You’ve heard of chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds, but what about hemp seeds? This mighty little seed is filled with unique flavor and nutritional value.
But what is a hemp seed anyway?
In this blog post, we’re diving into the wonderful world of hemp seeds benefits and why you should incorporate them into your meal routine.
What are hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds are part of the hemp plant. While hemp is in the same species of plant as cannabis, hemp contains low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The levels of THC in hemp is regulated by the 2018 Farm Bill and contain no more than .3 percent.
Hemp seeds, hemp protein, and hemp seed oil are the most commonly consumed hemp variations. Hemp seeds’ nutty flavor and versatility makes them a great substitute for the levels of protein, essential fatty acids, and other nutritional benefits found in meat and dairy products. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or cooked, or even used to make non-dairy hemp milk!
Are hemp seeds healthy?
In short, yes! For centuries, hemp seeds have been used for oral and topical applications to treat and prevent certain health issues. Who knew?! A 30 gram serving of raw hemp seeds contains 166 calories, 9 grams of protein, 14 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fiber.
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of iron, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. They also contain high levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Hemp seeds benefits
If you’re looking for a great source of plant-based protein … hemp seeds are it! Hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids and boast a variety of health benefits.
Consuming them regularly can be a big help in seeing the hemp seeds benefits listed below:
Supports heart health
As we mentioned a little while earlier, hemp seeds are an excellent source of key nutrients, including magnesium! This nutrient is known for regulating your heartbeat and helps prevent coronary heart disease. Hemp seeds also contain high levels of linoleic acid, and one study found linoleic acid helped reduce participants’ cholesterol levels by 15 percent!
Contains anti-inflammatory properties
In addition to being high in omega-3 fatty acids, hemp seeds are high in levels of omega-6 fatty acids, too! One of the omega-6 fatty acids found in hemp seeds is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is thought to have similar anti-inflammatory effects similar to drugs like ibuprofen … but naturally.
One study asked participants to take GLA supplements for nine months, and at the end of this duration, scientists found a 75 percent reduction in arthritis-associated pain.
Treats skin conditions
Hemp oil can be applied topically to the skin in addition to being used in recipes. Studies have found that hemp seed oil can relieve the symptoms of eczema and improve dry or itchy skin.
Research is still happening to validate this claim, but hemp seed oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects may also help to treat acne.
Are there any risks of eating hemp seeds?
While the fat content in hemp seeds comes mostly from healthy essential fatty acids, be sure to eat hemp seeds in moderation to meet your recommended daily consumption of fat. Hemp seeds may also interfere with certain types of medication, particularly anticoagulants, so it’s best to check with your doctor.
Recipes with hemp seeds
You’re ready to go to the grocery store and get a big bag of hemp seeds now, right? ;) There are many ways to use hemp seeds in your cooking, and we’ve gathered a few recipes to help get you started!
Healthy hemp energy bites
No bake time? No problem! These heart-healthy hemp energy bites are clean snacking at its finest–this recipe is made with raw, vegan ingredients and is super simple. Oats, hemp, dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon is all it takes to bring these absolutely delicious energy bites to life.
Just combine all ingredients in a food processor and roll into one-inch balls! When finished, you can dip the energy bites into coconut, cacao powder, or cinnamon for a flavorful coating. They keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks–perfect for busy weekdays or weekends on the go.
Hemp seed butter
Looking to try something different in your morning smoothie? Hemp seed butter is smooth and contains a lovely nutty flavor. Once again, you’ll need to use a food processor or blender to blend hemp seeds into a smooth mixture. This often takes about 5-6 minutes.
To add unique flavor to your hemp seed butter, try adding vanilla extract, cinnamon, or your favorite natural syrup, like maple syrup. To make a hemp seed butter on the more savory side, add garlic infused olive oil!
Proper Good oatmeals
Of course, there are times when you don’t have the kitchen equipment to make the hemp seed recipes above … or when you don’t have the patience. Proper Good oatmeals contain only the most wholesome ingredients, including hemp seeds of course!
Every single one of our base oatmeals include just 5 nutritious ingredients–steel cut oats, chia, flax, hemp seeds, and rice bran oil. Our al-dente style oatmeal has a thick, comforting texture and is ready to eat hot OR cold!
There’s no way we could possibly pick our favorite, but here are a few Proper Good oatmeals to try if you’re looking to reap hemp seeds benefits without all the fuss of meal prep:
- Apple cinnamon oatmeal
- Choc peanut butter oatmeal
- Perfectly plain oatmeal (add your own toppings!)
- Mint choc chip oatmeal
Yum, yum, YUM! Now that you’ve read about the many hemp seeds benefits, will you incorporate them into your next grocery list? Thanks for tuning in!
