Hemp seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential minerals, proteins, and fatty acids. They are a great source of magnesium, which is known to help relax the body and induce sleep. Hemp seeds also contain amino acids that help regulate mood, behavior, and sleep patterns. Additionally, hemp seeds are high in zinc, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and fiber.
Studies have found that hemp seed oil can improve dry or itchy skin and alleviate symptoms of eczema. Hemp milk has less carbohydrates and sugars than regular cow's milk, and hemp protein powder is an excellent addition to shakes to help control appetite. The high mineral content of hemp seed is one of its most important benefits. Magnesium is able to effectively treat insomnia by calming and relaxing the body. The action of magnesium on enzymes and hormones induces sleep.
To promote good quality sleep, it is recommended to consume a portion a few hours before bedtime. Serotonin is released when magnesium is administered and travels to the brain, where it is converted to melatonin. Melatonin is a powerful sleep aid. A single serving of hemp seeds contains nearly 50% of the recommended daily dose of magnesium. Hemp seeds contain large amounts of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
These amino acids produce chemicals in the brain that help regulate our mood, behavior and sleep patterns. Melatonin is our sleep chemical, and amino acids are needed in food to help produce melatonin. The ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seeds is the optimal level of nutritional benefit. Weight loss occurs when you use up more calories than you eat, so hemp seeds won't help you lose weight on their own. Technically a nut, these small, crunchy seeds are safe to consume and contain only traces of a psychotropic chemical, called THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis known to cause euphoria. Be sure to drink plenty of water when you eat hemp seeds to help avoid intestinal problems such as bloating, nausea, or constipation in large quantities.
Although related to the cannabis plant, hemp seeds have little or no of the psychoactive compound THC found in marijuana. This study demonstrates the application of a new validated method to quantify melatonin in hemp varieties that belong to fiber and drug-type chemotypes. The highest levels of melatonin were detected in the seeds of a variety of fiber-type hemp, suggesting that they have potential as a valuable food source with positive benefits for modulating sleep patterns. There isn't enough clinical research to show that hemp is safe orally or topically for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it's not recommended. For those looking for an all-natural way to get better sleep and improve overall health, hemp seeds are an excellent choice.