My passion for Hemp Hearts (shelled hemp seeds) started 7 years ago when I had to look for an alternative to the copious amounts of protein I had to consume and I stopped all animal products.
When I started, since I experiment on myself with all foods, I was motivated to see how hemp could help me build muscle and maintain my weight. One taste of these little green and white gems and I knew this could work. There are many seeds that boast superfood status, though few taste this amazing ! Hemp Hearts are nutty and sweet, like pine nuts, yet sport good amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seed and Chia seed share the Omega-3 benefit, except when they get wet, their mucilage fibre gets slippery or sticky. Hemp’s crunchy, yet creamy, texture makes it the most versatile vegan Omega-3 source. Try it in soups to add creaminess (instead of dairy). Its high protein content makes it a perfect addition to meal replacement bars, cereal, porridge, salads, pesto, pasta, dressings, sauces, smoothies, desserts and side dishes.
Overhead View: 3 tablespoons of Hemp Hearts
- Omega-3 – 2500 mg
- Omega-9 – 1500 mg
- B-vitamin complex – up to 30% of RDA
- Fibre – 3g
- Protein – 10g
- Calcium – 20 mg
- Iron – 5 mg (30% of RDA)
- Magnesium – 288 mg (70% of RDA)
- Manganese – 5 mg (110% of RDA)
- Zinc – 4 mg (30% of RDA)
Hemp seeds contain both essential fatty acids necessary for muscle and joint repair. They also have ALL the essential amino acids, in an easily digestible form. As studies suggest, a predominantly plant-based diet is the starting point for a strong anti-cancer approach to eating; Hemp Hearts can be your delicious gateway.
If you’ve ever thought it might be a challenge to get enough protein when following a vegetarian diet, Hemp Hearts are a terrific solution. Your body takes amino acids from your diet and reassembles them into proteins that are used for all sorts of different functions in your body – from building muscles to healing injuries and fighting infections.
5 reasons to fall in love with Hemp Hearts
Two tablespoons (30g) of Hemp Hearts contains 7 grams of protein – equivalent to a large boiled egg. What’s more, 65% of the total protein content of hemp seed comes from an easily digestible protein, called edestin, which is readily absorbed and utilized by the human body. Edestin has the unique ability to stimulate the manufacture of antibodies against foreign invaders, boosting your immune system. It is also hypoallergenic, meaning it has low allergy potential, making it a great replacement for soy and peanuts (provided it is processed in a factory free of tree nuts, such as Superfoods Hemp Seeds).
1. Hemp Hearts help fight inflammation.
Hemp seeds contain an especially beneficial type of Omega-6 fat called GLA (gamma linolenic acid).1 GLA is a direct building block of PGE1, a type of prostaglandin that works in your body as an anti-inflammatory massager. GLA can decrease inflammation, helping asthma, arthritis and muscle pain. GLA also supports healthy hair, nails and skin.
2. Hemp Hearts help heart health.
Hemp Hearts sure live up to their name! The fatty acids in hemp help lower bad LDL cholesterol and improve cholesterol ratio.2 Hemp Hearts are rich in phytonutrients and anti-aging antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, that protect your cardiovascular system from damage.
3. Hemp Hearts help reduce muscle cramps.
Hemp Hearts are a rich source of magnesium that has been shown to reduce headaches and muscle cramps.3 These are both possible signs of magnesium deficiency — the mineral is involved in proper muscle relaxation. Athletes are prone to magnesium loss from sweating so, adding hemp seeds to shakes can prevent post-workout cramps. Hemp seeds also provide good amounts of zinc, calcium, manganese and iron. Minerals are important for repair of tissues and maintenance of the immune system.4
4. Hemp Hearts help balance hormones.
Many women use Hemp Hearts to help with hormonal imbalances caused by menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and depression.5 It is also helpful for PMS symptoms due to its GLA and magnesium content. Hemp Hearts blended with blueberries make a great breakfast smoothie.
5. Hemp Hearts help improve immunity.
Hemp Hearts are high in alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a type of anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fat that can improve immune function. The other nutrients in hemp seeds help ensure the fat is used effectively in the body. They also contain plant sterols, which are powerful immune modulators capable of reducing allergies, a cause of inflammation.6
References
- Kapoor, Rakesh; Huang, Yung-Sheng. “Gamma Linolenic Acid: An Antiinflammatory Omega-6 Fatty Acid.” Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Volume 7, Number 6, December 2006, pp. 531-534(4).
- Gerry Schwalfenberg: “Omega-3 fatty acids: their beneficial role in cardiovascular health.” Canadian Family Physician June 2006 vol. 52 no. 6 734-740.
- Mayo Clinic: Muscle Cramps
- M. Eric Gershwin, Penelope Nestel, Carl L. Keen. “Handbook of Nutrition and Immunity” Humana Press, Jun 4, 2004
- juliedaniluk.com: Maca Hemp Power Smoothie
- Michelle A. Micallef, Manohar L. Garg “Anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and plant sterols in hyperlipidemic individuals.” June 2009 Volume 204, Issue 2, Pages 476–482.
