I remember asking a client of mine to include hemp hearts to her diet and she curiously asked me, “Wait, you want me to have bhaang seeds”?
Technically, yes ;) hemp is part of the cannabis plant, but the seeds have absolutely no THC levels. Thus, no matter how much you eat them, you won’t get high.
Hemp seeds are rich in many nutrients and have been shown to offer a good variety of health advantages. I do believe feel that it is under appreciated and underutilised.
These seeds, which are actually a nut and are portion of the hemp plant, can be consumed raw or processed to produce milk, oil, cheese alternatives, or protein powder.
Hemp seeds or hearts was already recognised in our old Vedic literature and extends back as far as humans can recall.
The little brown seeds are high in fibre, protein, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, all of which are beneficial to your health.
They contain antioxidant properties and this could help to alleviate the signs of a variety of conditions, as well as improve the wellness of the heart, skin, and joints.
But there are three major reasons to include them in your grocery list…
A complete protein source:
These seeds are an absolute protein source, which means they contain all nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are not produced by the body, thus they must be absorbed from the food.
There is 9.46 g of protein for every 30 g of seeds. That’s roughly about 3 tbsp. Fibre, vitamin E, as well as minerals including phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron, and zinc, are also abundant in hemp seeds.
Good for brain and heart health:
Hemp seeds have a high level of arginine, an amino acid that causes your body to make nitric oxide, which could lower your risk of heart disease. Nitric oxide is a gas that causes blood vessels to dilate and ease, lowering blood pressure and lowering the risk of heart disease.
They also include Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory omega 3 that lowers blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease.
Hemp Hearts have also been shown to boost attention and cognitive function, as well as aid in the treatment of neurological disorders. They are high in antioxidants, omega fats, critical vitamins, and minerals, all of which are beneficial to the brain.
Its anti-inflammatory properties improves skin health:
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in hemp seeds that may have anti-inflammatory properties. After nine months of GLA supplementation, participants in one research reported a 75% decrease in arthritis-related discomfort.
Giving hemp seed oil to persons with dermatitis has also been found to enhance blood levels of important fatty acids. The oil may also help with dry skin, itching, and reducing the need for topical creams.
Ok so where do I find them…
Amazon, your local nuts/ seeds store or brands like India Hemp and Co.
Hemp seeds may be consumed raw, toasted, or cooked; they can also be shelled to make hemp hearts; they can be cold-pressed to make hemp seed oil; and they can be processed to make non-dairy hemp milk and hemp cheese.
Try putting whole or crushed seeds on cereal or smoothies, or incorporating them into sabzi’s and salads.
Trust this helps,