We see that hemp seeds are getting in vogue as a health food these days and more and more people are including them in their diets. They are harvested from the cannabis plant only, but they are made to undergo a different process so that they don’t contain so much of THC (the substance in marijuana or cannabis that gets us high). They have numerous health benefits but using something without knowing about the possible fall outs is not good. So, let us get to know the side effects that hemp seeds can cause, so that we can use it safely for our benefit.(1)
12 Possible Hemp Seeds Side Effects
1. Diarrhea
Hemp seeds are said to be high in polyunsaturated fat, which though is generally good for us, but can cause a little bit of a digestion problem in some of us. It can lead to the problem of watery loose stools and discomfort in the stomach. To start with, it is better if we progressively increase the quantities of the seeds that we are consuming so as to help our digestive system get accustomed to it.(2)
2. Excessive Bleeding
It is said that hemp seeds have a characteristic anticoagulant property that inhibits the clotting in case of bleeding. Patients who are taking any prescription anticoagulants should also consult their physicians before starting to use hemp seeds for the popular benefits.(3)
3. Feeling of Getting High
Even though most hemp seeds are processed in a way that neither they or their products contain any THC (the psychostimulant present in marijuana). But, if a very large dose of hemp seeds are ingested irresponsibly all at once, the person is very likely to get a feeling of euphoria, also commonly referred to as being high. In such circumstances, it can also show a positive result in a urine-based drug test.(4)
4. Risk of Cancerous Cell Regeneration
Hemp seeds are said to aid in cell regeneration in our body. They do offer wonderful benefits because of this property. But, some studies suggest that they must be avoided by cancer patients at all costs as they may even aid in the regeneration of cancerous cells. It is by far the scariest side effect that hemp seeds might carry, so beware and ask your doctor if it suits your requirements or not.(5)
[ Read: Top 10 Foods Rich In Omega 3 Fatty Acids ]
5. Neuron Development Impairment
Hemp seeds are said to primarily contain two types of fatty acids, i.e. omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-3 fatty acids are said to aid in the generation and development of neuron and the nervous system in turn. The omega-6 fatty acids that are present can lead to an imbalance in the fatty acids and acidity if we consume hemp seeds or their oil in excess. So, if you want a healthy neuron and brain development, remember that moderation is the best way to go.(6)
[ Read: Major Side Effects Of Basil Seeds ]
6. Colitis Risk
Some studies suggest that the omega fatty acids content in hemp seeds is also linked to a potential risk of suffering with colitis. So, once again we are having to tell you about the mantra called moderation.(7)
[ Read: The 10 Healthy Foods to Gain Weight Fast ]
7. Protein Overdose
Hemp seeds are also rich in protein and an excess of protein when goes undigested is said to cause some weight gain and in some rare cases, cancer too. We don’t want to gain weight, not a gram; and neither do we want to develop cancer. So, be sure you don’t eat too much of hemp seeds.(8)
[ Read: Harmful Side Effects Of Papaya Seeds ]
8. Flatulence
Hemp seeds are said to cause flatulence in some people when they start consuming hemp seeds. It may cause a bit of discomfort, but it may soon subside as it is maybe a sign of the digestive system trying to adjust to the new food item.(9)
[ Read: The 10 Best Foods to Improve Digestion ]
9. Negative Effects on Immunity
Hemp seeds contain Poly unsaturated fatty acids which are said to cause several health issues if we consume them in quantities more than required. Poly unsaturated fatty acids are said to negatively affect the immune system and suppress our body’s ability to ward off any infections or diseases that attack our body. Though, polyunsaturated fatty acids are good in some ways when consumed in the right quantities, such as cardiac health and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent, but in excess they could promote growth of infections in our body.(10)
[ Read: Negative Side Effects Of Fenugreek Seeds ]
10. Risk of Heart Diseases
The poly unsaturated fatty acid contents of hemp seeds, i.e. omega-3 and omega-6, pose a risk to the heart health when consumed in excess quantities. So, beware of using hemp seeds too much.(11)
11. Organ Damage Possible
If we overheat the oil that we get from hemp seeds, which is in vogue these days, it gives out peroxides which have the potential to harm the body. It can, in this case, cause organ, tissue and skin damage. So remember one thing if you use hemp seed oil, no overheating!
12. Risky for Pregnant and Lactating Women
It is generally advisable for pregnant women to stay off hemp seeds or their oil as it could impair the fetal development and cause complications too. Even in case of lactating mother it is suggested that they avoid using hemp seeds as we don’t want any harmful side effects to affect the newly born infant in any way. So, if you do wish to reap the benefits of hemp seeds, go ahead once you have stopped breastfeeding you young one so that no ignorant move on your part harms your beloved young one in any way.
We saw the various negative side effects that hemp seeds or their derivatives can cause and can be more cautious while using them. The benefits of hemp seeds certainly outnumber the potential side effects but it is very important for us to know any sort of possible fallout before we do something.
Scientific Evidence:
- Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10681-004-4811-6
- Evaluating the quality of protein from hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) products through the use of the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score method- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20977230/
- Characterization and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of industrial hemp varieties (Cannabis sativa L.)- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19969046/
- The Composition of Hemp Seed Oil and Its Potential as an Important Source of Nutrition- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J133v02n04_04
- Hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) seed oil: analytical and phytochemical characterization of the unsaponifiable fraction- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24422510/
- The importance of the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio in cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18408140/
- Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Health Benefits- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29350557/
- Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein- https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-014-0064-5
- The composition of hemp seed oil and its potential as an important source of nutrition- https://www.researchwithrutgers.com/en/publications/the-composition-of-hemp-seed-oil-and-its-potential-as-an-importan
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: New twists in an old tale- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19455748/
- Quantitative effects on cardiovascular risk factors and coronary heart disease risk of replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with other fats and oils- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24410161_Quantitative_effects_on_cardiovascular_risk_factors_and_coronary_heart_disease_risk_of_replacing_partially_hydrogenated_vegetable_oils_with_other_fats_and_oils
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