A Bite-Size Read for Your Health and Waistline
Have you seen hemp in your grocery store? With the craze around plant-based products, hemp is showing up everywhere. First, let’s clear up a common misconception—hemp is not the same as weed. While they both come from the Cannabis plant family, they have different chemical properties. Hemp comes from Cannabis sativa, while weed comes from Cannabis indica. Both can be used for CBD products, but hemp does not contain THC like weed does. It’s legal to grow and sell hemp in all 50 US states, and you’ll find hemp products in everything from textiles and oils to supplements and seeds. So, let’s talk about hemp health benefits and why it’s becoming a must-have in so many kitchens.
Nutritionally, hemp is loaded with powerful components that support wellness. It’s rich in healthy fat, protein, and plant compounds that do our bodies good. In just three tablespoons of hemp seeds, you’ll find about 12 to 14 grams of high-quality fat, 100 to 165 calories, and 9 to 10 grams of protein. You also get a dose of vitamins like vitamin E, along with minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc. These nutrients make hemp a true superfood. The fats are Omega-3 and Omega-6, while the protein includes all eight essential amino acids, making it a complete and easily digestible plant-based protein. That’s one big reason hemp stands out—it may even be a better choice than other plant proteins you’ve tried.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a big fan of fiber when it comes to building healthy habits. Hemp seeds provide about one to two grams of fiber, with a mix of both soluble and insoluble types. Just remember, to get the full fiber benefits, you’ll want to use whole hemp seeds since shelled ones have much less.
So, why add hemp to your meals? Beyond being a complete plant-based protein, hemp’s mix of nutrients can help stabilize blood sugar, support healthy cholesterol levels, and nourish your microbiome. Research has shown that hemp seed and hemp seed oil may also help lower blood pressure and ease symptoms of PMS and menopause. Plus, hemp supports immune health and even helps with certain skin conditions. These hemp health benefits make it a great addition to your daily routine.
If you’re ready to give it a try, start small. A serving size is about three tablespoons, but even one teaspoon or tablespoon can make a difference. Add hemp seeds to your meals or smoothies for a mild, nutty flavor. Sprinkle them on salads, soups, or mix them into oatmeal. You can even blend them into a smoothie for extra protein. Hemp milk is another option, though it won’t give you all the same nutrients as the seeds themselves. Similarly, hemp oil is great for healthy fats but doesn’t provide protein or fiber. Keep in mind that hemp oil has a low smoke point of around 325°F, so it’s best used in salad dressings or drizzled over food after cooking.
As always, check with your doctor before adding hemp to your diet since it can interact with estrogen and some medications. Once you get the all-clear, add hemp to your grocery list this week. It might just be the secret ingredient your smoothies, salads, and plant-based meals have been missing.