Hemp is one of the most beneficial plants on the entire planet.  The uses of this magical and life giving plant are endless.  It has been used for centuries for both clothes and food.  Unlike its cousin cannabis, hemp contains no THC and psychoactive compounds.

Pound for pound, no other plant is as mineral dense as hemp.  The minerals found in hemp are typically the same type of minerals that are deficient in the diet of most of the population.  It also contains essential fatty acids that promote good health and reduce inflammation in the body.

Whether you plan to eat them raw, by the handful or add them to your favorite smoothies, hemp seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition.

Below are the top 5 benefits of adding hemp seeds into your diet.

1. Hemp Seeds Contain a High Amount of Magnesium

Magnesium, often referred to as “the master mineral,” is extremely deficient in most of the population.  This mineral is responsible for over 300 enzymatic processes within the body and is mandatory for good health.  Low levels of magnesium often result in anxiety, depression, digestive issues, fatigue, sleep problems and hyperactivity.

Luckily, Hemp seeds contain some of the highest amounts of magnesium than any other food on the planet.  In single serving hemp contains over 700 mg of magnesium per 100 grams!  This amount can easily satisfy your magnesium requirements for the day. Also, unlike synthetic supplements which can be harmful for the body, the magnesium found in hemp is in its organic and completely bio available form.

2. Contain Essential Fatty Acids

Hemp contains both omega 3, 6 and 9.  These essential fatty acids are critical for overall health and well being.  It also contains both GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and LA (linolenic acid).  One study demonstrated that the GLA and LA in hemp seeds can inhibit inflammatory responses in the body (1).  It should also be noted that hemp seeds are one of the only food sources which contain the hard to get GLA.

Please remember that omega 3’s coming from plant sources are in ALA form (Alpha Linolenic Acid). ALA must then be converted in the body into both DHA and EPA. This conversion is very inefficient and not practically for meeting DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosahexaenoic acid) needs in the body.

Deficiencies in EPA and DHA often result in nervous system disorders, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia.  We recommend reading our post on cod liver oil which contains both EPA and DHA in a highly bioavailable form for the body.

3. Excellent Source of Protein

Hemp seeds are a great source of bio available protein which can help nourish and build the body.  The protein found in Hemp is extremely accessible by the body and many athletes and fitness enthusiasts will use it in place of whey protein.  In a 100 gram serving, there is 32 grams of protein!

4. Contain Zero Phytic Acid

Many plant foods contain anti nutrients which can bind to nutrients in the body and cause mineral and vitamin deficiencies if overall diet is poor.  Hemp seeds contain zero phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that has been shown to bind to both calcium, magnesium, and zinc in the body (2).

5. Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of fat.  A diet that includes fatty foods has been shown to keep us fuller longer and control blood sugar levels naturally.  One study showed that the linoleic acid found in hemp seeds can help improve blood sugar levels in the body (3).  This is great news for anyone wishing to manage their blood sugar levels naturally.

Where to Buy Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds can be found at most health food stores in your area.  However, they are often not organic and their quality is lacking.  We have found that Nutiva Organic Super Foods has the best hemp seeds on the market.  They’re soft like butter and always fresh.  They literally melt in your mouth!  Also, they’re certified organic and never sprayed with harmful pesticides.