Hemp Seed Benefits As A Nutrient Source, Remedy And Restorative Measure

Hemp seed benefits have only become known to the western world in recent years but in Chinese medicine they've been used for thousands of years. As a nutritional food source, they're remarkable but they also seem to contain some unknown compounds that could have medicinal reach. They're taken from a species of plant that's in marijuana's family but don't have high enough levels of THC to have psychoactive results.

When eaten as food, they're often tastiest as seeds. The closest flavor they resemble is that of pine nuts. They're often sprinkled on cereals, made into health bars and placed with stir fries. Those who have digestive complaints caused by eating flax should seek health bars that use only hemp seeds.

There are nine essential amino acids in the seeds. This makes them of equal quality to flax but they do have some beneficial additions. Flax, whey and soy all have phytic acid in huge quantities, and this can cause problems with digestion. These seeds lack the enzyme in large quantities so bloating shouldn't be suffered by those who use them. This is often the effect of those using many other protein shakes.

Oil is also made from the seeds. Its nutty flavor makes it wonderful for salad dressings and Asian cooking. Nutritional shakes and protein powders have also been produced from the seeds. Milk is another byproduct made from them.

Some believe that the seeds might improve concentration and immune function. There has been little evidence thus far to prove this, however. Tests with mice seem to show an improvement in immune function and memory. Their value as a food source is most widely known and used by professionals in the health industry.

When a protein is similar to what the body produces itself, it becomes easier to absorb and digest. The seeds' edestin and albumin content are extremely close to the body's proteins, making them much more easily absorbed than soy nutrients. Vegans who haven't had the option of meat, eggs and milk now have a higher quality protein in the form of seeds.

The seeds contain a high quantity of fatty acids. Their omega 6 and omega 3 levels are excellent, as are their polyunsaturated fats. The ones they contain aren't easily found in other foods, and their acids as a whole are better than those provided by soy and canola. Hemp's oil can't be used for frying because it can turn to peroxide when used above boiling temperature. It can be sauted with, though, when low temperatures are used.

One of hemp's greatest benefits is that it's not a favorite of insects. Pesticides thus don't have to be used in large amounts. A natural food that's relatively free of toxins is difficult to find these days.

The essential fats in the seeds are a good treatment for cholesterol, circulatory complaints and blood pressure issues. They bring down inflammation and might even elevate the mood. A doctor should always be consulted prior to using a natural product as a curative measure. The hemp seed benefits include a large quantity of fiber, which aids digestion.