The word hemp may make you think immediately of marijuana, it deserves to be treated as more than just a way to get high. Hemp comes from the same plant as marijuana, but it doesn’t produce a hallucinogenic effect.
But this plant and its seeds are finding all kinds of commercial and personal uses. It’s a critical ingredient in a whole range of industrial products. You’re probably more interested in the health benefits that hemp can provide – and there are many. We’ll break down ten of the most exciting hemp benefits.
1. Hemp Oil Can Reduce the Symptoms of PMS
That’s thanks to the high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid in hemp seeds. One core cause of symptoms like bloating and depression is the body’s increased production of prolactin during the premenstrual cycle. GLA is known to reduce those hormones, and it can potentially make your PMS cycle milder.
2. It’s High in Unsaturated Fats
Unsaturated fats are often referred to as “good fats”. The most common of these are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are prevalent in both seafood and nuts. These acids can reduce both your blood pressure and your cholesterol – making it sensible for both preventative and recovery health management.
3. It’s Highly Moisturizing
Being rich in lipids means that hemp is also highly moisturizing. As a result, it’s being used in a wide variety of health and beauty products. Whether you’re looking for a lotion or a hand sanitizer, there are few natural ingredients that pack the effectiveness of hemp oil.
4. It Keeps Your Immune System in Check
Again, thank the fatty acids for this one. Your immune system relies on fatty acids to keep your body properly protected. Hemp oil isn’t just rich in fatty acids, but it also offers the ideal balance between fatty-6 and fatty-3 acids.
5. It Can Treat Inflammation
This can be traced back specifically to the GLA in omega-6 fatty acids. The results are similar to the effects of over-the-counter drugs like aspirin. Even arthritis patients showed noticeable improvements when treated with hemp.
6. They’re Very Nutritious
Hemp seed could arguably be considered a superfood. While fat makes up roughly a third of their nutritional content, it’s also an incredibly high source of protein. A quarter of the content in hemp seeds is comprised of high-quality proteins.
7. They’re Good For Indigestion
Another component that makes hemp such a valuable ingredient in health foods and products is that it’s high in fiber. Fiber helps us regulate our digestive systems, and it also finds a nice balance between insoluble and soluble fibers: both are needed to get the right balance of fiber in your diet.
8. They Serve a Buffet of Vitamins and Minerals
Potassium, vitamin E, phosphorous, and magnesium are the four most prominent vitamins and minerals, and they all play integral roles in your body. But they’re just a few in the wide selection of minerals packed into a hemp seed.
9. It May Keep Your Brain Sharp
Whether you’re dealing directly with a degenerative condition or simply looking to keep your brain functioning the way it should, hemp could be a valuable part of your diet. The combination of antioxidants and fatty acids lends it neuroprotective properties that could slow the symptoms of a neurological condition.
10. It Can Fight Infections
The compounds in hemp seeds aren’t just good at reducing inflammation caused by infection. They can also be great at getting to the heart of the infection. Since hemp oil is antimicrobial, it can help ward off and protect against disease. Many brands are even including it as a key component in hand sanitizers.
Source: Filmdaily
Image: Unsplashed, CRYSTALWEED cannabis