8 Benefits of Hemp Hearts

They are the perfect superfood!

Looking for a food that gives you 10g of protein in only 3 tablespoons? Hemp hearts are an almost perfect food and are densely packed with nutrition.

wooden bowl with falafel, rice, potato and hemp hearts

Hemp Seeds, Hemp hearts, what's the difference? 

Technically, they are the same thing. The only difference between Hemp Seed and Hemp Hearts is that the Hemp Seeds have the hard outer shell removed. 

What do they taste like?

Mild, Nutty, slightly crunchy in flavour, these seeds can be used in any meal with its versatile taste. These little nutrient packed seeds can be used in various ways such as sprinkling on your oatmeal, adding to a smoothie or topping your pasta with hemp and parmesan. Hemp Seeds are technically nuts, while they are not a tree nut, there are instances, albeit rare of hemp seed allergies, so we suggest anyone with allergy concerns consult their healthcare provider before adding hemp to their diet.

Are Hemp Seeds Vegan?

Hemp Seeds and not only vegan and vegetarian, they are also paelo, gluten-free and keto. 

What are the Benefits? 

1. PMS Pain

Hemp Seeds contain Gamma linolenic acid, which is linked to reduced inflammation and a reduced risk of blood clot formation.  Gamma linolenic acid produces prostaglandin that reduces the effects of prolactin. Discomfort and pain from menstrual cycles is caused by the hormone prolactin. As a result, hemp seeds can have the following effects during your menstrual cycle: 

  • Reduces breast pain
  • Minimize fluid retention
  • Lowered risk of depression and irritability during cycle 
  • May help to regulate hormones

2. High in Protein

This may come as a surprise, but 2-3 tablespoons of Hemp Seeds provide 11 grams of protein. Many plant based proteins require a higher quantity to reach those levels of protein, for example,  Hemp has double the amount of protein in the same serving size as chia seeds or flax seeds. Not only is Hemp higher in protein, but it’s protein is easier to digest than legumes and other plant based proteins. 

Hemp Seeds also contain levels of Crp C, which is a reactive protein that has anti inflammatory properties linked to reducing risk of heart disease. 

3. Amino Acids

The body cannot produce all 9 essential amino acids, therefore they must be included in our diet in order for your body to absorb them. Hemp Seeds are one of the few vegan and vegetarian proteins options that include all 9 of these amino acids. 

The specific amino acid in Hemp that is especially important is Arginine, which produces Nitric Oxide in the body. Nitric Oxide is responsible for dilating your blood vessels and making them relax which leads to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease and decreased levels of cholesterol. Not only are hemp seeds useful in preventing heart disease but they can also help to recover from a heart attack and restore the heart after experiencing trauma. 

4. Diverse Mineral Portfolio

Hemp Hearts contain Folate, Zinc and Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Sulfur, Calcium and Iron. The high levels of Magnesium act as a sleep aid by helping to relax the body. The levels of Iron are great especially for vegetarian and vegan diets where it is sometimes difficult to get Iron from your foods. The high Iron concentration in Hemp Seeds helps to prevent and reverse Anemia. 

5. Protects brain health

Hemp seeds contain a small amount of CBD Cannabidiol extract, which has been proven to have neuroprotective, anti inflammatory effects that help to protect against brain diseases such as Alzheimers and Dementia.  

6. Can Boost energy levels 

Hemp Hearts are also rich in Vitamins, including Vitamins B & E. These vitamins help to boost energy and mood as well as combat feelings of lethargy. Hemp hearts are also high in complex carbohydrates that take longer for your body to burn through so you do not have an energy crash after consuming the same way you would with something like candy or donuts. 

7. Boosts Immunity

As a result of their Omega 3 and 6 balance, Hemp Hearts can Increase your immune system strength. How does this work? The Omega 3’s affect the immune (lymph) system as this system fights to attack pathogens that are not welcome in the body. The body fights these invading pathogens with T cells and B cells. Omega 3’s enhance the function of these disease fighting cells, as well as the Omega 6’s working to effectively create this balance.  

8. Hair, Nail and Skin Health. 

Hemp has also been proven to improve hair, skin and nail growth.  Hemp Seeds can help to prevent and reduce skin inflammation diseases such as eczema by relieving the dry skin and itchiness. Hemp Seeds have also been proven to improve clinical symptoms of atopic dermatitis and acne. The polyunsaturated fatty acids from hemp seed oil includes omega 3 and omega 6 fats. The ratio of these in Hemp Seeds is the most effective ratio, which helps to reduce inflammation, which can in turn help reduce risk of arthritis, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

 

*Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.