Hemp Seeds Benefits: Why You Should Add Them to Your Diet

Hemp seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses that have gained popularity for their numerous health benefits. They're rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any diet. If you're looking to improve your heart health, improve skin vitality, or support digestion, hemp seeds can help you achieve your wellness goals.

In this blog, we'll get into the benefits of hemp seeds and how you can easily incorporate them into your meals for a healthier lifestyle.

What Are Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds are the small seeds of the plant Cannabis sativa, but they do not contain THC, so they won't affect your mind; instead, they are full of nutrients that your body needs.

These contain protein, fibre, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It's even said that hemp seeds have a higher protein content than their counterparts, the chia seed and flax seed, although the former possesses an extra benefit by having easily digestible proteins.

Hemp Seeds Nutrition Facts

Hemp seeds have a great nutritional profile. In just three tablespoons (30 grams), you get:

• 9.48 grams of protein
• 14.6 grams of fat, mostly from healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• 1.2 grams of fibre
• A range of vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin E, magnesium, and iron

Hemp seeds vs chia seeds? While both are fantastic, hemp seeds have more protein, making them a better choice for muscle gain.

Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds

You might be wondering, are hemp seeds good for you? The answer is yes, and here's why:

Heart Health

Hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. These fatty acids are very useful for reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and increasing cholesterol levels. Research suggests diets with a high level of omega-3 in them to avoid heart diseases.

Improves Brain Health

Omega-3 fatty acids not only support heart health but also play a vital role in maintaining brain function! This healthy fat intake may even reduce the danger of dementia and other brain diseases. Research shows that omega-3 is crucial in maintaining healthy brain function and slowing down age-related decline.

Skin Health

Desire to have good skin? Hemp seeds benefit your skin health tremendously. These seeds are loaded with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and keep your skin fresh and hydrated.

Digestive Health

Hemp seeds contain fibre, which helps in facilitating digestion. Fibre promotes healthy gut movement and feeds the good bacteria in your gut. It is great for digestive health, preventing issues like constipation.

Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Do you feel anxious? Then hemp seeds might be the best for you. They contain omega-3 fatty acids and some quality amino acids that help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and stress. They also help induce calmness and mental clarity, which is why hemp seeds are perfect as a snack for people suffering from stress and anxiety.

How to Incorporate Hemp Seeds into Your Diet

Now that you know the benefits, let's talk about how to eat hemp seeds! They are super easy to add to your meals and snacks:

• Raw: Sprinkle them over yoghurt, salads, or even on toast.
• In smoothies: Wondering how to use hemp seeds in smoothies? Just blend them with fruits and veggies for an extra protein boost.
• Baked goods: Add them to muffins, bread, or cookies for extra nutrition.
• Hemp seed oil: Use it in salad dressings or drizzle it over cooked veggies.
• Hemp protein powder: This is perfect if you want to up your protein intake, especially for muscle gain.

There are many amazing hemp seed recipes for smoothies, energy bars, and more. If you want to lose weight, you could even begin with hemp seeds as a weight-loss solution by adding them to your breakfast, keeping you full for the morning.

Hemp Seeds vs Flax Seeds

It's also observed that hemp seeds and flax seeds are compared very often. Both hemp seeds and flax seeds contain a lot of nutrients. Hemp seeds contain 9.48g of protein per 30g, while flax seeds contain 6g. Hemp seeds carry more omega-3, whereas flax seeds carry more fibre. So it's really up to what your need is.

Hemp Seeds Side Effects and Safety

Hemp seeds are generally safe to eat, but they can sometimes cause minor gastrointestinal discomfort, like bloating, in some people. Start with a small amount to test your body's reaction.

Be aware of potential side effects of hemp seeds if you have allergies, especially to nuts or seeds. Though rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction.

A common question is, can hemp seeds cause a positive drug test? The answer is no. Hemp seeds do not contain enough THC to affect drug tests, so you can enjoy them worry-free!

Lastly, keep your seeds fresh by learning how to store hemp seeds. Store them in a cool, dry place or in the fridge in order to extend their shelf life.

Conclusion

Hemp seeds are a nutrient powerhouse packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Whether you're looking to improve heart health, boost brain function, or get glowing skin, adding hemp seeds to your diet is a simple way to enhance your overall health.

So, if you are still wondering, are hemp seeds good for you? The answer is YES! Try them in smoothies, sprinkle them over salads, or bake them into your favourite treats! These versatile seeds are not only healthy but also delicious!

For a personalised approach to incorporating hemp seeds into your diet, check out FITFEAST and get personalised meal plans that suit your goals. Get started today and see the difference!