What are Hemp Seeds?

Tristan Franklin

Hemp Social Expert

Hemp seeds, as the name suggests, are seeds cultivated from the hemp plant. With so much confusion and misinformation around hemp, there is little wonder that hemp seeds have been a little in the shadows until recently. The seeds are a popular item for a range of culinary delights – and add a wide range of benefits to just about any meal. If you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of hemp seeds – be sure to read on.

Where do hemp seeds come from?

Derived from the cannabis sativa, more commonly known as the hemp plant and a cousin of marijuana, hemp is one of the most useful plants on the planet. Able to be grown and cultivated from seed to harvest in only 180 days, and having uses spanning from food, clothing, rope, flooring, it really is a wonder.

Due to the mis-categorizing and misunderstanding of the plant, harvesting of hemp for commercial purposes was banned in many – if not most – parts of the world, until recently. Their seeds are a super food. Yes, one of those foods that can literally change and supercharge your diet. With its nutty flavor, it can be spread over salads, crushed into oil, mashed into peanut butter, just like hemp itself it is extremely versatile in its application.

What are the benefits of hemp seeds?

Being over 80% polyunsaturated fatty acids (the good fats), they have an abundance of omega-3, omega 6, as well as all nine essential amino acids, trace minerals and dietary fiber!  This coupled with the fact that hemp seeds are considered a ‘complete protein source’, rich in minerals such as Vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc!

The benefit of all this, is that hemp seeds actively assist in gut health, a healthy digestive system and boosting of your immune systems. With so much ‘good oils’, the seeds – or the oil itself – has been used to relieve many skin conditions such as eczema and acne, though not only consumption, but by rubbing the oil directly to the skin.

Why do we need it?

As the modern diet continues to be filled with easy to prepare foods, often filled with synthetic additives and sweeteners, our bodies are suffering from more allergies, more conditions and more discomfort than ever before. Too often, we take ‘convenience over sustenance’ and are often left hungry and wanting after consuming foods that are easy, but not good for us. Thankfully hemp seeds have been introduced as mentioned into daily items – such as peanut butter – giving you’re the health benefits & convenience factors all in one jar!

Through the consumption of hemp seed and other super foods, you can literally jumpstart your digestive system, your gut health and promote more active and healthy living. This, in turn, will lead you feeling healthier, being more productive and getting more out of life.

How can you consume hemp seeds?

Shelled hemp seeds are also referred to as hemp hearts can be added to your smoothies, sprinkled on salads or added into your burger or cake mixes. There are an extensive number of fantastic recipes available utilizing this versatile super food.

The oil can be used to add taste and texture to your salads, but also can be used for cooking as a replacement for traditional olive oil. While the taste has a mild, nutty after tone, it is pleasant and can really add some variety to any meal, as a great alternative to using ‘other oils’ in your dressing.

Where can you get hemp seeds?

Hemp seeds once were reasonably hard to come by, however, these days thanks to much more understanding hemp seeds and hemp seed products are available not only in your health food stores and online, but in most major supermarkets around the country. This has led to a resurgence of the product and a greater understanding of the true health benefits of hemp seeds in the modern diet.

Hemp itself is a plant that has been used in cooking for over 8000 years, just because it hasn’t been sold through the major retailers until recent times, certainly doesn’t take away how amazing it can be for your diet and general health. So next time you are thinking of a salad dressing or something to add little flavor to your smoothie, why not give hemp seeds a go?