The legalization of marijuana prompted research into individual parts of the plant, including marijuana seeds. One review of research studies on marijuana seeds revealed that hemp and marijuana seeds are highly nutritious. According to the review, marijuana seeds contain nutrients ranging from protein to vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
However, marijuana seeds contain no cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes found in other parts of the cannabis plant, so they are not used for ancillary medicinal therapies. Regardless, marijuana seeds' nutrient profile qualifies them as superfoods.
Health Benefits of Marijuana Seeds
Lowers Risk of Cardiac Problems
According to global statistics, 17.9 people lose their lives to cardiovascular diseases annually, one-third of whom are individuals in their prime. The statistics further revealed that type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and being overweight are the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, marijuana seeds can easily be sourced from find high-quality cannabis seeds. You can get them to keep the above risk factors at bay by keeping the three cardiovascular elements (heart, blood vessels, and blood) healthy.
Marijuana seeds are rich in unsaturated omega 3 fatty and omega 6 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that you acquire from your diet. Unsaturated omega 3 fatty acids support the formation of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as "good cholesterol," burned by the liver to produce energy.
Unlike saturated fats, unsaturated fats prevent the formation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol. LDLs feature small molecules that attach to crevices alongside blood vessels and heart muscles, thus, limiting blood flow. It is the constricted blood flow that results in conditions like stroke and heart attack.
By lowering LDL levels, omega 3 fatty acids in marijuana seeds also reduce triglyceride plasma level and blood pressure.Antioxidant Properties
Marijuana seeds are antioxidants meaning they help prevent the occurrence of health conditions associated with oxidation stress. Oxidation is a metabolic (energy-yielding) reaction that releases free radicals as byproducts; the free radicals must undergo neutralization (reduction) by the body's anti-oxidation enzymes.
If the free radicals accumulate in the body, they attach to body cells and cause damage. Second, the free radicals may also trigger an immune response whereby the body attacks itself, causing autoimmune diseases like arthritis and skin conditions.
Marijuana seeds contain a robust antioxidant amino acid called Gamma linoleic acid (GLA). GLA is a type of omega 6 amino acid that intervenes in cellular stress to prevent oxidation-induced cell damage. It does so in either of two ways.
First, GLA undergoes metabolism where it breaks down to yield into signaling molecules called eicosanoids that suppress inflammatory responses, thus lowering the chances of inflammatory-related oxidative stress. Second, GLA also attaches to the active sites of the enzymes that produce pro-inflammatory signaling molecules, inhibiting the production of such molecules.
- It Has Anti-inflammatory Properties
The omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated fats present in marijuana seeds also feature anti-inflammation properties. Therefore, marijuana seeds help prevent inflammation-related diseases and health conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, heart disease, and cancer.
Inflammation is a crucial aspect of the body's immune response system. However, it is sometimes the pathogenesis (series of events that determine how diseases begin and develop) for the above chronic illnesses. Such acute and chronic inflammation responses often lead to organ and tissue damage and malfunction.
Fortunately, the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) present in omega 3 coupled with omega 6' conjugated-linoleic acid (GLA) and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) all feature robust anti-inflammatory properties. All three polyunsaturated fats inhibit the formation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids.
Second, a research study also shows that the three polyunsaturated fats above modulate gene expression of the genes involved in inflammation. Gene expression is how specialized enzymes copy information from a gene and use it to make protein molecules.
Note that all enzymes, including the hormone receptors and enzymes that facilitate inflammation, are proteins. Therefore, the polyunsaturated fats in marijuana seeds prevent the formation of enzymes that may cause acute and chronic inflammation.
Neuroprotective Properties
Marijuana seeds’ neuroprotective capacity may help prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Neurodegenerative diseases affect the central nervous system, causing nerve cells in the nervous system and the brain to lose function.
Neuroprotection refers to effects that regenerate the neuron cells in the central nervous system and restore their function. In this regard, a study conducted using hemp protein isolate revealed that it has bioactive compounds that counter neurological cell damage. Therefore, marijuana seeds are a good supplement for people with neurodegenerative illnesses.Managing Body Weight
Marijuana seeds are rich in fibers and proteins; both compounds are essential in achieving healthy body weight and building muscle. Whether shelled or unshelled, marijuana seeds have high fiber content.
Fiber functions as an appetite suppressant because it slows digestion, making one feel full for longer. Therefore, it helps people with overeating disorders regulate their calorie intake, which, if coupled with exercise, results in weight loss.
Marijuana seeds are also a complete protein source because they contain all nine amino acids. Therefore, they help people who are working out to build muscle.
Conclusion
Marijuana seeds qualify as superfoods alongside foods like chia seeds, acai berry, and mushrooms. They are also edible, whether raw, cooked, so add them to your diet and reap their outstanding nutritional benefits.