Optimize Hemp Seeds: Unlock Maximum Nutritional Benefits

As hemp seeds gain popularity, more people are discovering the benefits of hemp seeds. But I couldn't find a comprehensive guide on hemp seed nutrition anywhere. 

So I decided to create one based on what science tells us about these beautiful seeds. Read on to learn more about hemp seed nutrition, including the macronutrient and micronutrient profiles and how to include them in your diet regularly.

Are you wondering what the nutrition profile of hemp seeds is, and should I eat them every day? Well, you've come to the right place because this is why I created a comprehensive guide on hemp seed nutrition. 

What Is The Nutritional Value of Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds are tiny kernels that you can add to smoothies, salads or almost any other food to give it an extra nutritional boost.

Hemp seed oil from cold-pressed hemp seeds is very nutritious and offers many health benefits. Hemp seeds contain high amounts of magnesium, iron and zinc and are rich in protein and essential fatty acids.

These minerals are crucial for a healthy immune system. Learn more about the benefits of hemp seed oil here.  

The Nutritional Facts of Hemp Seeds

It's essential to consider both the macronutrient and micronutrient profiles when evaluating the nutrient content of any food or supplement. 

Macronutrients include fat, protein, and carbohydrates, whereas micronutrients include vitamins, minerals, and plant-based phytonutrients. 

Hemp seeds are a good choice for people trying to control their cholesterol levels as they are low in saturated fat. Providing plenty of goodness for our bodies, learning about hemp seed nutritional information is vital to unlocking its true brilliance. 

The Hemp Seed Oil Macronutrient Profile

Hemp seed nutrition data shows the macronutrient profile of hemp seed oil, like most other cooking oils, is high in fat, low in carbohydrates, and free of protein. 

The macronutrient profile for The Cannabis Company's 100% raw hemp seed oil is 91% fat, 7% carbohydrates, and 0% protein. We batch-test each run to ensure it meets our strict requirements.

Let's take a look at some science-based hemp seed nutrition facts.

Fatty Acids

The majority of polyunsaturated fats in hemp seed oil are Omega 6s and Omega 3s, which are incredibly healthy polyunsaturated fats.

The 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 in hemp oil (57% and 17% of its total fat content, respectively) is thought to be an ideal balance between the two types of fatty acids. 

These fatty acids are considered to be essential because our bodies need them but cannot make them on their own.

Modern humans, however, tend to consume too many Omega 6s, which are abundant in items like:

• Sunflower oil
• Soybean oil
• Generic' vegetable oil
• Margarine
• Dips
• Sauces
• Potato chips
• And anything in the supermarket or your favourite restaurant that uses oil

Most plants don't provide as much Omega 3s - so we could eat more fish or take fish oil supplements to maintain a better Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio.

This is not a good option for vegans or people who don't like eating fish or animal products. Learn about the science of hemp seed oil vs fish oil here. 

Fortunately, hemp seed oil is one of the few plant-based oils with large amounts of Omega 3s. Scientists believe a balanced omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids diet may reduce inflammation.

Learn more about omegas and fatty acids in this ultimate guide here.

The Hemp Seed Oil Micronutrient Profile

In addition to being incredibly high in vital micronutrients, hemp seed oil is also high in many important vitamins and minerals.

Your body requires these micronutrients to function correctly. 

According to one study on hemp's nutritional value, hemp oil may deliver some of the micronutrients directly to your cells. The less work, the better! 

Vitamin E

There are four varieties of vitamin E: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Unlike most oils, hemp seed Oil provides tocopherols in all four groups. 

Our bodies defend against degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular illness, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer thanks to Vitamin E in hemp Seed Oil. Keep your body healthy with just one teaspoon daily!

B Vitamins

Hemp seed oil provides the specific B vitamins Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyridoxine, and Folate. Our bodies use B vitamins to convert food into energy. 

Vitamin A 

Our bodies can convert hemp oil's carotene compound into Vitamin A. This vitamin supports healthy skin, a robust immune system, and vision and eye health. 

Minerals

Hemp seed oil is packed with essential minerals such as phosphorus, which helps the body produce proteins for cell maintenance, repair, and growth.

Eating hemp seed each day will give your body more magnesium, which is involved in many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve health, as well as potassium, calcium, and zinc.

Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are plant-based compounds that are not vitamins or minerals but still have significant health benefits and are referred to as phytonutrients. 

Chlorophyll, a popular choice for health-focused individuals, has antioxidant and detoxification qualities.

Phytol, which has antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering capabilities, are both examples of phytonutrients, and hemp seed comes packed with them. 

Amino Acids

Hemp seed oil also contains all of the essential amino acids (building blocks of protein). 

Hemp seed nutritional value keeps getting better; also rich in arginine, a precursor for nitric oxide (NO), a signalling molecule now recognised as playing a vital role in cardiovascular function. 

The presence of these molecules in the blood is thought to influence a variety of cardiovascular processes.

These include haemostasis, fibrinolysis, platelet and leukocyte interactions with the arterial wall, vascular tone, smooth muscle proliferation, and blood pressure regulation.

Now we understand the hemp seed's nutritional profile and how this superfood immensely benefits the body. 

Do Hemp Seeds Lose Nutrition When Cooked?

If you let the seeds dry out, you will lose the nutritional benefit. The longer they are cooked, the more likely the omega-3 fatty acids will be destroyed. 

Hemp seeds are generally made to be eaten raw or in cold-pressed oil. A light heat for 30 seconds is more than enough to heat the seeds slightly. 

Make sure to store hemp seeds in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. This will allow them to last longer; hemp seeds will go rancid if cooked for too long or left in the sunlight.

Always read the instructions on the packaging to see how long you can keep them in your pantry.

How Much Hemp Seed Per Day Do I Need?

The required daily intake is one standard-sized teaspoon per day. You can add them to your breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack on them throughout the day.

For inspiration for your hemp creations, check out our recipe section here. All have been tried and tested many times! 

Don't worry; there is no risk of overdosing, and hemp seeds are safe and don't cause any psychoactivity. For more information on the safety of hemp seed, please read our review here.

Hemp Nutrition For Dogs

Hemp is a versatile, low-fat source of protein loaded with essential fatty acids and vitamins. It's also high in fibre and minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorus. This makes it a perfect supplement for dogs and other animals. 

Dogs require a much lower dose than humans; because of this, people have reported seeing benefits almost instantly.

Hemp seeds are considered a complete protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids; products such as this work perfectly for dogs recovering from surgery. 

What is the nutritional value of hemp seeds for animals? Head over to our ultimate guide here. 

Final Words on Hemp Seed Nutrition 

To wrap up, you now know hemp seeds are a tasty, nutritious and healthy alternative to other protein sources. They are rich in essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. 

Eating hemp seeds can help improve your health and overall well-being. Hemp seeds are high in fibre and, therefore, low in calories. This makes them great for weight loss and weight management. 

Eating hemp seeds can help lower cholesterol levels, making them beneficial for heart health. Plus, they are great for people and animals who are looking to boost their protein intake.