Hemp Seeds for Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Health

I’d been doing pretty well in the past at losing a few kilos when I needed it, such as after the holidays, but this December I put on some weight and then couldn’t shake it off. Well, I did lose a kilo after starting a dancing routine while watching bits of movies every day for two months (which is to say I lost weight very slowly), but then I stopped doing that for a while. But guess what? Even though I didn’t work out for three weeks afterward, I managed to lose a kilo and a half solely by eating a gluten-free bars with nuts and seeds and fruit, many of them with hemp seeds. As I ate GF bars in the past and didn’t notice a weight-loss effect, I take it this time the weight loss was due to these hemp-seed bars.

So I’m not making any claims, but I started reading more about hemp seeds and it’s possible they may help with weight loss. That said, do not count on this new food in your diet to do all the work, but do your best to continue with an exercise regimen that’s good for you, with a healthy diet, and a healthy lifestyle generally.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical or health practitioner, and no part of This Blog, or the websites and products I mention and link to on This Blog, is intended as professional medical or health advice, and should not be considered as such. Consult with your doctor(s) about starting any course of treatment, taking any supplements, or changing any (dietary, exercise, etc.) routines. Note that natural supplements and even some foods may interfere with certain medications. Here are my Full Terms and Conditions.

Here’s what I learned about the health benefits of hemp seeds. By the way, note that these seeds contain less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), as contrary to popular belief, even though they are related, hemp plants and cannabis/marijuana plants are different. That said, THC and the vitamin E content of hemp seeds are blood thinners/anticoagulants, so if you’re struggling with blood coagulation issues or take certain medications (vitamin E interacts with many of them), check with your doctor(s) as to how to introduce hemp in your diet, and how much is advisable for you. Also, as with everything in your food and drink regimen, ask your doctor(s) about hemp seeds if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

10 Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds

1. Hemp seeds contain lots of soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps with digestion and the health of your colon, lowers total and LDL cholesterol, and also curbs the appetite. I definitely experienced a slight reduction in appetite myself. Also, as a side note, energy bars with hemp are best taken, I find, with a large amount of tea. If you don’t have tea ready or plan to make any, make sure you drink at least a large mug of water with any one snack bar to avoid various digestive issues. And don’t overdo it. Don’t turn your meals into snack bars. These are best taken in between meals—in my case, I only had one a day.

2. Hemp seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the essential omega-3 fatty acid that can generate in the body the other two important omega-3s (EPA and DHA)—not efficiently, however, which is why it’s advisable you take omega-3 fish oil supplements. Among other things, omega-3 fatty acids help with inflammation and in some people may also help with increased metabolism (at rest and while exercising) and with weight loss.

3. Hemp is also one of the very few plants with seeds and seed oils high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid with a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

4. These seeds are also a great source of magnesium, which helps your brain and your muscles (including your heart) and fights stress, depression, and inflammation, among other things.

5. They are also a great source of vitamin E and zinc, which help the immune system.

6. Great source of protein with all nine essential amino acids. There aren’t many plant-based complete proteins out there, so this is very important for vegans.

7. They contain phytosterols, which, like ALA omega-3 fatty acids, help reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels, which makes for a happier heart and arteries.

8. They also contain L-arginine, an amino acid that becomes nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and may help lower blood pressure in healthy people and those with prehypertension.

9. They contain iron, which may help prevent anemia.

And 10. Hemp seed oil is good for eczema.

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If you’re interested in seeing a few hemp-seed snack bars, here are some that looked particularly good to me. These healthy energy bars are all gluten-free, which I figure is the best idea in these bars even if you do eat gluten.

Of course, the best way would be to get hulled hemp seeds and add them to your oatmeal. Don’t use too much. A little goes a long way. One ounce/28 grams has 77% of the daily recommended vitamin E intake. They also have 140% of the recommended daily value of manganese. So don’t overdo it.

And here are some omega-3 soft gels with vitamin D3 from Nordic Naturals. Please note that they contain some naturally-sourced vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol—listed among the ingredients but not on the Supplement Facts label, so it may not be much) and traces of iodine. Consult with your doctor(s) before taking one of these supplements, as vitamin E, as in hemp seeds, is an anticoagulant that interacts with many medications; also, beware of an allergy to iodine.

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s post. As always, pins and shares are much appreciated!

To a happier, healthier life,

🙂 Mira