09/16/2024
Nutritional benefits of h**p seeds
These seeds are full of nutritious compounds, including:
1. Protein
H**p seeds are a complete source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids.
H**p seeds contain almost as much protein as soybeans. In every 30 grams (g) of seeds, or about 3 tablespoons, there are 9.46 gTrusted Source of protein.
These seeds are a complete source of protein, meaning that they provide all nineTrusted Source essential amino acids.
Amino acids are the building blocks for all proteins. The body cannot produce nine of these acids, so a person must absorb them through the diet.
Relatively few plant-based foods are complete sources of protein, making h**p seeds a valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
H**p seeds are especially rich in an amino acid called arginine, which has benefits for heart health.
2. Unsaturated fats
The health benefits of polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acidsTrusted Source, are becoming increasingly well known.
H**p seeds are a great source of essential fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3.
The body cannot produce essential fatty acids, and the body must absorb them from the diet. They are crucial for long-term health.
The ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s is also important.
In general, people tend to eat too many omega-6s and too few omega-3s, but adding h**p seeds to the diet may help to promote a balance.
According to results of a 2015 animal study, incorporating h**p seeds and h**p seed oil to hens’ diet led to eggs with increased levels of omega-3s in the yolks and a more healthful omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.
Also, h**p seeds are low in saturated fats and contain no trans fats.
3. Fiber
Much of the fiber in a h**p seed lies in its outer hull, or shell. If possible, purchase h**p seeds with the hulls intact.
However, even without the shells, h**p seeds are a god source pf fiber, with three tablespoons containing approximately 1.2 gTrusted Source of fiber.
Consuming enough fiber every day can:
reduce the appetite
help with weight management
work to stabilize blood sugar levels
promote the health of the gut
4. Minerals and vitamins
H**p seeds contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals and are especially rich in:
vitamin E
magnesium
phosphorous
potassium
They are also a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including:
niacin
riboflavin
thiamine
vitamin B-6
folate
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Health benefits of h**p seeds
Alongside the nutritional benefits, some research suggests that h**p seeds have a wide range of positive health effects. They may:
5. Protect the brain
The CBD compound found in h**p seeds may help with neurological conditions.
A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that h**p seed extract has antioxidant effects in lab tests. These effects may result from the seeds’ cannabidiol (CBD) content.
Results of a reviewTrusted Source from 2018 suggest that CBD and other compounds in the seeds may have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, effects and may also help to regulate the immune system.
The review suggests that, because of these potential properties, CBD may help with neurological conditions, including:
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
multiple sclerosis
neuropathic pain
childhood seizure disorders
6. Boost heart health
The medical community believes that omega-3 fatty acids improve the health of the heart and reduce the risk of issues such as arrhythmias and heart disease.
H**p seeds contain high levels of omega-3s and a healthful ratio of omega-3Trusted Source to omega-6 fatty acids.
The seeds also contain high levels of arginine, an amino acid that turns into nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is essential for artery and vein dilation, and it helps keep blood vessel walls smooth and elastic.
Lowering blood pressure, eating a healthful diet, and participating in varied forms of exercise may help to decrease the risk of heart failure.
7. Reduce inflammation
The amount of omega-3s in h**p seeds and the seeds’ healthful omega-3 to omega-6 ratio can together help to reduce inflammation.
In addition, h**p seeds are a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid which may also have anti-inflammatory effects.
Some studies on animalsTrusted Source suggest that GLA can act as a potent anti-inflammatory. However, recent studies in humans suggest that the acid is not always effective.
A review in The European Journal of PharmacologyTrusted Source states that humans process GLA in a very complicated way, which may explain why the studies in humans produce more varied results than those on animals.
When looking at these studies, it is important to note that researchers usually use high concentrations of h**p seed extracts and that eating the seeds may produce less dramatic effects.
Reducing inflammation may help manage the symptoms of chronic diseasesTrusted Source, such as:
metabolic syndrome
type 2 diabetes
arthritis
heart disease
non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease
8. Improve skin conditions
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and acne can both result from chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory compounds in h**p seeds may help.
Among other possible dietary causes, acne may be linked toTrusted Source a deficiency in omega-3s. The high omega-3 content in h**p seeds may help to manage and reduce acne symptoms.
A 2018 review explored the effects of dietary changes on skin diseases. While the authors found evidence that eating more omega-3s may improve symptoms of acne, determining the extent of the effects will require more research.
The authors also note that prebiotics and plant fibers may help to manage symptoms of AD. H**p seeds are a rich source of plant fiber.
9. Relieve rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. It causes the immune system to attack its own tissues, which leads to inflammation in the joints.
In 2014, research conducted in human cells suggested that h**p seed oil could have anti-rheumatic effects.
However, a 2018 reviewTrusted Source found a lack of conclusive evidence to suggest that cannabinoids could effectively treat rheumatic diseases. The authors noted that more research is needed.
Nutritional profile of h**p seeds
H**p seeds contain plenty of protein, healthful fatty acids, and fiber.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Trusted Source, 3 tablespoons of h**p seeds contain 116 calories and the following nutrients:
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
H**p seeds are also a healthful source of vitamin E and minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
