Hemp seeds are a great source of nutrition and hence are considered to be a superfood by many. Although the seeds are derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, you don’t need to worry about its mind-altering effect as it doesn’t create any such effects in the human body. Instead, the small brown seeds are loaded with multiple health and nutritional values like protein, fatty acids, fiber, omega 3s, and 6s. The antioxidant effects in the seeds help treat many health conditions and ailments, including heart disorder, skin problems, and joint pain. Also, you must understand that there is a difference between hemp hearts or hemp seeds. Hemp hearts are consumed for nutritional purposes and hemp seeds are for plant growth. Observer.com is a useful source to know more about the latter if you’re interested.
In this article, you will discuss hemp seeds that are consumed due to their nutritional contents and health benefits. you will also learn about the best ways of consuming them. Let’s also have a look at the amount of nutrition 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds contain.
- 3 grams of fiber
- 10 grams of protein
- Zinc, magnesium, folate, manganese.
- 13 grams of fat
- 20% RDA of iron
Nutritional benefits of hemp seeds
Protein
Hemp seeds have high protein content in it that equals about 9.46g in just 30g of the seeds. The protein content equals that of soybean. Also, the seeds are a source of all 9 essential amino acids which are the building blocks for all proteins. The human body cannot create 9 of these acids. Hence it becomes necessary for the body to absorb it from food sources. You will get a high amount of amino acid named arginine present in the hemp seeds that are most beneficial to maintain heart health.
Unsaturated fats
Hemp seeds are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). As the human body cannot produce the same, the need for the same is fulfilled by absorbing it from the diet. Sometimes it’s seen that people consume too much omega-6s and a very low amount of omega-3s. but maintaining the right ratio is quite crucial to maintain long-term health. Hence adding hemp seeds to your diet can remove this gap and promote a perfect balance between the two.
Fiber
Consuming fiber offers great health benefits. but although hemp seeds themselves are a great source of fiber, much of it is present in the hull or shells of the seeds. therefore you must consider buying hemp seeds with their shells intact. The amount of fiber present amounts to approximately 1.2 g in three tablespoons of the seeds. You can get the major health benefits from consuming hemp seeds such as weight management, maintaining gut health, stable blood sugar levels, and reducing appetite.
Best ways to eat hemp seeds
Now after you have understood how beneficial hemp seeds are for your health, let’s discuss some of the best ways to add hemp seeds to your daily diet.
Add hemp seeds to salad
Salad is no doubt a healthy diet option for a better lifestyle. One of the ways that you can make your salad even healthier is by adding some hemp seeds to it. whatever may be your salad preference whether it’s spinach or baby greens. Just add some hemp seeds to it to double its nutritional benefits.
Consume raw hemp seeds
It is the easiest way of consuming the seeds. Just unpack the package and consume them raw. It is the quickest way to meet the nutrients needed by your body. Also, you can add it to other nuts and dry berries to make the best snack mix.
Add hemp seeds to baked food
If you prefer consuming baked foods, consider adding some hemp seeds to them. This will let you get the maximum out of the baked goods. Whether it’s cookies, cakes, muffins, or bread. Just a bit of hemp seeds can bring in a healthy twist.
Add it to your cereal
Whether you consume cereal as your morning breakfast or as a midnight snack, just add a few tablespoons of hemp seeds to get the maximum nutritional benefit out of your breakfast bowl. It is a simple and easy way to add value to your daily diet.
The bottom line
Altogether, hemp seeds are preloaded with multiple nutrients and health benefits that every individual needs to maintain a healthy life. Adding hemp seeds to your diet can cater to the nutritional needs of your body that otherwise may not be fulfilled through other ways. Also, there are very easy ways to consume hemp seeds without compromising with any of your diet plans.