Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant that actually has a long history of use in the U.S. Unfortunately, since the 1950s it’s been lumped into the same category as “marijuana” (or cannabis) because it contains a small amount of naturally occurring tetrahydrocannabinoids (THC), and its use has been marginalized to a great extent. Versatile & Tasty: Hemp hearts taste a little like pine nuts – a creamy, nutty taste that complements almost any dish, Hemp Hearts are the perfect boost to any meal. Sprinkle Hemp Hearts on salad, cereal, yogurt, or blend them into smoothies. Hemp Seeds: Due to their crunchy texture, whole hemp seeds are often sprinkled on top of salads, incorporated into granola, or used as a crunchy topping for dishes like yogurt and oatmeal. They can also be ground and mixed into dough for baked goods, adding a nutty flavor and a boost of nutrition. Hemp seeds are extracted from the Sativa plant and have a hard, nut-like exterior and a soft inside. Hemp hearts are the name commonly given to that seed’s soft inside.

Research published in the European Journal of Pharmacology indicates that GLA-supplemented diets attenuate inflammatory responses. Hemp seed shells can contain trace amounts of THC, the active psychoactive compound in marijuana. People with a previous dependence on cannabis may consider looking for an alternative.At their core, both hemp seeds and hemp hearts come from the same source, so they share many nutritional attributes. However, the process of removing the outer shell to produce hemp hearts does lead to some differences. Nutritional Values The gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seeds has also been linked to reduced inflammation, which may decrease your risk of diseases like heart disease ( 8, 9). Zhang J, Griffin J, Li Y, et al. Antioxidant properties of hemp proteins: From functional food to phytotherapy and beyond. Molecules. 2022;27(22):7924. doi:10.3390/molecules27227924

Sandqvist, A., Schneede, J., Kylhammar, D., Henrohn, D., Lundgren, J., Hedeland, M. … Wikström, G. (2018, March). Plasma L-arginine levels distinguish pulmonary arterial hypertension from left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Heart and Vessels, 33(3), 255–263 A three tablespoon serving of hemp seeds contains more than 40 percent of your recommended daily intake of manganese, copper, magnesium and phosphorus. In addition, that same serving contains 11 grams of polyunsaturated fat and 10 grams of protein. There really aren’t any hemp seed side effects. Hemp hearts are high in nutrition and aren’t known to cause any drug interactions with common medications.A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that hemp seed extract has antioxidant effects in lab tests. These effects may result from the seeds’ cannabidiol (CBD) content. The amino acid arginine, found in hemp, produces nitric oxide in the body. This gas molecule helps dilate blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart disease.

If you’re looking to add fiber into your diet for a healthier gut, whole hemp seed is a more suitable choice. On the other hand, hulled hemp seeds are ideal for anybody looking for extra versatility in terms of consumption. Conclusion Hemp seeds are a great source of magnesium, which helps regulate your heartbeat and is linked to the prevention of coronary heart disease. They also contain Linoleic acid, which one study found reduced participants’ cholesterol levels by 15% and may act to reduce blood pressure. Although hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant species, they do not contain cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Incorporating hemp seeds and hemp hearts into a balanced diet can offer a range of health benefits, from improved heart health to better digestion. Whether you sprinkle them on your morning oatmeal, blend them into smoothies, or use them in baking, you’re adding a boost of nutrition to your meals. Delicious Hemp-Based Recipes Slavin, J. (2013, April 22). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417–1435

Then I ran out of hempseed. Less than ten days later, the pain, inflammation and lack of mobility were back.

Lowering blood pressure, eating a healthful diet, and participating in varied forms of exercise may help to decrease the risk of heart failure. 7. Reduce inflammation Rezapour-Firouzi, S., Arefhosseini, S. R., Ebrahimi-Mamaghani, M., Baradaran, B., Sadeghihokmabad, E., Torbati, M. … Zamani, F. (2014, December). Activity of liver enzymes in multiple sclerosis patients with Hot-nature diet and co-supplemented hemp seed, evening primrose oils intervention [Abstract]. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(6), 986–993 While the products are often used interchangeably, hemp hearts are more popular when it comes to cooking. While some people like the added crunch that a hemp seed's shell provides, it doesn't always benefit the texture of a dish. Therefore most hemp based recipes call for products like hemp protein and hemp hearts instead. Hemp Seeds vs. Hemp Hearts: Nutrition Essential Fatty Acids: Hemp seeds and hearts contain essential fatty acids omega 6 and omega 3 in the optimal ratio of 3:1. These help reduce inflammation in the body and prove effective in managing chronic and neuropathic pain. Hemp seeds can be consumed raw, cooked, or roasted. Hemp seed oil is also very healthy and has been used as a food and medicine in China for at least 3,000 years ( 1).