More Than They Seem: The Benefits of Hemp Seeds

hemp seeds hidden benefits

We are constantly bombarded with advertising promising us the key to the healthiest possible versions of ourselves – not only imaginable but attainable for the low low price of (insert large amount of money here). Not knowing what to take seriously with all this product noise, we tend to put up blinders and keep our heads down. And from no fault of our own, we miss when something simple, pure, and truthfully healthy is right in front of us, like the humble hemp seed. 

It might be time to lift back that blinder, if only just for a minute or two. Far from simple in terms of ability, hemp seeds might restore some of your faith in the world of wellness advertising. There are many reasons why hemp seeds have the potential to shine brightly in your endless pursuit for better health, but a few stars in the hemp seed’s night sky are positively blinding.

The hemp seed consists of the hemp heart and its outer shell and is usually toasted. It’s a bit like a sunflower seed, and comes from the hemp plant. But, unlike its relative the marijuana plant,  hemp does not have a high concentration of THC, and has been gaining popularity in the world of wellness.

What are the Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds?

So what sets these seeds apart and why are they worth paying attention to? 

  • Well for one, hemp seeds are brimming with essential fatty acids (and are about 30% fat). 
  • They contain an amazing amount of protein, nutrients, and are a great source of fibre. 
  • All of this aside, they have a rich nutty flavour and are delicious to eat.

Hemp Seeds are high in Omega

If we look at these benefits in detail, the power of these little pods really begins to show. Why are the fatty acids found in hemp seeds superior to those found in other foods? Simply put, they contain a unique and uncommon, or ‘perfect’, ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 (around 3-1). 

The hemp seed is known to be about 75-80% polyunsaturated fatty acids (the good fats) and only 9-11% of the saturated fats we want to stay away from. This is so great for the human body because we don’t naturally produce these fats and must get them from our diet. And moreover they are rich in arginine, which could lower your risk of heart disease.

If we are deficient in these fatty acids, we will become ill, which is why they are called ‘essential’. Unlike other fatty acids, these two play a role in important bodily functions like blood clotting and inflammation. If you eat the perfect ratio of these fats, they will work together to decrease inflammation. But if your diet consists of more Omega-6, like many diets in the West, inflammation increases and the results spell serious health concerns. Check out our great CBD beverages collection and how it can benefits your body.

Hemp Seeds Contain High-Quality Protein

If we take a second from adding up these attributes, let’s turn our attention to protein. Since hemp seeds are so bountiful in essential fatty acids, 25% of their calories are high-quality protein. This means they can improve energy levels without increasing calorie intake. 

With good reason, hemp seeds are considered a complete protein source, leaving other seeds in the dust of their success. This makes them great for vegetarians or vegans who may struggle to find adequate sources of protein. 

Hemp Seeds are High in Vitamins and Minerals

But beyond this, hemp seeds flaunt an extensive list of additional benefits. They are a great source of vitamin E, fiber, and minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Why are these beneficial, you ask? For one, vitamin E is an antioxidant, that mysterious and sought after defender of cells from damage caused by free radicals. 

Minerals meanwhile work to help build strong bones and teeth and are essential components of body fluids and tissues. They also help make up part of our enzyme systems and they are involved in normal nerve function. 

Soluble fiber, on the other hand, can help lower cholesterol of the type that we don’t need. They do this by reducing the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. And, well, fiber keeps us regular, which we all know is more important than we like to admit.

How to add Hemp Seeds to Your Diet

With such an impressive resume, it is easy to see why hemp seeds are an exceptional addition to any diet looking to improve, or any diet that may lack protein on its own. So take a moment to discover the delectable hemp seed:

  • Eat them on their own, or add to any array of recipes to boost their overall health benefits. Add to salads, have a handful for a mid-morning snack, put in sauces or smoothies, Tea and even coffee!
  • Toasted hemp seeds can be eaten as a snack or used as an ingredient in baking, granolas, bars or snack manufacturing to provide the nutritional benefits of hemp. 

With hemp seeds, nutritional value is boundless, and recipe options bountiful. Let the little hemp seed remind you that honest, pure nutrition is attainable as well as delicious.

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