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Hemp seeds have recently gained popularity due to their nutritional benefits. They are the small brown seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant and, while they come from the same species as cannabis (marijuana), hemp is a different variety grown for non-drug uses. These seeds are highly nutritious and offer numerous health benefits.
Classifying hemp has been an ongoing debate. Today, it is understood that the differences in hemp are actually subspecies or varieties of the Cannabis genus. Some hemp plants are known for their narcotic effects due to psychoactive compounds, while others are used for making textiles, producing oils, and as animal feed.
In the diet, hemp seeds can be likened to dry fruits and cereals. They can be eaten on their own or added to recipes. Cold pressing these seeds produces oil and leftover material from oil extraction can be used to make flour or animal feed.
Nutritionally, hemp seeds are akin to achenes, a type of fruit. They are rich in lipids, proteins, complex carbohydrates, and contain essential lipids like omega-3, omega-6, and vitamin E. They are significant sources of protein with good biological value, making them particularly useful in vegan diets. They also contain dietary fiber, helpful for digestive health, and a range of vitamins, though the precise amounts are not well-known.
