Hemp Seeds: Spotlight on This Organic Superfood Ingredient

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Have you ever heard of hemp? If you have, you may have connected it to cannabis. But unlike the cannabis you might be familiar with, hemp doesn’t make you high. This is because it doesn’t have the psychoactive ingredient THC.

Hemp has an astonishing number of benefits, and it’s slowly gaining recognition for its health properties. In this article, we’re going over the incredible qualities of hemp seeds, which come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Read on to find out more.

What are hemp seeds?

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Hemp seeds are tiny, deep brown seeds from the plant Cannabis sativa, which originates from different parts of Asia. They have a hard shell on the outside and a soft inside. The chewy centre of hemp seeds are known as hemp seed hearts or shelled hemp seeds.

You can’t get mind-altering effects from hemp seeds, no matter how many you eat! Their power lies in their beneficial health qualities.

What’s the difference between hemp seeds, shelled hemp seeds and hemp seed hearts?

Hemp seeds still have the hard outer shell, whereas shelled hemp seeds have the shell removed - much better for digestion! Hemp seed hearts and shelled hemp seeds are the same thing. They’re the pale, soft and mellow inside of the hemp seed. They have a light nutty taste and a slightly chewy texture.

What is eating hemp seeds good for?

Hemp seeds are superb for your body and can give you plenty of benefits if you consume them regularly.

Great for gut health

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Hemp seeds are an excellent source of fibre, but why is that important? Almost everything starts in your digestive system because it’s where nutrients are absorbed into your bloodstream, and waste is removed. Your stomach also has healthy bacteria which communicate with your brain to keep hormones balanced.

When your gut is inflamed, which can happen because of a low-fibre diet, it triggers all sorts of physical and mental issues. For example, depression has been linked to inflammation, which impacts sleep, mood, energy and motivation. Taking care of your digestive system is a must, and hemp seeds are a fantastic place to start.

Plant-based protein

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Hemp seeds are a fantastic source of vegan protein to help build and repair muscle. They provide your body with the amino acids to synthesise the protein collagen, which keeps skin firm and youthful and joints strong and flexible.

The protein in hemp seeds also contributes to creating keratin and biotin, which make up your hair's cell structure for strong, gloss locks.

Nurtures heart health

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Hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 - a healthy fatty acid that contributes to heart health. It lowers inflammation and boosts blood flow, circulating nutrients and oxygen. Your heart doesn’t have to work as hard and can pump at a lower, healthy rate. This places less strain on the organ for better heart health.

Contains anti-ageing properties

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Hemp seeds won’t magically age-reverse your skin, but they can contribute to a healthier-looking complexion. The seeds contain antioxidants that shield your skin cells from oxidative stress often triggered by UV exposure, smoking, alcohol and an unhealthy diet.

Oxidative stress harms the protein collagen in your skin, which is necessary to give your skin structure and maintain the derma barrier. As the collagen breaks down, the skin starts sinking into natural creases, highlighting fine lines and wrinkles. Your complexion also finds it hard to hold onto water, leading to dehydration and a dull, flakey look.

Regularly eating hemp seeds fuels your body with antioxidants, reducing the destruction of collagen. It keeps the essential protein intact, minimising the appearance of wrinkles and keeping skin glowy and healthy.

Can enhance your energy

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Hemp seeds are overflowing with vitamins and minerals that contribute to more energy. A small dose contains vitamin E, iron, zinc, B vitamins and niacin.

They help convert food into energy and develop red blood cells to transport oxygen and nutrients to your essential organs. Not only will hemp seeds reduce fatigue, but you may also experience better sleep quality and a boost in your day-to-day mood.

The best shelled hemp seeds

Our Organic Shelled Hemp Seeds contain 32 grams of protein per 100 grams and are bursting with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and amino acids. You don’t have to do any prep with these tiny pieces of goodness. Simply sprinkle them over salads, porridge and smoothie bowls or blend them into shakes.

Other hemp seed products you might like

Aside from our organic shelled hemp seeds, we have other hemp products that may pique your interest:

Organic Hemp Seed Oil - Switch up regular olive oil for this brain and heart-boosting 100% organic, cold-pressed, unrefined hemp seed oil. Use it to cook stir-fries, curries and other dishes for its light, nutty taste.
The British Hemp Co Protein Powder 50% - The British Hemp Company prides itself on its premium-quality hemp produce. Their hemp protein powder contains 52 grams of protein per 100 grams to help you hit your protein goals. Add to smoothies and shakes, or make protein pancakes.
The British Hemp Co Hemp Fibre Plus - Hemp is an excellent source of fibre which you need for good gut health. These hemp hearts have over 8 grams of dietary fibre per 100 grams and are ideal for your morning porridge

The best way to eat organic hemp seeds

Organic hemp seeds have such a light taste that they go with almost everything. Here are a few ideas for eating hemp seeds:

Bake hemp seed muffins
Stir them into your porridge
Whiz into a health-enhancing shake
Decorate your smoothie bowl with hemp seeds
Dust a few hemp seeds on top of ice cream for a healthy crunch
Mix them into curries and stir-fries
Sprinkle over a nourishing salad

Try organic hemp seeds with Grape Tree

We mindfully select premium quality hemp seeds so you can experience their mellow, nutty taste and enjoy their health-enhancing properties. Buy in bulk or get a small amount, and see how you like them! Get your dose of hemp seeds for amino acids, omega-3, fibre, protein and vitamins with Grape Tree.