Hemp Seeds Benefits - What you need to know

Hemp seeds are classed as a super-food, the perfect nutritional supplement for your diet. Let's find out more about Hemp Seeds Benefits .

Hemp seeds can be traced back to Central Asia. The cultivation of hemp for its fibre was first recorded as early as 2800 BC in China. It found its way to Europe during the Christian era and reached North America in 1600.  In modern times hemp is commonly cultivated for its edible seeds and bast fibre.

It grows well in sandy loam soil which has good drainage and takes three to four months to mature (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2018). The hemp seeds are separated from the flower of the plant and sieved further to clean the seeds. The whole seed is then de-shelled and the final product gives us ready-to-eat nutritious hemp hearts. 

Nutritional Hemp Seeds Benefits

The white interiors of the hemp seeds are called hemp hearts. This is soft and full of natural good oils which contains the bulk of the seed’s nutrition. Hemp hearts can be utilised in many foods and have a long shelf life.

They contain omega-3 fatty acids which are alpha-linolenic Acids (ALA) and can work as a substitute for those people who do not eat fish. It also has omega-6 fatty acids commonly referred to as GLA.

Hemp seeds are a good source of protein.  They have ten amino acids that translate into plant-based proteins. This plant is also rich in magnesium which is instrumental for enzymatic reactions during metabolism and the breakdown of proteins and fatty acids. By so doing it helps reduce cases of coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and insulin resistance.

Nutrients found in hemp seeds

Health Benefits of hemp seeds

• Boost Heart health
• Improve skin conditions
• Protect the brain
• Aiding in weightloss 
• Digestive health 
• Energy boost 
• Vegan muscle mass gainer
• Good source of fibre
• Maintain good bone density
• Helps maintain internal body clock 

Nutrient analysis of hemp seeds

Hemp seeds are the ideal source of good fats. Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 are found in the unsaturated fat group and accounts for 90% of the total fat. This becomes one of the few ideal plant-based options for these nutrients. 

As vegan based diets can cause a lack of healthy carbohydrates. Hemp seeds are amazing for Slow-Carb Diets. The carbohydrate in hemp contains  a large portion of dietary fibre, with very minimal sugar content. Other equally essential nutrients found in Hemp seeds are micronutrients such as: magnesium, iron, thiamin, zinc, phosphorous manganese, vitamin E and copper. 

Hemp based foods on the rise

Hemp hearts are becoming very popular in global markets and in New Zealand. Studies indicate that Hemp-based foods can be bought from convenience stores, supermarkets, and other food-based outlets in the US as of the early 2000s.

In 2016, hemp was distributed in 46% of supermarkets in the US. It is estimated that in 2023, the expected revenue from hemp-based products will increase to US$1830 million, from US$470 million (Erie News Now, 2018).

Hemp seeds have been approved for human consumption by the New Zealand Ministry of Primary industries (MPI, 2018). This has raised much interest for companies, local farmers and many consumers looking to supplement their meat alternative diets.

With more companies like Merkaba NZ and local farmers supporting the cultivation of hemp seeds, it will help people have more access to this amazing superfood at affordable prices. 2019 looks like it's going to be the year of hemp.

References

Encyclopedia Britannica, (2018). Hemp Plant. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/plant/hemp

Erie News Now, (2018). Hemp-based Foods Market 2018 Global Trends, Market Share, Industry Size, Growth, Opportunities, Forecast to 2023. Retrieved from: http://www.erienewsnow.com/story/39167784/hemp-based-foods-market-2018-global-trends-market-share-industry-size-growth-opportunities-forecast-to-2023

Ministry of primary industries (2018) Hemp seeds as food. Retrieved from: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/growing-and-harvesting/plant-products/hemp-seeds-as-food/