What Are the Benefits of Hemp Seeds?

What Are the Benefits of Hemp Seeds?

When discussing hemp, there's quite a bit of confusion surrounding this ingredient. Questions like "what is hemp?" and "what are the benefits of hemp seeds?" are questions we often receive here at Bob's Red Mill. And because we'd like you to love this superfood as much as we do, we've created a guide outlining the basics of hemp seeds and the benefits they provide. Continue scrolling for a lesson in Hemp 101. We're confident that once you learn more about this ingredient, it's sure to become one of your favorites.

What Are Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds are the small, edible and oval-shaped seeds of the hemp plant. And while this plant is related to marijuana, it has no psychoactive effects. This is because hemp contains minimal amounts of the chemical THC, which marijuana is known for. Like nuts, hemp seeds contain a crisp light brown outer shell and a soft, chewy center. Hulled hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts, are those in which the out shell is removed, leaving you with the more delicate but still crunchy center that's widely used in various recipes. Hemp seeds can also be found in a powdered form and sold as hemp protein powdera popular plant-based protein supplement.

Benefits of Hemp Seeds

No matter what variety of hemp seeds you purchase, they're bound to be loaded with benefits. From their convenient size to their protein-packed nutritional makeup, hemp seeds are excellent for you and can help add to your healthy lifestyle in the following ways. hemp burgers

Hemp Seeds Can Help Promote Muscle Mass and Restoration

Hemp seeds are an excellent option if you're searching for a plant-based protein source. In powdered form, hemp seeds are sold as a protein powder that adds a powerful nutritional boost to smoothies, baked goods and other recipes. Unlike many plant-based protein sources, hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids and are considered a complete protein. As a result, hemp protein powder can be used to create delicious breakfast smoothies like this green Goodness Hemp Smoothie or impressive desserts like these Hemp Protein Truffles. Our Bob's Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder dissolves easily and has a favorable taste making it an excellent addition to anything you add it to. From pancakes to hot cereals, it's sure to deliver a much-needed increase of protein, fiber and iron to your dishes.

Hemp Seeds May Help Boost Energy

Hemp seeds contain complex carbs, a type of carbohydrate that releases glucose slowly into the bloodstream. This slow release of glucose leads to long-lasting, sustained energy levels. Plus, you'll avoid the dreaded energy spike and crash that simple carbs often provide. For a quick boost of on-the-go energy, use hulled hemp seeds to create this Dried Fruit Cashew Granola. This flavorful granola is bursting with nutrients thanks to our gluten free rolled oats, dried fruit, crunchy nuts and seeds and hemp.

Hemp Seeds Can Help Curb Hunger

Protein isn't the only thing that hemp seeds contain; they also contain fiber, a nutrient known for keeping you fuller for extended periods. This being so, adding a serving size of hulled hemp seeds or hemp protein powder to your morning meal could be the secret to remaining full until lunchtime.

Hemp Seeds Contain Healthy Fats

Hemp seeds provide a perfect balance of plant-based protein and omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. These healthy fats play a crucial role in maintaining your health and help form the structure of every cell wall that you have. Fats like omega-3 and omega-6 also act as energy sources, allowing your lungs, heart, blood vessels and immune system to work more efficiently.

Hemp Seeds Are Convenient

Due to their small size and mild taste, hemp seeds can easily be added to just about anything and are a convenient way to ensure that you're meeting your protein requirements. For example, sprinkle hemp seeds atop a salad recipe or use hemp protein powder to create a nutrient-rich smoothie like this Berry Peachy Hemp Smoothie. No matter what you choose to make with hemp, you're bound to love the result. Loaded Protein Balls

Hemp Seeds are Widely Available

One of the most frustrating things is discovering a nutritious ingredient that you love and not finding it anywhere. Luckily, hemp seeds have grown in popularity over the last few years and are widely available in most grocery stores. Depending on the form of hemp you're searching for, hulled hemp seeds may be found next to the other nuts and seeds or in powdered form alongside the protein powders. All hemp varieties can also be ordered online and delivered straight to your doorstep.

How to Incorporate Hemp Seeds Into Your Diet

Hemp seeds neutral flavor and great texture made them easy to incorporate into your diet in several ways. Whether you're using hemp seeds to boost the nutritional content or the texture, all of your meals can benefit from a bit of hemp. Here are a few tasty recipes we love creating with this superfood.

Hemp Burgers

Do you love throwing backyard barbecues? When it comes to hosting the perfect outdoor afternoon, getting the menu right is crucial. Providing a wide array of appetizers and meal options will ensure that guests remain full and satisfied at your event. That being said, if you're expecting more than a handful of guests at your next gathering, keeping track of everyone's dietary restrictions and preferences can be a bit confusing. To ensure that there's something offered that everyone can eat, we recommend providing both animal and plant-based meal options. These Hemp Burgers are the perfect, plant-based burger recipe. Depending on the other food you'll be serving at the barbecue, you can choose to form these burgers into patties or meatballs. Created with hulled hemp seed, premium shelled sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast, they're made solely with plant-based ingredients and are an excellent option for vegans, vegetarians and those allergic to dairy.

Loaded Protein Balls

There are several reasons why someone may want to increase their protein intake. Whether you are an avid gym-goer or are simply not getting enough protein from your diet, protein powders like hemp protein powder can be used to supply you with nutrients when you need them most. Work hemp protein powder into a protein shake, or use it to make these Loaded Protein Balls. Great in texture and taste, these protein balls are a convenient way to supplement your protein intake. And because they're bite-sized, that can be taken nearly everywhere. Whip up a large batch at the beginning of the week to enjoy on days when you don't have time to sit down and consume a protein-rich meal. Made with our old fashioned rolled oats, shredded coconut, hulled hemp seed, golden flaxseed meal, these convenient protein balls are nearly irresistible.

Gluten Free Carrot Quinoa Cake

Gluten Free Quinoa Carrot Cake Hemp seeds don't have to be used in a filling meal to taste great. In fact, one of our favorite ways to use them is by making a flavorful protein-packed dessert. When made with whole food ingredients, desserts can serve as a way to satisfy your sweet tooth and boost your nutrient intake at the same time. For the perfect dessert that you can serve for any occasion make this tender and flavorful Gluten Free Quinoa Carrot Cake. It's just as delicious as traditional carrot cake and is made with ingredients like almond flour and hulled hemp seed to create a gluten-free base that offers that light and spongy cake texture that we all love.

Paleo Sweet Potato Pancakes

Knowing how to make your favorite breakfast recipes with nutritious ingredients is the key to sticking to a healthy diet. And, because breakfast is arguably the most important meal of the day, you'll want to make sure it's a quality one. Using hemp seeds as a topping on delicious pancakes like these Paleo Sweet Potato Pancakes is an excellent way to incorporate this ingredient into your weekly menu. Naturally sweetened with sweet potatoes, maple syrup and organic coconut sugar, these pancakes are sure to be the sweetest part of your day. It's a recipe that both children and adults will enjoy and is sure to become a family favorite. Eager to begin using hemp seeds in your everyday recipes? Loaded with benefits, hemp seeds are sure to take your meals and nutrition to the next level. Whether you choose to enjoy hemp for breakfast or dessert, we're sure that you'll love the uniqueness this ingredient adds to your meals. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a healthy and happy day! Do you use hemp seeds in your recipes regularly? We'd love to hear more about the ways you use hemp seeds and hemp protein powder in the kitchen. Share your thoughts on hemp with us in the comments below.  
Bob's Red Mill
December 17 2021

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