Hemp Seeds: Side Effects and Benefits

Packed with proteins, healthy fats, and a powerhouse of nutrients, hemp seeds have become a go-to superfood for many. People use them for everything, from digestion and heart health to skin conditions like eczema.

But with any food that gains popularity, it’s natural to wonder about the full picture. Are hemp seeds as good for you as they seem? Do they have any downsides? And what should you know before making hemp seed recipes a regular part of your diet?

In this post, we’ll go over the nutritional benefits of hemp seeds, as well as some potential side effects, to help you decide if they deserve a spot in your pantry.

What Are Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, but unlike marijuana, they contain only trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — the compound that causes psychoactive effects. Instead, they’re loaded with nutrients that make them a great addition to a healthy diet, including:

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
• All nine essential amino acids
• Vitamin E
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Iron

You can easily add hemp seeds to your diet by mixing them into yogurt, blending them into smoothies, or sprinkling them over salads.

What Are the Benefits of Hemp Seeds?

Now, let’s go over a few reported health benefits of hemp seeds.

Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein

Hemp seeds are a great plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans. Just 100 grams of hemp seeds supply up to 63% of the recommended daily protein intake. Furthermore, they provide a complete protein profile with all nine essential amino acids.

Loaded with Healthy Fats

Hemp seeds are rich in polyunsaturated and essential omega fatty acids. They contain an ideal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which is considered in the optimal range.

Great for Heart Health

Some preliminary research indicates that the nutrients in hemp seeds may:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Lower bad cholesterol levels
• Increase good cholesterol
• Improve circulation

However, more studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Hemp seeds also contain arginine, an amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and can improve overall cardiovascular function.

Supports Digestion

Hemp seeds contain a good amount of fiber, especially if you opt for the whole, unhulled variety. Fiber keeps your digestion regular and feeds the good bacteria in your microbiome.

The fiber content in hemp seeds can also help regulate blood sugar levels, keep you feeling full longer, and reduce the risk of digestive issues like constipation or bloating.

Good for Skin and Hair

If you deal with eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin, adding hemp seeds to your diet or using hemp seed oil directly on your skin can help soothe irritation and lock in moisture. Additionally, fatty acids support skin hydration, improve elasticity, and may help reduce acne by balancing oil production.

May Help with Hormonal Balance

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in hemp seeds, has been linked to hormone regulation, particularly for women experiencing PMS or menopause symptoms. Some research suggests that GLA can help with mood swings, breast tenderness, and cramping.

Additionally, GLA has also been studied for its potential effects on inflammation and hormone balance.

What Are the Side Effects of Hemp Seeds?

While hemp seeds offer many benefits, they can also pose some side effects in the following categories.

Digestive Discomfort and Weight Changes

Hemp seeds are oily and high in polyunsaturated fat. Although this is the good kind, there are still about 3 to 4 grams of it per tablespoon of seeds.

Any dietary fat increase even the healthy kind can sometimes lead to mild digestive issues, including diarrhea. To avoid this, start with a small amount and gradually increase as your body adjusts.

Additionally, while hemp seeds are nutrient-dense, they’re also calorie-dense. Eating them in excess could lead to weight gain if not balanced with your overall calorie intake.

THC

One common concern about hemp seeds is whether they contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. While hemp and marijuana come from the same plant species (Cannabis sativa), they are very different in composition.

Hemp seeds themselves do not produce THC, as the compound is only found in the flowers, buds, and leaves of the plant. However, because hemp seeds are harvested from the same plant, there is a slight chance they may pick up trace amounts of THC residue during processing.

In rare cases, consuming large quantities of hemp seeds could potentially lead to mild psychoactive effects, but there is little scientific evidence to support this.

Another unlikely concern is whether eating hemp seeds could result in a positive drug test. The risk is extremely low, but it depends on factors such as the quality of processing and the amount consumed.

Properly processed hemp seeds are unlikely to contain THC in amounts that would affect drug tests. However, choosing reputable brands with third-party testing can ensure compliance with legal THC limits.

Interference with Medication

Because hemp seeds contain vitamin E and other compounds that can affect blood clotting, those taking blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin should check with their doctor before adding them to their diet.

Hemp seeds also contain phytoestrogens, plant compounds that mimic estrogen. Although this isn’t a concern for most, those with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, endometriosis, or PCOS may want to limit their intake.

Additionally, the high-fat content in hemp seeds could affect how some medications are absorbed and processed in the body, particularly fat-soluble drugs. If you take prescription medications, it’s always a good idea to discuss any dietary changes with your doctor.

So, Do the Benefits Outweigh the Side Effects?

Yes!

When you look at the research, it’s clear that the benefits of hemp seeds far outweigh the drawbacks. The few potential side effects are usually minor or only a concern in specific situations.

Conclusion: Are Hemp Seeds Right for You?

Hemp seeds offer a wealth of health benefits, including nutritional value, heart health support, and more. While potential side effects exist, they are generally mild and manageable for most people.

If you do not have allergies to hemp seeds and consume them in moderation, they can be a valuable addition to your diet.

At Healthy Hemp Oil, we offer premium hemp-based products. All the CBD brands we carry are made from legally grown industrial hemp, containing 0.3% THC or less so there’s no high, no prescription needed.

Contact us or explore our selection today!

Disclaimer: Here at Healthy Hemp Oil, we thoroughly research everything we publish. However, this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information contained here, and elsewhere on our website, is for general informational purposes only. This content may not contain the most recent legal or other information. Please seek appropriate counsel for your own situation.