Hemp seeds are derived from the hemp plant. However, they don’t have any narcotic properties.
However, they may contain trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is the compound that causes psychoactive effects in cannabis but not enough to cause any of the same effects when consumed.
This post breaks down the health benefits of hemp seeds as well as other useful information about hemp seeds for the diet.
What Are the Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds?
1. Perfect Balance of Essential Fatty Acids
Hemp seeds have an excellent ratio of 3:1 balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the human body and can only be obtained via the diet.
2. Hemp Seeds Have a Hight Protein
Hemp seeds contain a high amount of protein, over 25% of the calories are composed of protein.
They beat chia seeds and flax seeds when it comes to high protein content.
3. Hemp Seeds Contains Loads of Essential Amino Acids
The two main proteins contained in hemp seeds include edestin and albumin.
They are easily digested high-quality proteins, which contain large amounts of essential amino acids.
If you’re not a big fan of meat, hemp seeds have the potential to provide the same amount of protein.
4. Hemp Seed Contains Loads of Vitamins & Minerals
Hemp seeds contain iron, zinc, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium potassium, and phosphorus.
Additionally, they contain vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, vitamin D, and a lot of vitamin E.
5. Excellent Source of Fiber
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber aids in digestive health.
6. Hemp Seeds Boost Immune System
Hemp seeds are high in the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid.
GLA is helpful for boosting the functions of the immune system and improving overall health.
High amounts of GLA can also be found in evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, and blackcurrant oil.
7. Hemp Seeds Aid Weight Loss
Hemp seeds can help you feel full longer much like chia seeds. Additionally, they also help suppress the appetite thus aiding in achieving weight loss goals.
With such a significant amount of health benefits, you definitely should add hemp seeds to your diet.
Related Content: Hemp Seed Oil Benefits & Uses
How to Eat Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds have a mild but rich nutty flavor. They can be eaten raw, mixed in with a meal, or ground into a powder.
Hemp seeds are also used to produced hemp seed oil. Read How to Achieve Silky Hair with Hemp Seed Oil.
Hemp Seed Recipes for a Healthy Diet
- Add 3 tablespoons of raw hemp seeds to your morning smoothie.
- Sprinkle a generous amount on yogurt, cereal, or ice cream.
- Sprinkle over salads. It blends well with most salad recipes.
- You can add them to pesto. I found this great recipe on Bob’s Red Mill for Hemp Seed Pesto.
- You can use them in bakery items such as these Apple-Hemp Muffins.
What is the Difference Between Hemp Seeds & Hemp Hearts?
There’s no difference between the two. They’re the same thing when it comes to nutritional value. Some people just refer to them by different names.
Sometimes, they are also called shelled hemp seeds in the case where the hard outer shell has been removed.
Don’t spend too much time trying to choose either one. They’re the same thing.
What Are the Side Effects of Eating Hemp Seeds?
There are no major side effects with eating hemp seeds. However, to avoid diarrhea, hemp seeds should be consumed in moderation.
Which Hemp Seed/Hemp Heart Brand is the Best?
Hemp seeds are available either whole or already shelled.
It takes some time to shell the whole hemp seeds so unless you need it for something in particular, just go with the shelled variety.
Below are the best 3 recommendations for hemp seeds:
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds
Food to Live Certified Organic Hemp Seeds
Terrasoul Superfoods Raw Hulled Hemp Seeds
Tips for Hemp Seeds
- Hemp seeds are prone to going rancid quickly so once the pack is opened, store in a mason jar and refrigerate.
- Always check for the expiry date on the package and make sure you purchase one with an expiry date that’s further down the line. If you’re ordering hemp seeds online, you can make note of this to the supplier when you place your order.
Additional by-products of hemp seeds include hemp seed oil and hemp protein powder/flour.
As you can see, it’s not a question of whether you should include hemp seeds in your diet but how fast can you add them to your diet!