Hemp Seeds contain all 9 essential (we can’t make them – so we have to eat them!) amino acids and so are a complete plant-based protein. In fact, hemp seeds contain 20 amino acids. Hemp is especially high in Edestin and Albumin, globular proteins that are easily digested and easy for our bodies to put to use.

Hemp Seeds contain 50% more protein, ounce-for-ounce, than almonds, chia or flax seeds.

The fats in Hemp Seeds are almost entirely polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fatty acids that our bodies can’t make, and which are essential for us to consume in our food. The American Heart Association says, “polyunsaturated fats can have a beneficial effect on your heart when eaten in moderation and when used to replace saturated fat and trans fat in your diet.” Omega-6 (linoleic acid) and Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) fatty acids are both PUFAs, and while Omega-6’s are common in many vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, hemp stands out for delivering the perfect balance for humans of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids of approximately 3:1. Studies suggest that our immune systems depend on the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

Hemp seeds are rich in minerals important for our health. One ounce of Hemp Shelled Seeds (Hearts) or Hemp Protein50 contains 20-45% of the RDA of vitamins B1 and B6, iron, magnesium and zinc!  Some of these can be hard to obtain enough of on a plant-based diet – but hemp delivers uniquely high amounts of what our bodies need.

Hemp seeds contain high amounts of the amino acid Arginine, which produces nitric oxide in our bodies. Nitric oxide has been shown to have possible positive effects on the circulatory system that reduce the risk of heart disease. The gamma-linolenic fatty acid (GLA) found in hemp seeds has also been linked to reduced inflammation, which may decrease our risk of diseases like heart disease.

Studies have shown benefits for symptoms of PMS and menopause via intake of fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA). One ounce of shelled hemp seeds contains approximately 570mg of GLA.

Hemp seeds contain almost zero sugar (<1 gram per serving, but we have to round it up to 1 gram). Such amazing protein, health-promoting fats and density of minerals and vitamins – but with nearly no sugar!