With new fad diets and fitness trends hitting the scene nearly every day, it can be difficult to distinguish the rational from the outright insane. People are doing crazy fitness circuits with the wrong technique and adding extra ingredients to their food that they don’t fully understand. That’s why we’re here to help. A food, or seed rather, that has been getting some buzz recently are hemp hearts – the insides of a shelled hemp seed. Intrigued? We’ll clue you in on some facts to know before adding this little guy into your diet.
They’re High In Protein
Hemp seeds have the most concentrated balance of protein and healthy fats. So if you’re tired of the bars and shakes you’ve become accustomed to be an extra source of protein, sprinkle some hemp hearts over some of your meals. They’re also a more digestible protein than meat, milk, or cheese, making it great for people with sensitive stomachs. Just don’t relay on them for your muscle building protein. What they have in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, they lack in leucine. Leucine is the amino acid that signals to your body that it’s time for your muscles to go. Hemp seeds have a very little amount, so you may want to stick to shakes and bars for post workout needs.
SEE ALSO Fave Things Friday: 3 Protein Pow(d)ers
There Are No Known Allergies
Hemp hearts aren’t nuts, nor do they contain gluten. They are also free of lactose or sugar. Therefore, if you have an intolerance or allergy to any of those foods, hemp hearts serve as a great substitute to still get the nutrition you need.
They Pack Tons of Long Term Benefits
Because of their high amounts of vitamin E and magnesium, it helps increase circulatory health and is often employed in the diets of those who have diabetes. It also reduces blood pressure and cholesterol after consistent use over time. When used in its oil form, hemp hearts contain plant sterols that not only lower cholesterol, but are also being looked at to reduce the risk of colon and prostate cancer.
Be Weary of the Fat Content
Everything in moderation. Even good fat is still fat, and shouldn’t be eaten in excess. Typically, one serving of hemp hearts is 3 tablespoons, which equates to 170 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 13 grams of fat. Even though it’s unsaturated, that’s still a decent chunk of your daily intake, so keep that in mind.
No, It Will Not Get You High
Even though it is of the same Cannabis species as marijuana. According to industrial hemp growers, hemp grown for food purposes such as seeds and oil have virtually no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the reason why smoking weed gets you high. Hemp seeds contain less than .3% of THC.
It’s Still Illegal to Grow Here
The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 recognizes hemp in the same category as marijuana, making it illegal to grow here. Most hemp products are imported into the United States. Canada is a huge supplier of hemp products.
For more Food features, check out our articles here.
What are some nutrition “fads” you want to hear more about?
[…] that flies through the fitness world seemingly every month. Recently, we’ve see the rise of hemp hearts, pre workout supplements, and dandelion tea. It was only a matter of time before the next big fad […]