Cannabis Seeds
Top Benefits
Cannabis seeds, along with hemp seeds, form part of the cannabis Sativa plant. Originating in central Asia, their medicinal use dates back to 4000 BC. Cannabis seeds have exceptional nutritional qualities and can be eaten without any psychoactive effects. Here are the top studied health benefits of cannabis seeds:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Aids in digestion
- Helps repair muscle and tissue damage
- Promotes heart health
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- Helps skin conditions
- Balances nervous system and aids in mental health
- Reduces PMS and menopause symptoms
- Packed full of essential nutrients for overall health
Overview
First, let’s make the distinction of what we mean by cannabis seeds. Both cannabis seeds and hemp seeds form part of the cannabis Sativa plant. There is really one one difference between them. That difference is the level of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient, when the plant is in a mature state. But because we are talking about seed form, there is essentially no major difference between hemp and cannabis seeds. You cannot get a high from eating cannabis seeds, but they do provide an excellent source of nutrition and some great health benefits.
Cannabis plants originally came from Central Asia where the regions of Mongolia and southern Siberia currently lie. They are one the world’s oldest cultivated crops dating back 12,000 years. The first recorded medical use was around 4,000 BC in China.
Today, research shows that cannabis seeds are one of the best natural sources of plant-based protein. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, it is an incredible diet option. Just 2 – 3 tablespoons provide around 11 grams of protein.
Cannabis seeds are considered to be a complete protein. In fact, they are the only natural source of edestin, the amino acid that shares a similar structure to our own DNA. You’ll also find the amino acids cysteine, methionine and lysine in cannabis seeds.
They are packed full of essential nutrients and loaded with strong anti-inflammatory properties. That’s great news in terms of many ailments, including muscle and tissue repair. You may notice body builders are turning to protein powders made with cannabis or hemp seeds on a more frequent basis.
Easy to absorb and digest, this incredible seed is also one of the most abundant sources of natural omega acids in the plant kingdom. It contains even more than chia or flax seeds. Even through they are vital to organ health, humans don’t naturally produce omega 3s and 6s. We have to get them from outside food sources.
Nutritional Information
Cannabis seeds have a rich mix of beneficial nutrients. You’ll find vitamins A, D, B and E, as well as the minerals magnesium, zinc, potassium, calcium and iron. They are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and healthful fatty acids.
They’re also a fantastic source of powerful antioxidants and liver enzymes. Cannabis seeds provide a low-fat, low-carb, high-protein alternative to meat. They’re a great option for vegans, vegetarians and anyone looking for more plant-based protein.
3 tablespoons of cannabis, or hemp seeds, contain the following:
Protein 9.47 g
Carbohydrates 2.60 g
Fat 1.20 g
Total fatty acids 14.62 g
Monounsaturated fatty acids 1.62 g
Polyunsaturated fat 11.43 g
Saturated fatty acids 1.38 g
To incorporate cannabis or hemp seeds into your diet, you can sprinkle them in smoothies, yogurt, cereal, or over a salad. They can also be added to sauces or dressings, or even incorporated into a pasta dish. They can be roasted or toasted as well.
Wellness
Weight Management
Interestingly enough, cannabis seeds have been used to help people both gain and lose weight. If you are looking to shed a few pounds, they are an excellent source of protein that is both tasty and filling, causing you to eat less throughout the day. On the flip side, they are loaded with lots of good-for-you vitamins (E especially), minerals, and nutrients that are a great supplement if you’re looking to bulk up or maintain lean muscle mass.
Cannabis seeds are a low calorie, low sodium food. They can be eaten in large quantities without the fear of weight gain. Their fiber content stimulates digestion and increases the absorption of nutrients, all of which can reduce weight.
Skin Health
When our bodies are deficient in essential fatty acids, it can manifest itself in a variety of different ways. Some of those ways are the build-up of thick patches of skin, cracked heels or dermatitis.
Fortunately, cannabis seeds contain high amounts of fatty acids like the omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid or GLA. They help relieve the symptoms of skin issues like eczema or dermatitis by acting as a powerful antioxidant. The skin becomes moisturized and nourished and therefore inflammation is reduced.
