Did you know that hemp seeds have numerous nutritional benefits? Although they might not look much since they are brown and small, many consider hemp seeds a superfood since it has a generous quantity of fiber, protein, as well as Omega-3s and other healthy fatty acids. 

These seeds originate from industrial hemp and have a wide range of potential benefits. They can be a worthy addition to your diet as long as you know the best way to incorporate them into your nutrition plan.

Why Are Hemp Seeds So Nutritious?

If we are going to answer that we should look at the nutritional profile provided by the US Department of Agriculture. Here are the details of that report:

• Protein – 13.26 grams
• Total fat – 20.48 grams 
• Saturated fatty acids – 1.93 grams
• Monounsaturated fatty acids – 2.268 grams
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids – 16.002 grams
• Carbs – 3.64 grams

Hemp seeds also contain vitamins and minerals, including calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and others. The above data is for the recommended daily dosage of 42 grams of hemp seeds. Moreover, the great part is that you will get all those nutrients while ingesting only 232 calories. 

How to Use Hemp Seeds in Your Diet

If you want to reap the maximum benefits of hemp two things are important. First, you need to choose auto-flowering seeds of premium quality, and second, you need to find the most suitable way to implement them in your nutrition plan.

When buying seeds, you can choose between split, ground and shelled seeds. The most common way of using this plant is by consuming its extract. If you purchase whole seeds, you can use a food processor or mortar and pestle to remove the outer shells. The process shouldn’t be complicated, and you should be done with it quickly. Whole seeds can promote digestion and help with your weight loss, or general nutrition plan. 

When it comes to adding hemp seeds to your meals, here are some of the things you can try:

1. Eat yogurt or cereal with the sprinkled ground or whole seeds on top.
2. Experiment with various baked goods. Sprinkle them on top of what you are baking, and make sure to add other healthy seeds, too (sunflower, almonds, etc.).
3. Make your favorite salad, and sprinkle hemp seeds on top. Make sure the salad is healthy and in line with your diet plan. Feel free to combine hemp with other seeds for added effect.
4. Use the seeds to make homemade hemp milk.
5. Make a smoothie for breakfast and add seeds to it. It can be an excellent way to jumpstart your day.

Apart from hemp seeds, you can also consider experimenting with various cannabis strains. Once you find your favorite shatter, you can experience many health benefits, including pain and discomfort relief, and relaxation.

 

Hemp Seeds – Nutritional Benefits

The best way to explain all the positive effects of hemp seeds is to analyze the nutrients one by one, and that is what we will do in this section. 

Protein

A single tablespoon of hemp seeds contains more than three grams of protein. The crucial thing, however, is that hemp seed proteins secure all essential amino acids (nine of them). The only way of inducing these amino acids is via diet since it is impossible for the human body to produce them naturally. 

Additionally, you can’t find many foods out there that are a source of all amino acids, which is why they can play an integral role in any diet, especially if you are sticking to a vegan or vegetarian nutrition plan.

Unsaturated Fats

You probably heard about the multiple benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seeds contain a rich quantity of them, including alpha-linoleic acid. These acids are considered essential because the human body cannot produce them, which is why we have to rely on our diets to secure their optimal intake. 

Hemp seeds are also helpful because they contain a high quantity of healthy fatty acids, but they are free of trans fats and have a low amount of saturated fats, which are considered unhealthy. 

Fiber

Fiber is the reason why you should consider consuming whole hemp seeds, too. The outer shell is richest in fiber, and these nutrients can promote overall digestion. As a result, they can assist with your weight-loss program, and help to achieve portion control by suppressing your appetite. 

 

Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds

Here is a quick overview of health benefits you can expect from hemp seeds:

• Neuroprotective effects – hemp seeds have significant antioxidant properties. That is how they can help to protect nerve cells against oxidative stress and deterioration. These seeds can assist in managing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions.
• Fighting against inflammation – aside from antioxidants, hemp seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties. That is primarily thanks to healthy fatty acids, which can help to tackle any inflammation regardless of its cause.
• Promote heart health – once again, it is fatty acids that we can thank for the benefit. Hemp seeds can decrease the risk of heart disease, arrhythmia, and other conditions related to heart health. They can also assist in optimizing blood pressure.
• Boost digestion – hemp seeds support the digestive system and promote optimal digestion. That can help with any disorders, such as diarrhea, and it can also assist in achieving and managing optimal weight.
• Pain relief – if you have arthritis, or you are dealing with pain caused by an injury, hemp seeds can help. Thanks to cannabinoids inside the seeds, you may experience relief even if the pain is chronic.

Conclusion

Hemp seeds are surprisingly rich in nutrients of various sorts, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. That is what makes them a great addition to any diet. Whether your goal is to lose weight or you are looking to make your nutrition plan healthier, you can consider adding these seeds to your meals. Do not forget that the key always lies in balance, so make sure that your diet is balanced and contains a wide range of useful nutrients.