What are Hemp Hearts and how does it compare nutritionally to Flax and Chia? (October 2013)

Let’s face it when we hear the term hemp whether it be seeds, powder any food or the bag for my yoga mat we think of the cannabis plant don’t we? Interestingly enough hemp foods have become rather popular and they can be nutritionally superior to other Omega 3 &6 fats that we consume.

Hemp foods are used as protein powders, oils and the one that I am going to discuss are Hemp Hearts. Hemp Hearts are great since they nutty, have a slight crunch and can be added to your favorite cereal, salad or yogurt. Sometimes I like to eat them straight from the bag or top a casserole or rice dish with them. They actually are similar in taste to almonds. For 3 tbsp. of hemp hearts we would consume 10 gm. of protein, 10 gm. Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, and 3 gm. CHO. In comparison to Flax another one of my favorites based once again on 3 tbsp. this provides 5.5 gm. of protein, 4.5 gm. Omega 3 &6 gm. fatty acids and 9.5 gm. CHO. Lastly for Chia seeds the same quantity provide 6.3 gm. of protein, 8 gm. Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids and 12 gm. CHO.

All three in comparison are healthy fats for the heart and great for blood sugar stabilization as well as keeping us physically and emotionally content with meals. The nice part about the Hemp Hearts is that there is that crunch factor with the additionally protein so if you are tired of adding nuts to a meal for blood sugar stabilization this could be a new choice. Do not worry you will not fail any drug testing by consuming Hemp Hearts as there are under 10 parts per million which is confirmed by my favorite brand Manitoba Harvest. They sell it at Whole Foods or on Amazon.com