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Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant: cannabis sativa, the same species of plant as cannabis (marijuana), however hemp seeds contain only small amounts of THC, (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the compound found in high doses in the marijuana and that causes the known psychological and psychoactive effects.
There are some exceptional health benefits you can get from these cannabis seeds, such as the feminized and the auto-flower seeds, and the microdose shrooms, and here are seven compelling reasons to consume them.
1. Cannabis seeds can reduce the risk of heart disease!
The seeds contain high amounts of the amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to dilate and relax, leading to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. Furthermore, the protective effect on the heart may also be due to the balanced ratio between omega6 and omega3 present in these precious seeds.
2. Hemp seeds are a complete source of protein
For those who do not eat animal protein, this is an excellent source. Two tablespoons of hemp seeds contain around 7-11 grams of protein. Therefore, the seeds can be consumed as an excellent protein option for vegans and vegetarians.
3. Cannabis seeds are rich in soluble and insoluble fibre
Fibres naturally cleanse the colon, reduce sugar cravings and perform important functions, including:
- Helping lower total and LDL cholesterol levels;
- Increasing the efficiency of the colon;
- Promoting the functionality of the upper gastrointestinal tract;
- Promoting general gut health by nourishing the intestinal microbiota;
- Stabilizing blood sugar levels;
- They are essential in the management of body weight;
- They reduce appetite.
4. Hemp seeds promote skin health.
They reduce eczema, improve dry skin and the resulting itchiness. For this purpose, you may also find hemp seed oil useful, in a dose of one tablespoon a day.
5. Cannabis seeds are useful against arthritis and joint pain.
Research shows that hemp seed oil can relieve pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. The content of GLA (gamma linolenic acid) in hemp seeds gives it its anti-inflammatory effects.
A study published in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism concluded that supplementing GLA for over 6 months reduced the pain and symptoms of arthritis by 25%.
The ideal for this purpose is to take hemp oil in the morning and also add hemp seeds to further reduce pain.
6. Cannabis seeds support weight loss.
Since hemp seeds reduce cravings for sugar and help you stay full longer thanks to the fibre, they help you lose weight. Add 1 tablespoon for breakfast.
7. Cannabis seeds are useful for relieving the pains of PMS and to contain the symptoms of menopause
The GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in hemp seeds, which has the effect of balancing hormones, can help relieve pain in PMS and can be a valuable aid to reduce some symptoms that can occur during menopause.
The good mineral content like iron, magnesium, and zinc can also help relieve you of PMS symptoms such as depression, irritability, menstrual cramps, and water retention. These minerals in hemp seeds play a major role in promoting female health.
How to test the quality and the germination rate of your cannabis seeds
If you still have doubts about the quality of your seeds, or are now ready to start your crop, you can safely proceed and move on to germination! Checking the appearance is one thing, but these tests will tell you whether the seeds are actually meant to open or not.
- The buoyancy test in the glass of water
A classic! The buoyancy test is certainly not pure science, but it still offers reliable results. Here’s how to do it:
1. Fill a glass or jar with bottled or distilled mineral water. Good tap water works too.
2. Put your seeds in the glass of water. You have only two possibilities in this test: either they float or they fall to the bottom. The latter should be the best quality ones, while those that float most likely will not germinate or their performance will not be excellent.
3. Now is the time to wait. Give your seeds at least a couple of hours before coming to a conclusion about their quality. This is because good quality seeds with a stronger shell can take some time to absorb water and may float for a few minutes at first. So be patient when taking this test. Don’t rush into discarding healthy seeds!
Important tip: Only perform the buoyancy test when you are ready to plant the seeds. Once immersed in water, they can no longer be put aside to be stored again. You will inevitably have to make them germinate. So if you have many seeds, only test the ones you actually want to germinate and grow.
- The final test: Simply plant the seeds
Maybe you don’t feel the need to do any tests and prefer to throw caution to the wind in the hope that your seeds will sprout anyway. In this case, you can go ahead and plant the seeds in the ground, waiting for a small greenish stem to appear.
Using this technique, high-quality seeds germinate within 2 to 3 days. Some strains, like most sativas, may take a little longer, up to 7 days depending on genetics.
But eventually, a quality seed from SensorySeeds.com, will almost always germinate. Planting them in the ground and seeing how they gradually break up its surface is already a good sign that you have quality seeds in your hands.
