What’s So Special About Hemp Hearts’ Nutrition Profile?
Whether you’re an old hand at enjoying hemp hearts or brand new to the bandwagon, it never hurts to brush up on why you should feel great about including this stunner of a superfood in your diet. At a time when many of us are trying to be extra mindful of eating in a way that’s good for ourselves and the planet, there aren’t too many foods that check all the boxes that hemp does in terms of nutrition, versatility, and sustainability.
What are hemp hearts, exactly?
Hemp hearts are the seeds of the hemp plant that have had their hard outer casing or shell removed. They have a delicate, nutty flavor and are incredibly versatile, as you’ll see below. They also pack an incredible nutritional punch.
What’s so special about hemp hearts’ nutrition profile?
Oh boy, where do we start. OK, pull up a chair because this is quite the list:
- Hemp hearts offer 10g plant protein and 12g Omegas 3 & 6 per 30g serving
- Hemp hearts contain an impressive 18 amino acids — including all 11 that our bodies can’t produce on their own.
- Hemp hearts contain gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a role in fighting inflammation.
- In fact, hemp hearts contain nature’s ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids (3:1).
- They’re also a of source of minerals such as phosphorus, niacin, thiamine, manganese, copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Oh, you want more? OK, hemp hearts are also a good source of folate and Vitamin B6.
It’s no wonder that humans have been having an ongoing love affair with hemp for literally thousands of years. For real! It was one of the very first cultivated agricultural crops, as far back as 8,000 BC. And it’s been keeping us fueled ever since.
Now you’re probably wondering, so how do I use hemp hearts?
Great question! Hemp Hearts are extremely versatile and can be used in all sorts of meals and recipes. A few of our favorites include: adding them to smoothies, sprinkling on salads or oatmeal, and even baking with them! They add a subtle nutty flavor and a big ol’ punch of protein and other essential nutrients.
Wow, I’m sold! Off to stock up on hemp hearts!
Hold up, there’s more! We’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you one more super important way that hemp hearts make a smart, responsible, feel-good dietary choice.
As good as hemp is for humans, it’s just as good for the health of the planet. It helps reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, helps to regenerate depleted soil, prevents soil erosion, doesn’t require any pesticides or herbicides to grow, and requires much less water than plants such as soy, almonds, or cotton.
It also helps support hemp farmers, many of whom we’ve cultivated personal relationships with over our quarter century of doing business. We like to think we cultivate our growers with the same care and affection with which they tend their plants. We’ve been working with some of our growers since the 1990s. We know them and their families, and we pride ourselves on helping them make a stable living while adhering to best farming practices. They know they’re working with the leader in the hemp industry, and that we’re committed to everyone’s well-being—from the grower to our own employees to the people who buy our trusted products.
So, there you have it! From nutrition to versatility to sustainability, there’s no shortage of reasons to feel mighty good about your hemp heart habit. We’ll toast to that.
Three Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & products to feature:
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