Edible hemp products got the green light in Australia in 2017, and they’re the health world’s newest superseed. And for good reason! The small seed packs a powerful nutritional punch, and it has a pleasant, mildly nutty flavour.
Here are 9 of the major health benefits of hemp seeds…
#1 It’s a great source of plant-based protein
Hemp seeds are incredibly high in protein – there’s around 10g of protein in every tablespoon. Unlike most plant-based protein sources, hemp seeds contain all 9 amino acids, making it a complete protein. As one of the essential macronutrients, protein boosts our energy, immunity, mental clarity and hormone production, and helps with muscle repair. Speaking of that, hemp also includes muscle-building amino acids such as BCAA, so it’s fab post-workout.
#2 It improves your skin, hair and nails
Hello, omega-3s! Our bodies can't produce these acids on their own, so that’s why we need to supplement with food. Enter: hemp seeds. They’re rich in essential fatty acids, which penetrate the deeper layers of your skin and keep it healthy, hydrated and plump. They also promote cell turnover, which speeds up skin healing and supports strong, healthy hair. But that’s not all.
#3 It boosts energy
Hemp contains complex carbohydrates, which release energy slowly throughout the day. In other words, it won’t send you on a ride on the blood sugar rollercoaster.
#4 It aids digestion
Along with protein, complex carbs and good fats, hemp is full of fibre. It contains both insoluble and soluble fibre, and this mix helps to stabilise your blood sugars and keep you regular. It also feeds the probiotics in your gut, and you know what that means! Healthier digestion and a stronger immune system. Do you get hangry? The fibre in hemp helps to regulate your appetite and leave you feeling fuller for longer.
Try this awesome hemp protein pancake recipe to boost your gut health!
#5 It reduces inflammation
At GoodnessMe Box, we’re BIG on anti-inflammatory foods. Inflammation is the root cause of many health issues (like autoimmune disease) and skin conditions, so the goal is to enjoy foods that ease it. Hemp can help with that. It contains an ideal ratio of omega-3s and omega-6s, plus stearidonic (SDA) and gamma linoleic (GLA) acids. Together, these fatty acids fight inflammation and lift your immunity.
#6 It helps you sleep
Hemp is high in magnesium – also known as the ‘magic mineral’! It calms the mind and relaxes the muscles, which relieves stiffness and soreness and helps us to float away into a peaceful sleep. Think about how sleepy you feel after an Epsom salt bath. Those salts are concentrated magnesium sulfate. Hemp is a natural source of the stuff, so eat up!
#7 It can help alleviate PMS symptoms
For some of us, that time of the month is a blur of bloating, breast tenderness, irritability, insomnia, and weight fluctuations. If you suffer from PMS, try incorporating hemp into your diet. The essential fatty acids, B vitamins and magnesium in hemp can reduce our sensitivity to prolactin, the hormone that’s linked to many PMS symptoms.
#8 It's a great source of Iron
For every 100g of hemp seeds, there is 7.95 mg of iron. This is a whopping 61% of the dietary value for the day. This makes them a great plant-based source of energy-giving iron. Hints that you may have a deficiency include lethargy, dizziness and chest pain.
#9 It’s suitable for people with food sensitivities
Hemp seeds are free from gluten, soy, gluten, egg and dairy, so it caters to a range of people with dietary concerns. And that gets the nutritional tick of approval from us!
How to add hemp to your diet
The options are endless! You can throw the seeds into your smoothies, salads, porridge, pasta or yoghurt, and sip on hemp milk. Hemp Food Australia’s Essential Hemp Snack Bars are a healthy way to get your fix, too. They meet our sky-high nutritional standards and come in three delish flavours: Ginger Macadamia, Banana Choc and Salted Caramel.
Hemp seeds make a great addition to a healthy, rounded diet. Go ahead and throw a tablespoon on your next main meal and see what you think!