HWN Suggests

Why You Should Eat Hemp Seeds

With serious, oft-repeated praise from health-food celebs, like vegan lifestyle guru Alicia Silverstone, and real life integrative doctor Andrew Weil, the humble hemp seed is becoming the emblem of healthy haute cuisine. This lesser-known variety of the cannibas sativa plant, they say, has more to offer than flax and chia seeds--and they're not talking about a contact high. "Hemp has an incredible nutritional profile that can help people fill some holes in their diet," says Ashley Koff, a registered dietician who's partial to the healthy benefits of hemp: -Hemp is a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids--which our bodies can't make and we must get in food, including the elusive GLA…

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 Are hemp seeds healthier than others?

Caloriewise, hemp seeds are similar to other seeds, but they are a better source of protein (3 tablespoons have 11 g, compared with 5 g in sunflower seeds), which helps build calorie-torching lean muscle. Hemp's protein is also higher quality than that of other seeds—it has key amino acids others don't provide enough of and that your body can't make. And hemp seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acids, omega-3 fatty acids that may improve heart health. If you like their nutty flavor, have at 'em. If not, you can get ALAs from flaxseed and high-quality proteins from soy and fish.

 Hezalth benfits of Hemp seeds and How to Add Them To Your Diet

It’s one of the only perfect plant-based proteins containing all 20 amino acids, the building blocks that create a complete source of protein, often hard to find in the plant world. What’s even better is it includes the nine which the human body cannot produce. According to nutritionists, it also hosts one of the best ratios of Omegas 3 and 6 found in nature.

Articles of Interest

Ask the Expert: Hemp Seeds

Few human studies have investigated whole hemp seeds (studies were mostly conducted with hemp seed oil as a supplement); however, there are numerous animal studies examining the effects of hemp seeds on CVD and neurogenerative diseases. A 2019 study looked at rats fed a high-fat, pro-hypercholesterolemic diet compared with rats fed the same diet but also supplemented with 10% whole hemp seeds. Those fed the high-fat diet with 10% hemp seeds had decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Hemp can now be sold as a food in Australia (and it’s super good for you)

Hemp seeds are actually like a little nut, with a crisp shell and a soft heart. Mostly you will find them for sale in health food shops. Typically it will be the hearts you can buy, already released from the shells; they have a mild nutty flavour. Hemp seeds contain around 25% protein, up there with soybean and even better than quinoa. Most of the essential amino acids are present, plus valuable minerals and amounts of vitamin E.

I Tried It: Hemp Milk

One sip: Hmmm. Two sips: It's kind of thick and chalky. Three sips: *OK, it isn't scary, but it's not my fave either. *According to the nutrition label, one glass delivers impressive amounts of Omegas-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and packs plenty of calcium, vitamin E and D. While I like what's on the label, I'm afraid I didn't love what was in my glass--but that's not to say you wouldn't love it. Hemp milk fans, weigh in.

The Health Benefits of Hemp Hearts

Just like chia seeds and flaxseed, hemp hearts pack a punch of nutrition in just a few tablespoons. Here's the low-down on your new favorite seed.

The Seed of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition

Hempseeds, the edible fruits of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, were initially considered a by-product of the hemp technical fibre industry. Nowadays, following the restorationing of the cultivation of C. sativa L. plants containing an amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) <0.3% or 0.2% (industrial hemp) there is a growing interest for the hempseeds production due to their high nutritional value and functional features.

Why Are People So Obsessed With Hemp Milk?

First, the basics: Hemp milk is made from hulled hemp seeds, water, and (usually) a sweetener. "Its claim to fame is the high amount of omega-3 fatty acids—one cup can provide close to an entire day's recommend intake," says registered dietitian Alissa Rumsey, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Resources

5 surprising ways hemp helps the planet

Hemp seeds are rich in protein—about the same amount as beef—as well as high-quality amino acids, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a valuable protein alternative for vegans. Scientists are developing pasta, tofu, and various meat substitutes from hemp.