads, veggies, quinoa, oatmeal, or even yogurt. You can also blend hemp hearts into your smoothie to bump up your protein and healthful fats. Last but not least, they can be used to make a great non-dairy milk substitute by blending them with water.

For even more delicious sources of essential fatty acids, snag your copy of the updated and expanded version of my New York Times bestseller, Before the Change. It was just officially released earlier this week! Plus, with your order you’ll gain access to FREE bonus gifts.

Related Articles and Podcasts

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books including The Fat Flush Plan series and her latest book, Radical Metabolism. She’s been rewriting the rules of nutrition for more than 40 years and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of diet, detox and women’s health issues. 

For a FREE daily dose of tips and strategies for maintaining healthy weight, conquering insomnia, and much more…check out my Radical Health Tips.

I’d like to meet and greet you on my Facebook groups, so won’t you check us out at the Radical Metabolism RevolutionFat Flush Nation, or my Inner Circle!

11 Comments

  1. Diann Azevedo

    Where can I buy these seeds? Or what brands are out there to purchase of these seeds?

    Reply
  2. Michele Cohen

    Do you get the same benefits from packaged organic Hemp milk?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Organic hemp milk is great, Michele but doesn’t have the fiber content. Thanks for your post.

      Reply
  3. Judy

    Is hemp okay for those with thyroid problems such as Hashimoto’s?

    Reply
    • Shasha

      Flax has estrogen and may block thyroid. It maybe rancid. Chia is awesome. Hemp protein powder may help.

      Reply
  4. Judy

    Is hemp seed okay for thyroid issues such as Hashimoto’s?

    Reply
  5. Team ALG

    Dear Judy: YES, enjoy hemp with any type of thyroid disorder.

    Reply
  6. Paula Brainard

    What about CBD oil which is from the Hemp plant. It’s starting to be advertised as a pain reliever and many more claims. Is this true and is it safe?

    Reply
  7. Team ALG

    Certain types are very safe. We’ve heard wonderful things about its many benefits.

    Reply

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