Hemp: Health Benefits

5I6A6261+resized+for+web.jpg — Hemp: Health Benefits

From China to America and India to Europe, hemp oil and hemp hearts are a noble remedy that transcends history. Hemp has long been employed for its valuable and varied health benefits but is only now inching its way into Western mainstream.

Whilst anecdotal evidence is plentiful, the research reference collection grows too, and with it, the scientific credibility of hemp’s health benefits.

A glance at the back of a hemp food packet immediately informs that hemp foods are loaded with goodness. What you may not realise is just how completely hemp foods satisfy human daily dietary intake requirements and how rarely this naturally occurs.

Hemp hearts are 32% protein, 25% of calories in hemp comes from protein content
Hemp protein is a complete source of protein; containing all 9 essential amino acids (which the human body cannot produce) a rarity in the plant Kingdom
Hemp does not contain the phytates found in many plant-based proteins which interferes with the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals
Hemp Oil is more than 75% Omega-3 and Omega-6 (Gamma Linolenic Acid) contained in the optimal ratio for human nutrition

Skin

The high load of fatty acids; omega-3s and omega-6s in hemp oil make it effective in treating skin conditions including acne, psoriasis & eczema and well as general dry and flaky skin. A 2011 study indicated that daily consumption of gamma linolenic acid, GLA (an omega-6 fatty acid found in abundance in hemp) was effective in treating the hyper-proliferation of skin cells that caused common skin conditions such as eczema.

Hemp also promotes healthy hair growth by supporting a balanced intake of essential amino acids that are the bodies protein building blocks.

Head

As an organ that consumes 20% of the body’s resources, the brain requires plenty of fatty-acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals to operate healthily.

A 2018 study, showed that hemp seed oil, containing polyphenols, had anti-inflammatory properties in the brain. Brain inflammation and associated inflammatory conditions are strongly linked to the development of neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, certain seizure conditions, MS, depression and Parkinson’s. Thus conferring neuroprotective properties to the brain.

Studies into nutraceutical/pharmaceutical potential of hemp foods, indicate presence of antioxidant species. Hemp may, therefore, significantly contribute to an individual's antioxidant activity.

Knees

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune condition resulting in joint inflammation. Studies have shown that Omega-3s, such as those found in hemp seed oil, can reduce symptoms of inflammation.

Hemp seed oil lowers the survival rate of MH7A rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synovial cells and dramatically helps treat arthritis symptoms

Heart

A high-ratio of fatty acids to saturated fats as found in hemp has been linked to reduced cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Increased arginine intake is directly associated with reduced C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation linked to heart disease. Like all organs, the heart positively benefits from anything conferring anti-inflammatory properties.

Whole hemp seed and hemp hearts contain the essential amino acid Arginine. Arginine produces nitric oxide, allowing blood vessels to relax and lowering blood pressure. This was shown in a 2008 study on The Antihypertensive Effect of Arginine. The same study indicated arginine’s hypertensive activity benefited from the presence of antioxidants, which can also be found in hemp

Uterus

The Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) in hemp is proven to help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, muscle fatigue and reproductive health. PMS is known to effect 80% of women of reproductive age.

Studies suggest that a hormonal imbalance, likely due to low prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a primary cause of the physical and emotional pain of PMS. The study concluded that dietary supplementation of GLA, to promote PGE1 production, was shown to alleviate symptoms and help return the body to a state of hormonal balance.

Menopause can cause anxiety, mood imbalances & loss of bone density leading to osteoporosis. Dietary supplementation of hemp oil (principally the fatty acid GLA), has been shown to reduce physical and emotional post-menopausal symptoms in animal models.

Stomach

Hemp is a good source of dietary fibre, both soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre from hemp aids in healthy digestion by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and helping to regulate cholesterol and blood sugar. Insoluble fibre provides substance to the stool as it forms and contributes to easy passage through the digestive tract. Studies have shown that dietary supplementation of hemp oil contributes to the alleviation of constipation.

Hemp protein is readily digestible, more so than the protein available in many nuts, legumes, and grains. Hemp has a high protein score because its bio-availability makes it so accessible to the human digestive tract.