9 reasons to add hemp seeds to your diet

Long ignored as a member of the cannabis family, hemp is now considered a superfood. Although hemp seeds (often referred to as hemp hearts) originate from the cannabis sativa, a plant similar to marijuana, the edible part of hemp contains no psychoactive substances and is extremely nutritious. In fact, hemp seeds are rich in protein and offer numerous health benefits.

Discover 9 virtues of hemp seeds and add some to your diet today.

1.  Hemp seeds: a complete protein

Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids that make up a complete protein. This is quite rare in the plant kingdom. Apart from hemp, quinoa and algae, other plants must be combined to form a complete protein. Hemp tops the list of plant proteins, since 25% of its weight is actually protein. Just 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds provide 10 g of protein.

2. Hemp seeds: Versatile

Small seeds with a subtle nutty taste, hemp hearts are low in allergens and suitable for all diets. Followers of paleolithic, ketogenic, vegetarian/vegan and crudivore diets can happily use hemp hearts. Hemp seeds provide maximum benefits when served raw, but some people enjoy roasting or toasting them for a nuttier taste.

3. Hemp seeds: Mineralizing

Hemp is rich in magnesium and zinc, minerals that are increasingly difficult to obtain from the diet due to poor soil mineralization and an unbalanced modern diet. Hemp seeds also contain phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, calcium and iron. In short, hemp hearts offer a range of minerals necessary for good health.

4. Hemp seeds: rich in omegas

Hemp is a storehouse of healthy fats. Omega 3 and 6 make up 30% of the mass of hemp hearts. These fats are essential, which means that the body doesn't manufacture them itself. Yet omegas 3 and 6 are vital to the body's proper functioning. They ensure the health of our cells, the building blocks of every tissue and organ in the body. Most of the benefits of hemp are due to the omegas 3 and 6 contained in the seeds.

5. Hemp seeds: Anti-inflammatory 

Hemp seeds contain a balanced ratio of omegas 3 and 6. The omegas contained in hemp seeds work in synergy to reduce inflammation in the body, whether chronic or not. In fact, several studies have shown that the good fats contained in hemp seeds are powerful anti-inflammatories that the body cannot do without.

6. Hemp seeds: fight bad cholesterol 

Excess bad cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is one of the biggest health issues. Researchers have determined that a diet rich in omega-3 and the consumption of hemp seeds reduce blood cholesterol levels. What's more, the omegas contained in hemp could reduce the risk of complications linked to bad cholesterol, notably heart attacks.

7. Hemp seeds: Cardiovascular health 

Hemp contains large quantities of arginine, an amino acid that dilates arteries, lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.² Large-scale clinical studies have shown that arginine and the fats present in hemp reduce inflammation associated with cardiovascular disorders.

8. Hemp seeds: Menstrual health

80% of women of fertile age suffer from some form of premenstrual disorder, including abdominal cramps, breast pain, mood swings and irritability. The anti-inflammatory compounds contained in hemp can reduce these symptoms and improve women's menstrual health. In fact, some studies have shown that omegas greatly reduce the symptoms associated with premenstrual disorders.

What's more, the fatty acids (omegas) contained in hemp have similar effects on the undesirable symptoms associated with menopause.

9. Hemp seeds: skin and hair health 

The oils and fats contained in hemp are particularly helpful in remedying skin and hair disorders. People with dry, brittle hair often have a diet low in omegas, which diminishes hair luster and strength. Skin cells, especially facial skin, are prone to respond strongly to nutritional deficiencies. The good fats contained in hemp promote healthy hair, while reducing the inflammation associated with skin disorders.

Discover our products Manitoba Harvesta company specializing in hemp seed-based feeds.

About the author

Naturopaths of La Boite à Grains

Team of licensed and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau, Outaouais.

Original article written by Véronique Cousineau