Can a diabetic eat Hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds are high in nutrition, healthful fats and protein but low in carbohydrates. Many people consider hemp seeds as superfood as they can offer wide range of health benefits. Hence, a diabetic can eat Hemp seeds in moderation. For example, two tablespoons of hemp seeds can give you 90 calories, 6 gm fat, 2 gm fibre, 5 gm protein, 300 mg Potassium and some phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A and Iron etc. Hemp seeds are also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can regulate cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides. This in turn can help improve heart health.
What are the benefits of eating Hemp seeds?
Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential Omega-6 fatty acid present in Hemp may help regulate blood sugar level and ease pain from diabetic neuropathy.
Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) present in Hemp may help reduce inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis etc.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids present in hemp seeds can regulate cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure etc. This in turn can improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiac problems.
As Hemp seeds are high in fibre, adding 2-3 table spoons of Hemp seeds to your breakfast can suppress your hunger during the day. As a result, you feel full for longer and have less hunger cravings. This can in turn help lose weight.
Some studies found that Hemp seeds can have a soothing and calming effect on the central nervous system. Hemp can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. However, it is important that one seeks advise from doctors before regularly adding hemp to one’s diet.
Amino acid and Arginine present in Hemp seeds produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide tends to dilate your blood vessels. As a result, your blood pressure gets regulated and heart disease risk reduced.
What are the side-effects of eating Hemp seeds?
Eating hemp seeds in moderation can be beneficial but if you ingest large amounts of Hemp seeds in short time, it can be harmful.
Consuming large amounts of Hemp seeds can lead to Cardiac problems due to high amounts of fatty acids. So, heart patients and people at risk of heart attack must be cautious when consuming Hemp seeds.
Large amounts of Hemp seeds can act as a laxative and can even cause diarrhoea.
Ingesting large amounts of Hemp seeds in short time can often cause a headache, dizziness or drowsiness.
High amounts of protein and fibre in Hemp seeds can cause gas or bloating if consume large amounts of Hemp seeds in short time.
