In the last 4 or 5 years, you’ve probably started to notice hemp being mentioned more and more – particularly in relation to hemp-containing foods.
That’s because, in late 2017, the sale and consumption of hemp foods was legalised in Australia.
The most common hemp foods out there are hemp seeds, hemp oil and hemp flour, though there are loads of others, including packaged food that contain hemp as well.
Today, we want to give you a bit of insight into the world of hemp, particularly hemp seeds, which are easily one of the best kept nutritional secrets out there.
So, let’s find out why these super seeds supersede the other super seeds!
What are hemp seeds?
Let’s get one thing out of the way, we call them seeds, however, hemp seeds are technically a nut.
They are part of the hemp plant. And yes, we’ll address the elephant in the room – the hemp plant is the Cannabis Sativa plant, which is the same plant that marijuana comes from.
However, hemp seeds contain little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive compound that is found in marijuana.
Sometimes referred to as hemp hearts, hemp seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, or toasted and have been eaten for centuries all over the world.
The hemp plant is native to Asia, and records mentioning it date back over 10,000 years. While the details of their nutritional profile may not have been understood back then, it’s safe to say that our ancestors were onto something.
So, what’s so special about hemp seeds?
Why are hemp seeds considered a superfood?
For a food to be considered super, it needs to contain a very high nutritional value.
Usually, they will be not only nutrient dense and contain high volumes of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, but also have very few calories. Essentially, a superfood should give you more bang for your buck.
When it comes to hemp seeds, the old saying, “good things come in small packages” could not be more accurate.
Hemp seeds are a nutritional powerhouse that contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, and amino acids.
They are a good source of B-vitamins, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. They also contain antioxidants like flavonoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols.
Hemp seeds have an impressive balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The body cannot produce the essential fatty acids, so they have to come from food. When we consume omega fatty acids, we often get far more Omega 6s than Omega 3s, so the fact that hemp seeds contain an almost perfect balance of these is notable.
There are also high levels of fibre in hemp seeds – both soluble and insoluble, much of it in the hull.
Perhaps the most impressive nutritional component of hemp seeds is their amino acid levels. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are 20 kinds of amino acids, and 9 of which are considered essential, as our bodies cannot make them. This means that hemp seeds are a complete source of protein, and one of the few complete protein sources that are plant based.
What makes hemp seeds stand out?
Here are the standout features of the hemp seed nutritional profile.
· Balanced omega-3 and omega-6
Hemp seeds contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in roughly a 3:1 ratio, with linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid the main ones. Both are essential fatty acids, meaning they must come from the diet.
· Two types of fibre
Hemp seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Hulled hemp seeds (hemp hearts) contain less fibre than whole seeds, because much of it sits in the outer shell.
· A complete plant protein
As we mentioned earlier, hemp seeds contain all 20 amino acids, including the essential 9 that we can’t make on our own. That’s why they are classed as a complete protein source – something that is rare among plant foods – with roughly 10 grams of protein in every 30 gram serve.
· Vegan friendly and free from common allergens
As hemp seeds are entirely plant-based, and such a great source of protein, they are a handy dietary addition for someone who is vegetarian or vegan. It can be difficult to find plant-based sources of protein, particularly a complete source of protein like hemp seeds.
Hemp seeds don’t contain any soy, dairy, or gluten either, which can make them a useful option for people who avoid those ingredients.
Who can eat hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds can be consumed by anyone, though if you are or may be pregnant, it is a good idea to discuss whether you should add them to your diet with your GP, though in most instances, it is safe to do so.
They usually contain no or low levels of the cannabis plant’s active ingredient, THC, so you won’t get “high” if you eat them.
And as we mentioned before, if you are vegetarian, vegan, or avoid soy, dairy or gluten, they can be a great option!
What do they taste like and how can I use them?
Hemp seeds have a somewhat creamy and nutty flavour that can be likened to pine nuts or sesame seeds.
They can be eaten raw, cooked, roasted, toasted, used to make oil and even milk.
If you don’t want to get too complicated with your new dietary addition, you can sprinkle them on just about anything, like muesli, yoghurt, and cereal.
Some of the other ways you can use them, include:
- smoothies or drinks
- salad dressings
- pasta
- baked vegetables
- added to baked goods
You can also use them whole or ground. As their taste is quite light and simple, there is a high chance you won’t even notice them when you add them to your favourite dishes.
Where can I buy hemp seeds?
If you’re thinking about adding this protein rich food source to your diet, then you’re in the right place.
We offer a variety of hemp-based products, including hemp seeds. You can buy them in packages of all sizes and along with our entire range of superfoods products, we ship them wherever you need us to in Australia.
Just to make life a little easier, we also offer flexible payment options, like AfterPay and ZipPay. So, if you’re looking to add some hemp seeds to your pantry, you know what to do!
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
