The hemp plant has been used for its medicinal/recreational powers and as a sustainable fabric source, but also as a high quality and complete food. It has been processed into hemp protein products, hempseed oil, and the whole food form, hemp seeds (which contain no THC).
Benefits: The biggest difference between hemp seeds and other superfood seeds such as flax and chia is the blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. Hemp seeds have a balanced ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fats at a 3:1 ratio. While this balance doesn’t help correct an imbalance of essential fatty acids, it does provide you the right balance to start with. This makes them fantastic for cardioascular and immune health. They are also a complete protein with all 20 amino acids, but they are still considered a ‘fat’ when balancing meals. Hemp seeds are also high in magnesium, a mineral that helps with relaxation, blood sugar control, blood pressure, and potentially osteoporosis since it is assists in the building of bones.
How To Use: Hemp seeds are a filling snack on their own if you want to eat them by the handful, but they are especially wonderful to add to a salad, smoothie, or even milks or butters!
Nutrition Facts: Servings Size: 3 tbsps.
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 10 grams
- Fats: 13 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Thiamin: 25% DV
- Phosphorus: 45% DV
- Zinc: 20% DV
- Phosphorus: 33% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
- Folate: 8% DV
- Magnesium: 45% DV
- Manganese: 110% DV
* *It’s best to store seeds in the fridge or freezer to keep them from going rancid, but fine to keep in the pantry if you will be using them within a month or two!
Favorite Brands: Nutiva, Manitoba Harvest