Hemp Seeds For Stress Relief

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Hemp seeds aren’t only for assisting with your protein needs, however. They’re also great for managing diet-related stress and mild anxiety in conjunction with an otherwise healthy diet.

Hemp Seeds’ Nutrients That Benefit For The Brain

Magnesium

As mentioned, seeds are incredibly high in magnesium, which makes them a natural weapon against stress. Magnesium supports neurotransmitter functions in the body and helps reduce stress and anxiety. Magnesium can also be quickly depleted in the body, so just taking a multivitamin (most of which don’t have 100 percent of the RDI) isn’t enough to give you what you need. It’s also incredibly important to eat foods rich in magnesium, mostly found in all plant-based foods. Hemp seeds are among the most abundant sources of magnesium, containing 45 percent in just three tablespoons. Most types of greens and vegetables don’t even include half of that in one cup!

Amino Acids

We all know we need amino acids to build protein in our bodies to keep us healthy, but many people don’t realize how big an impact amino acids have on our brains and neurotransmitter function. If we’re not getting enough quality amino acids, the body can produce higher amounts of stress hormones, and it can lead to blood sugar imbalances that also cause this. Amino acids contribute to a calm, stable mindset and reduced costs of stress. Hemp seeds contain an abundant amino acid amount, even comparable to those in eggs, which are thought to be one of the best sources. The human body can still use incomplete proteins in the body efficiently, but adding incomplete protein sources is also essential for complete nutritional needs. Hemp, chia, tofu, tempeh, edamame, quinoa, spirulina, and nutritional yeast are among the most popular sources of complete proteins.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are also crucial to the body’s well-being. They help boost your metabolism and energy, along with neurotransmitter function. They help regulate stress hormones and utilize the body’s stores of fuel (from food) to nourish the brain and body. Hemp seeds provide a wealth of most all major B vitamins, excluding Vitamin B12. Some of the top B vitamins it contains are vitamins B 1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantheonic acid), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).

Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as a protector in the body. Though it’s most associated with protecting the skin membranes, it also works internally the same way. Vitamin E helps prevent inflammation, prevent disease, and cognitive decline that may lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Since stress can wreak havoc on your focus and affect cognitive function, it’s imperative to eat a nutrient-diet as much as possible, including one rich in vitamin E. Hemp seeds contain roughly 10 percent of your daily needs in just three tablespoons. Almonds, chia, flax, and other healthy fats like olives and olive oil are also top sources.

Zinc

Zinc regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body, protects against inflammation and free radicals that weaken immunity, and it helps optimize hormone functions in the body that manage stress. Most nuts and seeds are fantastic sources, along with many whole grains, beans, and legumes. Hemp seeds contain 30 percent of your daily zinc needs in just three tablespoons! Sprinkle a little of these little guys anywhere you can!

Iron

Iron supports oxygen production in the body, which can also help optimize how we manage stress. Our breath is central to balance the body, and without it, we can feel tight in our chest, short of breath, fatigued that can lead to stress, and our overall metabolism will suffer. Hemp is one of the best plant-based sources of iron that the body can easily digest. Even though all plant-based sources are non-heme sources of iron, pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods will allow the body to use non-heme iron much more efficiently. Hemp seeds contain 15 percent of your daily iron needs in just three tablespoons, with hemp seed protein containing up to 45 percent.

Healthy Fats

Lastly, the body needs healthy fats to function well, especially the brain. While some individuals may do better with lower amounts of fat and others with high amounts of fat, we shouldn’t be trying to eat a fat-free diet. Fat supports all membranes of the body and strongly influences how our neurotransmitters work. Hemp seeds contain unusually high amounts of the essential omega-3 fatty acids that provide optimal support for the brain, hormones, and even the heart. Remember, you don’t need to go overboard with these tiny seeds to get enough; a couple or a few tablespoons a day should do the trick!

To best manage stress, you should be sure to get enough sleep and get proper nutrition from a well-balanced diet, emphasizing foods that help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Focus on whole foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, and be sure to take a vitamin D3 supplement (look for vegan brands), and a sublingual vitamin B12 supplement. These nutrients are crucial to optimal hormonal and brain function, and without them, both the mind and body can suffer, which may lead to stress and severe health issues.