The world has been through a lot this year, and most of us have questioned many things about ourselves and our lives throughout 2020. Many have used the global crisis we are living through as a catalyst for change – a change in our attitudes, a change in our lifestyles, and a change in our viewpoints.
It seems that people want to do more and to be better; they want to help the environment, put an end to fast-fashion, help local businesses, work out more, improve their diet, and in an attempt to find solutions to these things, many people have been opening their minds and stepping out of their comfort zones to get there, especially with regard to the use of CBD products.
The cannabis plant, also known as hemp, has a pretty bad reputation with a lot of people who only recognise it as the plant that is used to produce the recreational drug, marijuana. It is often forgotten, or simply not known, that the cannabis plant and its seeds can be used for a huge number of other things and has been increasing in popularity over the years for its positive effect on improving health and wellbeing.
What are cannabis seeds?
A cannabis plant can be either male or female, but it is only the female plant that produces the flower. Cannabis seeds are produced by the female plant after reproduction when the male plant has pollinated the flowers. After the seeds have matured, the female plant begins to die and the seeds are dropped. It is at this point that these seeds can be collected in order to be used for other things.
What are the health benefits?
It should be noted that the seeds of the cannabis plant do not contain cannabinoids (the chemicals present in the plant that produce the psychoactive effects) and so you cannot experience this high when ingesting them. Due to the lack of these cannabinoids, however, cannabis seeds do not reap the same medicinal or therapeutic benefits as other products that have these chemicals. Instead, cannabis seeds boast impressive health and nutritional benefits.
High omega fatty acid content
They are extremely high in omega fatty acid content, arguably the best source of natural omega in the entire plant kingdom. It is an essential nutrient for promoting a healthy heart by reducing blood pressure and lowering the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
High in protein
Cannabis seeds are very high in protein, again one of the best sources of natural-based protein out there and, as it is a plant-based protein, it is easier to digest than animal-based proteins.
Contains every amino acid you will ever need
They are one of the only plant-based food sources that contain every single amino acid required for human survival.
Great for your mental health
The great cardiovascular properties of the seeds could potentially help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and other psychological conditions and so, in theory, may also have positive effects on overall mental wellbeing.
Weight loss
Cannabis seeds can help to control weight loss, gain and maintenance as they are very filling, add extra flavour to a healthy dish and can be used as a supplement for muscle growth.
That’s just to name a few of the benefits of cannabis seeds.
How can you incorporate them into your life?
As cannabis seeds are ingestible, it is incredibly easy to incorporate them into your everyday diet. They can be eaten raw with their shells still on, so the preparation required to consume them straight after you buy them is minimal. If you are looking for a more interesting way to add cannabis seeds to your meals, there are a number of different things you can do.
1. Turning the seeds into milk is an excellent alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or looking to reduce their dairy intake.
2. Cannabis oil is a very useful cooking oil that can be added to dressings, smoothies, or as an oil substitute in recipes.
3. Cannabis seeds can also be turned into flour which can then be used for all sorts of things and has the additional benefit of being gluten-free.
Additionally, you can take the raw, shelled seeds and use them in practically any recipe you would like if you want to. Adding the seeds to cereal, granola, pies, pastas, healthy snacks, delicious nutty dessert bites, or anything else you can think of, is a quick and simple way to get a daily dose of cannabis seeds and experience their benefits.