Hemp Seed: Benefits, Consumption and Side Effects
What is a hemp seed?
As its name suggests, hemp seeds come from hemp plants . Belonging to the Cannabinaceae family, or more simply, the cannabis family, it is native to Central Asia. There are several varieties, all herbaceous.
The uses that can be made of it are numerous and varied. Hemp seeds are generally used in the following areas: food, textiles and industrial production .
Focus on hemp seed
Hemp seed is highly valued for its strength as well as its unparalleled therapeutic properties .
Natural composition and nutritional value
Rich in CBD (cannabidiol), hemp seeds contain a very low level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and therefore do not cause any psychoactive effects.
With 80% insoluble fiber , these facilitate the passage of food through the stomach and intestines , which gives a feeling of satiety and this is not the only nutritional value of hemp seeds.
The protein content of hemp seeds is very high (23%) , making them an excellent source of protein for athletes , growing children , pregnant women and theelderly . Vegetarians and vegans can also benefit from this source of plant-based protein on a daily basis.
Additionally, these seeds are rich in gamma-linolenic acid , an acid that cannot be synthesized by some people.
Furthermore, hemp seeds are rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6 . They also contain many minerals , including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, sodium, silicon and chromium.
The benefits
Hemp seed is a rich food source of protein, as well as an invaluable raw material for the production of biodiesel.
In the plant kingdom, hemp seed oil has been reported to be rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids , which are important for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Rich in omega-3 and omega-6, these acids help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health .
Hemp seed is beneficial for people suffering from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis . It also helps combat symptoms of anxiety or depression , not to mention that it is also used as part of cancer prevention.
Additionally, this seed is used in the production of other items such as clothing and mulch from its strong fibers. The seeds are usually ground to make hemp oil , which can be used in cooking, cosmetics, or skin care products.
Side effects of hemp seed
Hemp seeds are not harmful to humans. However, there are some side effects. side effects associated with consuming hemp seed oil in large quantities or for a long period of time.
In fact, excessive and prolonged use of hemp seed products can cause certain side effects. secondary , including diarrhea or loose stools, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, headache, and even dry mouth.
The origins of hemp seed
Hemp is one of the oldest plants. It was the first plant to be domesticated by humans. Like cannabis, the origins of hemp seed date back to the Neolithic period.
In Central Asia, where the seed was cultivated from around 2900 BC, it was known to be an elastic fiber with exceptional medicinal and nutritional properties . In ancient Egypt, it was already used as a medicine.
Since the Middle Ages , when its benefits were recognized, hemp's popularity quickly exploded. Since intercontinental trade was also highly developed at the time, the plant was used to make ropes and sails for ships. As a result, it quickly became indispensable. More than 80 tons of hemp fiber were used each year.
The United States, Russia, and Great Britain have all strongly encouraged the expansion of hemp since then, and continue to this day, even with the use of other hemp-derived compounds such as CBD.
What is hemp seed oil?
Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds and has many benefits. To be more precise, it is obtained from cold-pressing hemp seeds. Its health benefits are invaluable. It is rich in fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-9) and alpha-lipoic acid.
Applied topically or ingested through food or supplements, hemp oil is an edible oil with a nutty aftertaste that can be used in salad dressings and many recipes.
It can very well be combined with other oils or used as a cooking oil or as an ingredient in other foods .
This oil Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body. These cause cell damage and accelerate aging. Hemp oil is therefore recommended for maintaining health and slowing down cellular aging .
Can hemp oil cause side effects?
Scientific studies have been conducted to determine whether hemp oil can cause side effects. Except in certain rare cases, hemp oil does not cause any adverse effects because it is a natural product and does not cause any toxic effects on the body.
On the other hand, excessive consumption of hemp oil can cause, in the most sensitive people, some discomforts such as dry mouth, dizziness and lightheadedness, nausea, appetite and sleep disorders or even diarrhea.
Rest assured, these side effects of hemp oil are relatively rare and disappear on their own after a few hours.
How to hull a hemp seed?
Whole hemp seeds are crunchy, but their fibrous shell makes them difficult to eat. That's why some people prefer to eat them hulled.
To do this, gently place the hemp seeds on a clean cloth and tap them on a cutting board to open the husks. Then, pour everything into a container of water.
While the hulls float to the surface, the heavier seeds sink to the bottom. Using a slotted spoon or similar tool, remove the hulls and drain the seeds in a colander for a clean and satisfying result.
How many hemp seeds should you consume per day?
You're probably wondering: How much hemp seeds should I consume each day? Know that consuming 1 to 3 tablespoons per day is enough to fully benefit from the benefits contained in this seed . Biologists even recommend not consuming more than 30 grams per day.
Hemp seeds can be eaten whole or shelled.
Where can I buy hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds are sold almost everywhere. You can buy them in online stores or at a local store. They are also available in pharmacies.
However, it is better to buy legal hemp seeds in France or buy legal CBD products from Famous CBD . Our CBD online store offers CBD oils made from hemp leaves and stems . Our products are carefully selected by our CBD experts and offer excellent value for money.
Regarding concentration, we comply with current standards, which means that all our products contain less than 0.3% THC.
What are the contraindications?
In reality, there are no contraindications to ingesting hemp seeds. However, as a precaution, it is recommended to consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have a specific allergy or health condition related to hemp seeds or plants in the Cannabinaceae family, it is best not to consume them.
Hemp seed consumption is not recommended if you are taking heart stimulants or diuretics.
If in doubt, if you have a medical condition or are taking prolonged medication, seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking hemp oil or seeds.
Whether it's hemp seeds or hemp oil, side effects are rare and not serious. Moreover, they are often caused by overdose. When used wisely, hemp seeds and oils have nothing but benefits to offer you.
