Hemp Hearts: Why You Should Add Them to Your Diet?

Hemp Hearts: Why You Should Add Them to Your Diet?

Hemp hearts, also known as shelled hemp seeds, are becoming increasingly popular as a superfood. These small, nutty-tasting seeds are packed with nutrients and offer many health benefits. They are a great source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to any healthy diet. 

Hemp hearts are a highly nutritious food that can be easily incorporated into your diet. They can be sprinkled on salads or yogurt, added to smoothies or protein shakes, or used as a topping for oatmeal or granola bowls. With their high protein content, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, hemp hearts are a great food for supporting overall health and wellness. In this blog, we'll explore why you should consider adding hemp hearts to your diet.

What are Hemp Hearts?

Hemp hearts are the edible inner part of the hemp seed (Cannabis sativa), also known as hulled hemp seeds. Hemp hearts are becoming increasingly popular due to their high nutritional value and health benefits. It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. Hemp hearts are small, oval-shaped seeds with a light beige or greenish color. They are often compared to sesame seeds, although they are slightly larger and have a softer texture.

In terms of taste, hemp hearts have a mild, nutty flavor that is often described as earthy or grassy. They are not particularly sweet or savory, making them a versatile ingredient that can be added to both sweet and savory dishes. Hemp hearts can also be roasted to enhance their nutty flavor and add a bit of crunch. Hemp hearts are soft and chewy, with a slight crunch in texture. They are not as hard as other seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, and they have a more delicate texture. Hemp hearts can be easily incorporated into a wide range of dishes, from smoothies and salads to baked goods and oatmeal.

Nutritional Benefits of Hemp Hearts

Hemp hearts are a highly nutritious food that offers a range of health benefits such as:

High protein content: Hemp hearts are a great source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent addition to the diet for vegans and vegetarians. A 30-gram serving of hemp hearts provides about 10 grams of protein, which is similar to the amount of protein in a serving of chicken or beef. 

Rich in healthy fats: Hemp hearts are rich in healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are important for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body. A 30-gram serving of hemp hearts provides about 12 grams of fat, including 1 gram of saturated fat.

High fiber content: Hemp hearts are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for good digestion and gut health. A 30-gram serving of hemp hearts contains about 1.2 grams of fiber, which is about 5% of the recommended daily intake.

Essential nutrients: Hemp hearts are a good source of essential nutrients, including vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. A 30-gram serving of hemp hearts provides about 20% of the recommended daily intake of iron and magnesium and 10% of the recommended daily intake of zinc.

May aid in weight loss: The high protein and fiber content of hemp hearts may help to promote feelings of fullness and reduce appetite, which can aid in weight loss.

May improve digestion: The high fiber content of hemp hearts can help to promote regular bowel movements and improve overall digestive health.

May support heart health: The healthy fat profile of hemp hearts, including their omega-3 content, may help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve heart health.

How to Incorporate Hemp Hearts into Your Diet

Here are some ideas for incorporating hemp hearts into meals and snacks:

In Smoothies: Hemp hearts are a great addition to smoothies. Simply blend them with your favorite fruits and veggies for a nutritious and delicious smoothie. Use Hemp Hearts (Plant Nutrition Superfood) to add an amazing taste to your smoothies.

Topping for Oatmeal or Yogurt: Sprinkle hemp hearts on top of your oatmeal or yogurt for added protein, healthy fats, and a bit of crunch.

In Salads: Hemp hearts make a great addition to salads. Simply sprinkle them on top of your favorite greens for added nutrition and flavor. Try Hemp Seed Oil to make your salads more nutritious and healthy.

In Baked Goods: Hemp hearts can be used in place of other nuts or seeds in baked goods. Simply mix them into your favorite recipes for added nutrition and a nutty flavor.

Homemade Granola Bars: Hemp hearts can be used in homemade granola bars. Simply mix them with oats, nuts, and dried fruit for a nutritious and delicious snack.

Mix Them into Dips: Hemp hearts can be mixed into dips, such as hummus or guacamole, for added nutrition and a nutty flavor.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While hemp hearts are generally considered safe for most people, there are some potential side effects and precautions to consider when consuming them.

Possible digestive issues: Some people may experience digestive issues when consuming hemp hearts, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea. This is likely due to the high fiber content of hemp hearts. If you experience digestive issues after consuming hemp hearts, try reducing your portion size or incorporating them into your diet gradually.

Interaction with medication: Hemp hearts contain compounds that may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or cholesterol-lowering drugs. If you are taking any medication, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider before consuming hemp hearts.

Allergies or sensitivities: While rare, some people may have an allergy or sensitivity to hemp. If you have a known allergy to hemp, it is important to avoid consuming hemp hearts or any other hemp products.

THC content: While hemp hearts contain only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, it is possible that consuming large amounts of hemp hearts could result in a positive drug test for THC. So, if you are concerned about this, it is recommended that you consume Hemp hearts in moderation or as prescribed by health experts.

Conclusion

Hemp hearts are a nutritious and versatile superfood that offers many health benefits. Whether you are looking to increase your protein intake, boost your healthy fat intake, or simply add more nutrients to your diet, hemp hearts are worth incorporating into your meals and snacks. Try adding them to your favorite recipes and see how they can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your meals. If you are looking for high-quality hemp hearts then do check our website. The Trost is a reputed Indian brand that provides the finest quality Hemp Hearts and hemp-based products at affordable prices. Each product at The Trost is lab tested without compromising on quality.

FAQs

Q.1. What are hemp hearts good for?

Ans. Hemp hearts are a nutritious food source that is high in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. They can improve heart health, aid digestion, support healthy skin and hair, and are easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes.

Q.2. Can hemp hearts make you sleepy?

Ans. Hemp hearts are not known to cause drowsiness or sleepiness. They do contain tryptophan, which can aid in the production of melatonin, but the amount is not significant enough to induce sleep.

Q.3. Are hemp hearts high in protein?

Ans. Yes, hemp hearts are a good source of protein, containing up to 10 grams of protein per 3 tablespoons. They are also a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.

Comments on this post (1)

  • Apr 24, 2023

    Well-explained info. keep up the good work

    — Shimon Darmon

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