Hemp seeds, which are technically a nut, are extremely nutritious. They have a pleasant, nutty flavor and are commonly known as hemp hearts. Hemp seeds have a fat content of more than 30%. They contain high levels of two important fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). They also have gamma-linolenic acid, which has been linked to a variety of health advantages. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein, accounting for more than 25% of their total calories.

That is far more than comparable foods like chia seeds and flaxseeds, which have calories that are 16-18% protein. Hemp seeds are high in vitamin E and minerals like phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc. Raw, fried, or roasted hemp seeds are all options. Hemp seed oil is also incredibly healthful and has been used for at least 3,000 years in China as a food and medication.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the globe. Interestingly, consuming hemp seeds may lower your risk of developing heart disease. The seeds are abundant in the amino acid arginine, which your body uses to make nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that causes your blood vessels to widen and relax, lowering your blood pressure and decreasing your risk of heart disease. Increased arginine intake was associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, in a large trial of over 13,000 persons. High CRP levels have been associated with heart disease.

Hemp seeds include gamma-linolenic acid, which has been linked to reduced inflammation and may lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease. Furthermore, animal studies have shown that hemp seeds or hemp seed oil may lower blood pressure, reduce the likelihood of blood clot formation, and aid in the recovery of the heart after a heart attack.

Fatty acids may influence your body's immunological responses. According to research, the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is important for your immune system. Hemp seeds contain polyunsaturated and necessary fatty acids. They have an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of roughly 3:1, which is considered optimum.

Giving hemp seed oil to persons with eczema has been found in studies to enhance blood levels of important fatty acids. The oil may also help with dry skin, itching, and reducing the need for skin medicine. Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats. They have a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which may benefit skin diseases and provide relief from eczema and its uncomfortable symptoms.

Protein accounts for around 25% of the calories in hemp seeds, which is a rather significant percentage. In reality, hemp seeds have the same amount of protein as beef and lamb by weight — 30 grams of hemp seeds, or 2-3 teaspoons, contain roughly 11 grams of protein. They are considered a complete protein source since they contain all of the essential amino acids. Because your body cannot create critical amino acids, you must receive them through diet. Because plants frequently lack the amino acid lysine, complete protein sources are quite rare in the plant kingdom. Quinoa is another example of a complete, plant-based protein source.

Hemp seeds contain large levels of the amino acids methionine and cysteine, as well as arginine and glutamic acid. Hemp protein is also incredibly digestible, much better than protein from many bowls of cereal, nuts, and legumes.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can induce physical or mental symptoms in up to 80% of women of reproductive age. These symptoms are almost certainly caused by prolactin sensitivity. GLA, contained in hemp seeds, creates prostaglandin E1, which counteracts the effects of prolactin. A study of women with PMS found that consuming 1 gram of essential fatty acids per day, including 210 mg of GLA, resulted in a considerable reduction in symptoms.

Other studies have found that primrose oil, which is high in GLA, may be quite successful in lowering PMS symptoms in women who have failed other PMS treatments. It alleviated PMS symptoms such as breast soreness and tenderness, sadness, irritability, and fluid retention. Because hemp seeds are high in GLA, some studies have suggested that they may also help alleviate menopausal symptoms. The precise mechanism is uncertain, but GLA found in hemp seeds may help to manage hormone imbalances and inflammation linked with menopause.

Fiber is an important part of your diet and has been linked to improved gut health. Whole hemp seeds are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, with 20% and 80%, respectively. In your intestines, soluble fiber creates a gel-like material. It provides nourishment to healthy gut bacteria and may help to prevent blood sugar surges and manage cholesterol levels.

Insoluble fiber bulks up your stool and may aid in the passage of food and waste through your digestive tract. It's also linked to a lower risk of diabetes. However, because the fiber-rich shell has been removed, de-hulled or shelled hemp seeds, commonly known as hemp hearts, contain relatively little fiber.