Cannabis seeds also contain a major amino acid called arginine. It has been known to fight various skin issues like dermatitis and eczema.
Anxiety, Depression And Insomnia
The seeds of the cannabis plant may he helpful in relaxing the body and the muscles, as well as dealing with anxiety and some forms of depression. They have been proven to help control and balance the nervous system, including muscular spasms. Cannabis seeds may also aid in certain mobility issues.
Since cannabis seeds are high in natural omega acids, they may possibly defend the brain from the onset of disorders like Alzheimer’s, dementia and other mental disorders.
If you experience difficulty in falling asleep, you may benefit form cannabis seeds. They can reduce the anxiety that happens before bedtime, and may allow a deeper and more relaxing rest.
PMS And Menopause Symptoms
Cannabis seeds are high in fatty acids. They contain an essential omega-6 fatty acid known as GLA, or gamma-linolenic acid. Research has shown that it can reduce the effects of a hormone called prolactin.
Prolactin is associated with both the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause and premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. By eating cannabis seeds at the time you are suffering from PMS or menopause, you could reduce the symptoms.
Digestion
In terms of digestion, cannabis seeds are a great source of soluble (80%) and insoluble (20%) fiber. Soluble fiber can dissolve easily, allowing digestion to slow down so you feel fuller for a longer period of time. It also has the ability to form a gel-like substance in your gut that acts as a source of nutrients for the good kind of digestive bacteria. Insoluble fiber can’t dissolve, so it’s great at bulking up stool. It helps food move seamlessly through the digestive tract and allows for healthier elimination.
Conditions
Heart Health
Cannabis seeds contain a variety of compounds that are good for maintaining a healthy heart. For starters, it is high in essential fatty acids, with a 3:1 balance of omega-3 and omega-6s.
Research has shown that they can reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of blood clots that could cause a stroke, and increase overall cardiovascular function.
One of the amino acids found in cannabis and hemp seeds is arginine. It produces nitric oxide which causes blood vessels to dilate. According to a recent study, it allows the blood to flow more freely and eventually leads to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. Another study showed that arginine caused lower levels of CRP, or C-reactive protein, which is an inflammatory marker of heart disease.
Lastly, the GLA or gamma-linolenic acid in cannabis seeds is known to reduce proteins that cause inflammation of the heart and its surrounding tissue.
Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Many seeds are being scientifically studied to determine if they could help to stop cancer before it starts.
The phenolic compounds that are found in both cannabis and hemp seeds are powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants help our bodies fight free radicals that try to damage healthy cells by mutating their DNA into cancer cells. When you increase phenolic compounds by consuming cannabis or hemp seeds, you can help to prevent many different types of cancer before they form in the body.
According to studies, cannabis seeds may reduce the risk of developing colon and intestinal cancers. They may also help in the prevention of tumors. However, more clinical studies are needed to determine the full effect cannabis may have on cancer.
Usage
Side Effects
Cannabis or hemp seeds have not shown to lead to serious side effects if consumed in moderation. However, make sure to consult your health care provider before adding cannabis to your diet.
Interactions
Cannabis seeds are not known to cause any interactions with common medications. However, you should talk to your doctor or naturopath about any medication before adding cannabis or hemp seeds to your diet.
Dosing
A typical dose of cannabis seeds is 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. Start with 1 and see how your body, particularly your digestive tract, reacts to it before moving onto 2 tablespoons a day.
Research
General Overview and Information
http://www.gnet.org/marijuana-seeds/
Nutritional Information
http://www.gnet.org/marijuana-seeds/
http://scalar.usc.edu/works/health-7/cannabis-seeds-are-the-powerhouse-of-good-health
Weight Management
http://www.gnet.org/marijuana-seeds/
Skin Health
Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia
PMS and Menopause System
Digestion
http://www.gnet.org/marijuana-seeds/
Heart Health
http://scalar.usc.edu/works/health-7/cannabis-seeds-are-the-powerhouse-of-good-health
Cancer
Side Effects, Interactions and Dosing
http://scalar.usc.edu/works/health-7/cannabis-seeds-are-the-powerhouse-of-good-health
