Why Is Hemp Seed Good for You?

Hemp seeds are derived from the hemp plant and are widely regarded by many to be a superfood. These seeds are highly nutritious, boasting a rich content of essential fatty acids as well as fibre, protein, and other nutrients. So if you’ve been wondering, “are hemp seeds good for you?” the answer is a resounding yes.

Hemp fibres and seeds have been used and enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. They can be found worldwide and are loved for their versatility, nutty flavour, and nutritious benefits.

Below, we look at the nutritional profile and various health benefits of adding hemp seeds to your diet.

Why Are Hemp Seeds Good for You?

Hemp is one of the most diverse and widely used industrial crops in the world. Moreover, hemp seeds are the main part of the plant used for food and are believed to be one of the most valuable plant-based proteins around. They are an excellent vegan-friendly alternative to oily fish as a rich source of omega-3. Plus, they contain all nine amino acids, which is rare in other plant food.

But that’s not the only reason hemp seeds are good for you and your diet. There are numerous nutritional and potential health benefits linked to hemp seeds, which we will explore in more detail below.

Before continuing, though, it’s worth noting that of the three main hemp products available on the market (seeds, oil, and protein powder), hemp seeds offer the broadest spectrum of nutritional benefits per serving.

Hemp Seeds Nutrition Information

Hemp seeds are extremely nutritious and can be consumed in numerous ways. For instance, they can be eaten raw, roasted, or cooked, cold-pressed to make hemp seed oil, or shelled as hemp hearts.

Here is an overview of hemp seeds nutrition profile:

• Protein: Boasting almost as much protein as soybeans, hemp seeds are a great protein source. There is approximately 9.5 grams of protein per 30 grams of seeds.
• Fibre: With a high content of soluble and insoluble fibre, hemp seeds will keep you feeling fuller for longer. A 30 gram serving of hemp seeds contains about 1.2 grams of fibre.
• Essential fatty acids: Hemp seeds possess the ideal omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, which in itself is noteworthy. Generally, people consume too much omega-6 and too little omega-3. Therefore, hemp seeds can help promote nutritional balance. Additionally, essential fatty acids need to be obtained through diet, and hemp seeds are rich in them.
• Mineral and vitamins: Hemp seeds could be classified as a natural multivitamin. They’re rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E and are also a good source of minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.

What Are the Hemp Seeds Health Benefits?

Now that you know their nutritional value, it’s time to look at the hemp seeds benefits. So what are the positive health effects of these seeds?

Firstly, due to their fibre content, hemp seeds may help aid digestion. Fibre is an essential part of the diet and has been linked to better digestive health. Therefore, hemp seeds may make for a great addition to your breakfast muesli or smoothie.

Additionally, since hemp is high in magnesium, it may help promote quality sleep. Magnesium is a mineral that naturally calms the body and relaxes the muscles and is, therefore, believed to be beneficial when it comes to healthy sleep patterns.

It’s also worth noting that hemp seed oil is often used as an ingredient in many skincare and beauty products due to its anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids. Therefore, hemp seeds may prove useful for dry, dull, or irritated skin, among other skin problems.

Lastly, hemp seeds are often touted for boosting heart health. This is mostly attributed to its omega-3 content. According to medical professionals, Omega-3 fatty acids may have potential to improve the health of the heart.

Hemp Seeds Side Effects

Generally, hemp seeds are considered safe to eat. However, there are a few potential raw hemp seeds side effects to be aware of. These include the following:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Throat irritation
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• Slow heart rate.

The reason that hemp seeds may cause nausea or diarrhea is due to their fat content. Although made up of primarily healthy essential fatty acids, they should be eaten in moderation because high fat intake could lead to these unpleasant side effects.

Bottom Line on Hemp Seeds and Their Benefits

Hemp seeds boast a rich nutritional profile and can be incredibly beneficial for overall health and wellbeing. Thanks to their high content of protein, fibre, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, hemp seeds’ health benefits include improving digestive health, promoting healthy sleep patterns, supporting skincare, and more.

Additionally, hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein for vegans. They boast almost as much protein as soybeans and are loaded with other beneficial nutrients. No matter what diet you follow, hemp seeds are a true superfood with several potential health benefits.