By Noah Chen

Hemp has to be one of the most multifaceted plants on the planet. You can distil it into medicine, weave it into cloth, and use it as building material. Hemp is even helping to decontaminate soil at Chernobyl!

One of hemp’s most important, and little known, properties is the fact that its seeds are full of nutrients. If you had to, you could survive eating only hemp seeds (and drinking lots of water, of course).

Hemp grains for dinner?

Humans have eaten hemp seeds, also known as hemp grain or hemp hearts, for thousands of years across a multitude of cultures. Doing so may have several notable effects on our health. They’re also completely free of any psychoactive effects.

Besides sustaining human life, the nutrients in hemp seeds may actually help lengthen our lives by the way the plant might address certain ailments. As the popularity of hemp grows across multiple industries, it wouldn’t surprise us if hemp seeds pop up as a more common ingredient in recipes across many cuisines.

Are you already thinking about incorporating hemp seeds into your diet?

Grains with protein for days

Hemp seeds are about 25% protein on their own. They contain nearly 10% more protein than chia seeds or flax seeds. By weight, hemp seeds are about as protein-rich as beef or lamb, making it not only an attractive snack for vegans and vegetarians, but anyone who’s looking to bulk up or eat a protein-rich diet. Not only that, hemp grain contains all seven amino acids, a fact that classifies it as a superfood.

Hemp grains are full of the good fat

Hemp seeds are also about 30% fat, but don’t worry, it’s the good kind. Much like fish, hemp seeds are high in essential fatty acids like omega-3. Omega-3 is so vital to the human body, it’s the reason many doctors recommend we eat fish at least twice a week. However, thanks to hemp seeds, we have more ways than ever of getting those important nutrients into our bodies.

Get your vitamins

Amazingly, the nutritional benefits don’t stop there. Hemp seeds are also chock full of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc. These are all minerals that are vital to maintaining a healthy body.

Hemp grain is part of your balanced diet

The many nutrients in hemp seeds also make them the snack of choice for many experiencing certain health situations. For instance, the amino acid arginine, found in hemp grain, produces nitric oxide. This gaseous molecule can actually reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure by dilating the body’s blood vessels.

Many women have also reported that hemp seeds help alleviate the physical and/or emotional symptoms brought on by PMS and menopause. Symptoms of both may occur because of a sensitivity to the hormone prolactin. Adding hemp seeds your diet can reduce the punch packed by this hormone.

Studies have also found that:

• The omega-6 inside hemp seeds is anti-inflammatory and can help fight skin disorders like eczema.

• Hemp seed shells are high in fiber and aid in digestion

• Hemp seed nutrients may play a role in controlling cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attacks.

And, it’s tasty, too

Finally, yes, eating hemp grains can be an enjoyable experience itself. The seeds have a mild, nutty flavor, which makes sense because they’re technically a nut. They can make the perfect topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or taste great when eaten by themselves. Hemp seed oil has a similar nutritional profile, and can work in place of actual hemp grain. Try using it as a base for a salad dressing.

Finding the right processor no matter the final product

No matter the reason why you’ve decided to grow and harvest hemp, Arbor Vita8 can help. With high-end facilities and superior equipment, we’re your partner through the entire hemp process. From drying to extraction, seed selection to selling to manufacturers, Arbor Vita8 has the industry experience to provide expert support and service. Contact us today to learn more.