Move over wax and oil, there’s a new trend in cannabis consumption and it doesn’t involve vapes, edibles, or any other fancy extraction, but rather the raw flower itself. Or more specifically, the seeds!
Extremely nutritious with a nutty, vanilla-like flavor and mostly the size of a match-head, cannabis seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and various minerals, making them a terrific snack alternative or just a convenient go-to munchie !
Good quality marijuana seeds are brown in color, hard, and usually have a pattern on them resembling that of a tiger’s stripes. Beyond raw consumption, they can be consumed in cooked or toasted form too. And if stored properly in a dark, airtight container away from sunlight and moisture, they can have a shelf life of around four to five years!
Overall, cannabis seeds are extremely healthy and can be easily purchased from both offline and online dispensaries. That being said, top reviews indicate that people are just now starting to realize their full nutritional value. In fact, science backs it all up too. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out these 6 scientifically proven reasons why munching on cannabis seeds can provide surprising health benefits.
1) A Great Source of Plant-Based Protein
That’s right, cannabis seeds make for a great source of protein and amino acids, with about 25% of their makeup consisting of two easily digestible proteins—edestin and albumin. These protein-rich components along with their convenient size and easy form of digestion makes cannabis seeds the perfect add-on for a pre-workout snack or post-workout meal.
2) Helps in Dealing with Heart Health, Anxiety, and Depression
Including cannabis seeds in your diet actually lowers blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular function. The seeds’ rich amounts of the amino acid arginine helps prevent cardiovascular disease, while various additional nutrients widely known to the cannabis plant help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
3) Promotes Healthy Skin
As we’ve mentioned plenty in the past, cannabis offers up a slew of terrific nutritional benefits for your skin, and this is especially true of cannabis seeds. Deficiency of fatty acids in our body results in visible effects like extremely dry skin, cracked heels, and skin irritations. The omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in cannabis seeds help in preventing these types of skin ailments as they’re believed to control itching and inflammation. In addition, cannabis seeds contain a powerful balance of fatty acids and antioxidant nutrients that improve the immune system, thus reducing one’s vulnerability to skin disorders and the reliance on skincare medications.
4) Treats Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menopause
It’s no secret that women experience all kinds of nasty, unwanted symptoms during their period. In fact, research has proven that 80% of women of reproductive age experience physical (breast pain and tenderness, stomach pain, cramps) or emotional (stress, irritability) symptoms caused by Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), while women in menopause experience hormone imbalances and inflammation. Munching on cannabis seeds daily can significantly reduce these symptoms by reducing the effects of prolactin, the hormone responsible for causing them. Cannabis seeds are packed with healthy fats like Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA), and studies have proven that this super fat diminishes the biological effects of prolactin on the body.
5) Aids in Digestion
Fiber plays a vital role in one’s diet, and whole cannabis seeds make a terrific source of both soluble (20%) and insoluble (80%) fiber, greatly aiding in digestion. The nutrient-rich soluble fiber in cannabis seeds helps the beneficial digestive bacteria in the gut to thrive, while the seed’s insoluble fiber facilitates the passage of food and wastes through the stomach by adding bulk to the fecal matter.
6) Helps with Weight Management
While smoking too much cannabis can often lead to munchies that pack on the pounds, eating cannabis seeds can actually help you shed them. Beyond being rich in fiber and helping with one’s digestive health, cannabis seeds also help regulate sugar and cholesterol levels, not to mention make for a super-convenient, easily digestible snack. Whether sprinkled over yogurt, oatmeal, or salads or just munched on solo, cannabis seeds make for a healthy and tasty alternative to other more fattening options.
