Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds and Hemp Oil: 

Hemp seeds can be consumed raw, cooked or roasted. Hemp seed oil is made from the oils extracted from the seeds and is also very healthy. Both hemp seeds and hemp oil has been used as food and medicine in China for at least 3,000 years. 

Did you know that it is now legal to eat hemp foods in New Zealand?

Hemp may be one of the few superfoods worthy of their reputation. 

Not only is hemp incredibly nutritious being a great form of proteins and omega fatty acids, but they also improve the environment and are helpful for farmers as a crop.

So, essentially hemp is good for you, and the planet!

Background:

Hemp seeds are from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). They have a mild, nutty flavour and are often referred to as hemp hearts. Technically they are a nut, and are from the same species as cannabis but are a different variety. Hemp seeds contain little-to-no trace amounts (<0.3%) of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Although you can’t get high or fail a drug test from consuming such minimal amounts. Hemp seeds are exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, proteins, and various minerals. Hemp has also been a staple in many cultures for thousands of years, due to its healing and medicinal properties.

Nutrition:

Hemp seeds contain over 30% fat and are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), which are both great for helping brain function. They also contain gamma-linolenic acid and arginine which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Hemp seeds are a great protein source, as more than 25% of their total calories are from high-quality protein. That is considerably more than similar foods like chia seeds and flaxseeds whose calories are 16–18% protein. Hemp seeds are also a great source of vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc. These compounds of the hemp seed provide healthful benefits for the skin, hair, eyes, heart and brain.

Environment:

Hemp crops actually help the environment heal. Hemp plants remove more carbon dioxide emissions from the air than trees do. They also use less water to grow and are pest resistant, so no nasty pesticides need to be put into the environment, keeping the farmers and planet happy.