Nutritional Value of Hemp Seeds And Why Hemp Should Be a Regular Part of Your Diet
Hemp seeds are one of the most nutritional and easily digestible foods found in nature. It’s also one of the most misunderstood food by people who don’t quite understand what hemp is. There are still some who think industrial hemp is just another form of “marijuana”. Not only are those people greatly misinformed about the nutritional value of hemp seeds, but they are also missing out on important information about the other health benefits that hemp can provide.
What Exactly Are Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds are the raw, natural edible seed of the Cannabis sativa L plant. Hemp hearts are the shelled version of the seed. They are not marijuana and no you cannot get high from eating hemp seeds. You also don’t need to worry about failing any drug tests by simply eating a regular diet of hemp seeds and have no other contact with THC. In fact, the companies we recommend buying your hemp seeds from all follow the Test Pledge.
Sadly, since the government has decided to lump it together with marijuana hemp is illegal to grow in the U.S., even for industrial purposes. Luckily, hemp seed products are legal to purchase and can easily be found in health food stores across the country as well as online.
Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are extremely high in protein and contain all 20 amino acids including the nine essential amino acids our bodies need for optimum health. They also contain plenty of polyunsaturated fats (the healthy fat we want) as well as other minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium. It’s no wonder many raw foodists and vegans eat hemp seeds as part of their diet. In fact, it’s become known as nature’s super food.
Hemp to Fight Heart Disease and Cancer
Hemp contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which studies haven shown to help prevent heart disease. It also contains a high concentration of phytosterols, which is known to reduce cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. You will also find chlorophyll, which is a known anti-carcinogen and can inhibit the development of cancer.
Hemp is the Perfect Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio
Today’s unhealthy diets promote cardiovascular disease, cancer and autoimmune diseases. People are simply eating way to many Omega-6 fatty acids and not enough Omega-3.
Ideally, we should have a ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 essential fatty acids of 4:1. Sadly, many of us are closer to a ratio of 20:1 and that’s not healthy. Hemp hearts (the shelled version of hemp seeds) naturally contain a ratio of 3:1. This is better than any other natural source including fish or flax. People who regularly make hemp seeds part of their every day diets can take advantage of these benefits to hemp seeds:
- Absolutely 100% natural
- Easier to digest than other proteins like meat, eggs, cheese or milk
- Gluten free
- Rich in Vitamin E
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties that area ideal for those suffering from skin conditions and arthritis
- A natural method to lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Great for weight control
- Actually tastes good unlike other Omega alternatives
- Hemp is a great protein source for vegetarians and vegans
- Helps to improve immunity levels and overall organ function
- Gives you higher energy levels
- Just for the ladies – it can actually help with symptoms of PMS and menstrual cramps
- Can be used to treat certain skin conditions
- Can be eaten without side effects from those who normally suffer from allergies due to lactose or nuts
- Herbicide and pesticide free
- Just 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds deliver 11 grams of protein to your body.
Daily Recommended Intake of Hemp Seeds
To gain the most benefit from making hemp a part of your diet, it is recommended for adults to eat 3-5 tablespoons of hemp hearts each day and children can have 3-5 teaspoons of hemp hearts. Typically, it is suggested to take them all at once in the morning at breakfast time to give you energy that will last all day. However, many people use them throughout the day by tossing them into their salads at lunch, or making an afternoon smoothie snack with hemp.
Final Thoughts
The nutrients found in hemp seeds are exactly what our bodies need and thankfully hemp is becoming more widely available to purchase. By adding foods made from hemp into your diet, you are giving your body the exact proportions of nutrients that will help you to lead a healthier lifestyle. Order hemp seeds here
About The Author
Misty Spears
Misty is a freelance writer and entrepreneur who loves to share information about industrial hemp to help spread awareness of its health benefits as well as review products so you can find out what's good and what's bad before spending money on them. She enjoys trying out new health conscious recipes and participates in online groups and networking to help drive support for industrial hemp.
Very informative article Misty. I was one of those who always though it was one and the same with marijuana – glad to know too that it’s save for those of us with nut allergies.
Thanks!
Hopefully with educating the masses that thought will stop entering the minds of everyone. I have to admit, years ago I probably thought the same thing. By the way, not only is a great for those who have allergies to nuts, but also to dairy products. My husband is loving the hemp milk…he’s lactose intolerant.
I love to integrate hemp seeds into my diet. Variety is the key to health. Thanks, for this information and making it so thorough and concise. =)
You’re very welcome Christy. Glad you stopped by and thanks for the comment.
Wow I just looked up in the UK and hemp seeds are available in my local health store. Who knew these things were so good for you? Well, you apparently! Thanks for this article – great information.
Definitely give them a try Ana. I bet you will love them! Plus you can get them locally without paying shipping, so that’s a bonus for you! Thanks for commenting.
Hey Misty,
My daughter is suffering milk allergy. She is just over one. I want to change her formula milk to hemp milk, which I am making myself. She drinks 400ml of it in a day. Her dietetic doesn’t know anything about content of hemp milk and she told me to enhance it with Extra calcium to meet her needs. I don’t think this is right think to do…..please tell me your opinion
Hi Joanna, I’m not a medical professional and will always tell you to listen to your doctor first and foremost. They are looking out for you. But this is one of those situations where I will tell you that it depends. Not a solid answer I know but here’s the thing. A lot of it will depend on what else your daughter is eating in her diet. I switched my daughter to almond milk and hemp milk…sometimes homemade and sometimes store bought. Store bought milks are often times fortified with calcium. In some cases more so than even dairy milk. Homemade, isn’t going to have the extra boost of calcium. However, leafy greens, seafood, legumes, and fruit also have calcium. Depending on if your daughter is eating these things (I highly recommend smoothies to ensure she’s getting plenty) she may be getting all she needs. Only you can answer that question and I would perhaps track your daughters food intake for a week or two, write down the calcium amount in each entry and talk it over with your doctor. I think some doctors don’t have a lot of faith in parents not feeding their kids McDonalds, candy and other foods that aren’t that great, so assume they aren’t getting what they need. My kiddo doesn’t even meat these days either, and protein was a concern for my doctor. But I went armed with a food journal and recommended protein intake for her age, now 3, and we get her blood work done as well every checkup. Never had a problem with her calcium or protein levels and my doctor can see I’m giving her everything she needs. So without giving you medical advice, I would say work together with your doctor to make sure you are giving her everything she needs but do it informed and armed with the right information to show you are doing the very best for her. Hope that helps!