Though often linked with its sister plant marijuana, hemp in the United States especially, has fallen out of fashion for all the wrong reasons since the 1950’s. In actuality, the benefits of hemp in textiles and other manufacturing and hemp seeds and oil in health and nutrition are undeniable and worthy of making us reconsider this beneficial plant.
WHAT IS THC?
Did you know that hemp contains trace amounts of the naturally occurring tetrahydrocannabinoids (THC)?
THC has been extensively studied for years and science has proven that THC actually has major health.
In fact, THC can possibly even reverse glioblastoma multiforme (a form of brain cancer), according to the British Journal of Cancer.
Here are a few benefits of hemp:
- Can Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease with a 3:1 balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Has both digestible and non-digestible fiber
- Can Reduce Inflammation. Hemp seeds are a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid which have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Contains not only all 20 amino acids but they contain a complete source of protein, meaning that they provide all nine essential amino acids.
You can take advantage of the health benefits of Hemp is several ways. For example, you can use Hemp flour to make desserts like cookies and cakes. It so happens that hemp seed flour is gluten free as well. Or, you could also add the seeds themselves to you smoothies, on top of your yogurt or add it to your granola and other cereals. However, the most varietal way to take advantage of Hemp’s nutritional benefits is through Hemp seed oil. This can be consumed both topically for your hair and skin and internally for heart and immune health.
Let’s look at a few of the most prominent benefits of Hemp oil:
Rich in Gamma Linolenic-acid. GLA are necessary for the production of prostaglandins (hormone like chemicals that work to help smooth muscles regulate body temperature, internal inflammation, body weight, diabetes and hormonal imbalances.
Rich in polysaturated acidic fats. More importantly Hemp seed oil has an ideal balance of the acidic fats Omega-3 and Omega-6. This ideal proportion helps fight against heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders.
Great for the skin. Containing powerful antioxidants to fight against premature aging, Hemp seed oil is a great daily moisturizer as it can penetrate the deep layers of the skin, providing deep hydration. Hemp seed oil also contains properties that can fight against sun damage and acne.
Overall, adding Hemp seeds and Hemp seed oil to your diet is smart way to maintain both internal and external youthfulness and overall health. Easy to use and not particularly expensive, Hemp seeds can and should be re-considered by American consumers. After all, they earned a bad reputation for all the wrong reasons.
Resources:
- Guzmán M et al. A pilot clinical study of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. Br J Cancer. 2006 Jul 17;95(2):197-203.
- Ramer R, et al. Cannabidiol inhibits lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis via intercellular adhesion molecule-1. FASEB J. 2012 Apr;26(4):1535-48.
- McAllister SD, et al. Pathways mediating the effects of cannabidiol on the reduction of breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2011 Aug;129(1):37-47.
