What is Hemp Seed? A Guide to Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are derived from the hemp plant, otherwise known as the Cannabis sativa plant. Technically speaking, the hemp plant is also known as the cannabis plant, which is also referred to as the marijuana plant. Although hemp and cannabis come from the same family and species, hemp does not contain the same amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as cannabis. This is because hemp only contains up to 0.3% of THC, while cannabis contains up to 28% of THC.  THC is the main psychoactive compound that results in a high when used. However, you will not feel any psychoactive effects or a “high” when consuming or using any hemp product, due to the fact that it contains such a little amount of THC. 

The hemp plant has been around for thousands of years and traditionally, the hemp fibers have been used to make fabrics, textiles, ropes, and more. The hemp fiber can also be used for a wide range of other products, including bioplastic, biofuel, hempcrete, paper bag alternatives, and food. The great thing about the hemp plant is that almost every part of the plant can be used for some purpose, including the seeds. It takes very little irrigation to grow, as the hemp plant grows much like a weed. Therefore, it can be grown in almost every part of the world in a wide range of soils. The hemp seeds are edible and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes hemp seeds as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) food. Because hemp does not contain a significant amount of THC, you will not get high from consuming hemp seeds. 

What Are the Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts, are rich in a number of nutrients. They contain over 30% fat and are high in two essential fatty acids, which are omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid). This means that hemp seeds are a wonderful supplement to use in your everyday diet, as the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is 3:1. Beyond the fact that hemp seeds contain a high level of essential fatty acids, hemp seeds contain a high level of protein. Although hemp seeds are so small, studies have shown that they pose a great number of wonderful health benefits. 

Studies suggest that some of the other health benefits that you may experience from hemp seeds include:

• Great source of dietary fiber: Because hemp seeds contain a high level of dietary fiber, this means that they are great for healthy digestion. Hemp seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are two elements necessary for healthy digestion. Having a diet that is rich in fiber is also linked to lowering the risk of a number of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and colon cancer.

It is important to know that the hulls of hemp seeds contain the majority of their nutrients. Therefore, in order to attain the many health benefits of hemp seeds, it is advised to also consume their hulls. 

• Reduces inflammation: Hemp seeds also contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Studies have shown that GLA may be linked to reducing inflammation throughout the body. It is worth noting that reducing inflammation may also be linked to minimizing the risk of developing a number of conditions, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and more.

• Improved skin: Studies have shown that consuming hemp seeds may also improve a number of skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis. The studies suggest that hemp seeds may contribute to better skin, as hemp seeds are rich in fatty acids.

Nutrients Found in Hemp Seeds

Studies have shown that hemp seeds contain a number of great nutrients that may contribute to a number of health benefits. Some of the nutrients found in hemp seeds include:

• Vitamin E
• B vitamins
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Phosphorus 

About three tablespoons of hemp seeds contain approximately 170 calories. Just like any supplement that you add to your diet, it is important to know that they are high in calories and fat. Therefore, eating hemp seeds in moderation is always best. Otherwise, consuming too many hemp seeds may lead to a high intake of calories and fat.

In addition, you should avoid consuming hemp seeds while taking certain medications. It is best to consult with your doctor and discuss whether hemp seeds are an ideal supplement to add to your diet. 

How Can Hemp Seeds Be Used?

Hemp seeds are sold at a variety of grocery and health foods stores. One of the many advantages of hemp seeds is the fact that you can use them in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

• Adding hemp seeds to smoothies or smoothie bowls
• Mixing hemp seeds in salads
• Using hemp seeds as yogurt toppings
• Adding hemp seeds in muffins
• Using hemp seeds in protein bars

Keep in mind that those are just a few examples in which hemp seeds can be used. There are many other ways to consume hemp seeds as well. 

In addition, hemp seed oil is a common way of consuming hemp seeds or using topically. Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds, which is done by cold-pressing the seeds, much like the way that olives are cold-pressed in order to create olive oil. Hemp seed oil can be found at a variety of health food stores or online.

About Dripp Extracts

Dripp Extracts aims to be a reputable resource for education, providing valuable insight about hemp, cannabis, and related topics. We are dedicated to keeping you abreast of the latest news, information, and developments surrounding hemp, ensuring that you stay informed and connected at all times. Our goal is to continue being a reputable resource in the hemp and cannabis industry, utilizing years of experience, skills, and research to help you stay informed and connected. If you wish to learn more about hemp with Dripp Extracts, feel free to visit https://drippextracts.com/learn for more information.