You might have heard all about the hype surrounding hemp seeds and wondered what it was all about, so,
What are hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds are obtained from the hemp plant and Hemp seeds which are also sometimes called hemp hearts are sprinkled on foods, made into oil, protein powder or milk.
Hemp seeds grow as popcorn sized hard seeds. Inside these seeds are soft light green or white inner kernels that are packed full of nutrients including protein, omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, essential amino acids, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin E and more. Unhulled the seeds don’t contain a lot of nutrients but it is the inner kernels or hemp hearts where you find the many nutrients of hemp.
Hulled hemp or whole hemp seeds?
Hulled hemp seeds with the hard outer shell removed are also known as hemp hearts, hemp nuts or shelled hemp seeds. As the outer shell of the hemp seed is hard, crunchy and fibrous we are not used to eating them so the hulled seeds were essentially created to making hemp easier and a lot more appealing for us to eat.
Can hemp seeds make you high?
Although hemp comes from the same plant as cannabis and contains (THC) psychoactive/component-tetrahydrocannabinol they are separate strains. Hemp contains lesser concentrations of THC as well as a higher concentration of (CBD) Cannabidiol which reduces or removes the psychoactive effects.
Where to find hemp seeds?
Once only found in health food stores the increasing popularity of hemp seeds has ensured their easy availability and you can now easily find them in supermarkets, grocers and whole food markets among other places.
Nutritional benefits of hemp seeds
Contains protein
Every 30 grams, about three tablespoons of hemp seeds contain 9.46 grams of protein. As a complete source of protein hemp seeds provides all of the nine essential amino acids which are the building blocks for all proteins. Hemp seeds are one of the few plant-based sources of complete proteins.
The human body is unable to produce these amino acids so they must obtain them from dietary sources. Hemp seeds are especially rich in the amino acid, arginine which is beneficial to heart health, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-l-arginine/art-20364681
Source of Fibre
Hemp seeds are a rich source of fiber which can help reduce appetite and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Source of Iron
Hemp seeds contain 21% of the daily recommended intake of iron in every 30 grams or two dessert spoons of hulled hemp seeds. Iron plays an important part in your health by helping to transport oxygen throughout the body.
Source of magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a vital part in your health including supporting healthy bones and muscles and helping create energy in the body by helping to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which helps proteins and carbohydrates make energy for muscles. 30 grams of hemp seeds contain 39% of your recommended daily intake of magnesium.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Hemp seeds are one of seven plant-based sources of omega 3 fatty acids with 28 grams containing 54% of the recommended daily intake. Omega 3 is essential for good heart health.
Health benefits of hemp seeds
Helps to protect the brain
Hemp was found to help support the brain in focusing and balancing mood according to a study by Psychology Today Australia, https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/rhythms-recovery/201707/hemp-recipe-brain-health
Boosts heart health
Eating hemp seeds may help to keep arteries open and reduce blood pressure due to their high amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Helps to reduce PMS symptoms
All the essential fatty acids found in hemp seeds helps to reduce cravings, mood swings and cramping associated with PMS according to a study by the journal, reproductive health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3033240/
Help with the symptoms of menopause
The high levels of GLA, Gamma-linolenicc -an acid that is found in hemp seeds are said to be beneficial in reducing symptoms of menopause, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-natural-menopause-tips
Helps to reduce inflammation
Together the omega 3 and omega 6 that is contained in hemp seeds can help reduce inflammation. Reducing inflammation may help in the management of diseases such as,
Type 2 diabetes:
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease
Helps to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to attack its tissue leading to inflammation. Hemp seed oil which is made by pressing hemp seeds is beneficial in helping reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Use hemp seed oil to replace other oils in recipes for relief of rheumatoid arthritis.
Can help improve skin conditions
Both atopic dermatitis and acne can be caused by chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties found in hemp seeds can be beneficial to help reduce symptoms.
High levels of omega 3 found in hemp seeds can help with the treatment of acne.
The hemp seed oil has also found to be of benefit in the relief of psoriasis a skin condition caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, resulting in an itchy and sometimes painful skin rash. This is due to hemp seed oil being made up of mostly essential fatty acids.
How to use hemp seeds
With delicious nutty flavor, hemp seeds are easy and delicious to include in your diet.
Add them to salads for a nutty crunch
Make hemp milk and use as you would regular milk
Add to smoothies, soups, casseroles, and stews
Use hemp seeds as a topping for oatmeal and other breakfast cereals
Add them to vegetarian burgers or indeed even regular beef burgers
Include hemp seeds in home made granola or muesli recipes
In addition to the above suggestions, hemp seed oil can be added to salads or drizzled over pasta. Note hemp seed oil can not be used for cooking.
So as you can see hemp seeds and the oil that is obtained from them contain a powerhouse of nutrients that can be of benefit to you and your health and well-being.