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Hemp Seed: A True Superfood
Many foods may be touted as a superfood, but hemp seed lives up to the title.
Hemp seed, technically a nut, is well-known for its nutritional benefits and often referred to a super-food. Far from being a pretender, its nutritional credibility is well-documented.
Hemp seed is considered to be one of the world’s most complete sources of protein and contains high levels of essential fatty acids that include omega 3, 6 and 9. The seed is also rich in linoleic acid as well as essential vitamins and minerals such as:
- Vitamin E,
- Phosphorus,
- Potassium,
- Sodium,
- Magnesium,
- Sulphur,
- Calcium,
- Iron, and
- Zinc
Ideal For Vegans And Vegetarians
Hemp seed can be a key source of protein for vegans and vegetarians, and being rich in both protein and fibre it may be of assistance in weight management, stabilising blood sugar levels and improving gut health – all of which are essential for overall well-being.
Hemp seed is usually consumed as “hearts” (hulled seed – the shell removed) or in a protein powder form, which may come from hulled or unhulled seed. These hemp seed derivatives have a wide range of food applications, including being blended into smoothies, baked into cakes and cookies, sprinkled over yoghurt and cereal as well as salads, and included in muesli bars.
The seed is described as having a nutty taste – but doesn’t have the same allergy risks associated with tree nuts. While it would be unwise to claim hemp seed won’t ever create any sort of allergic reaction in anyone, such events appear to be rare.
Hemp seed only contains trace levels of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD – so low it has no mood-altering or intoxicating properties regardless of how much is consumed.
Not All Hemp Seed Is The Same
It’s wonderful to see Australians embracing hemp seed. When considering different brands, it’s a good idea to compare nutrient levels as they may vary greatly depending on a range of factors including the hemp variety and conditions it is grown under. We think you’ll be very pleased with how Byron Bay Labs products stack up against the rest!
For example, here’s some nutritional information for Byron Bay Labs’ Thrive – our hulled hemp seed product:
| NUTRITION INFORMATION – BYRON BAY LABS “THRIVE” | ||
| SERVINGS PER PACKAGE: 20 | ||
| SERVING SIZE: 25g | ||
| Avg qty per serving | Avg qty per 100g | |
| Energy | 569.8 kJ | 2279 kJ |
| Protein | 9.03 g | 36.1 g |
| Total Fat | 10.73 g | 42.9 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 1.03 g | 4.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.38 g | 13.5 g |
| – Sugars (Natural) | 0.48 g | 1.9 g |
| Sodium | 1.3 mg | 5 mg |
| FATTY ACID PROFILE | ||
| Avg qty per serving | Avg qty per 100g | |
| Total Omega 6 | 6585 mg | 26.34 g |
| – Linoleic Acid | 5882.5 mg | 23.53 g |
| – Gamma Linolenic Acid | 505 mg | 2.02 g |
| Total Omega 3 | 1922.5 mg | 7.69 g |
| – Alpha Linolenic Acid | 1922.5 mg | 7.69 g |
| Total Omega 9 | 1135 mg | 4.54 g |
| -Oleic Acid | 1130 mg | 4.52 g |
| Palmitic acid | 615 mg | 2.46 g |
| Stearic acid | 255 mg | 1.02 g |
| Gondoic acid | 42.5 mg | 0.17 g |
| Behenic acid | 37.5 mg | 0.15 g |
| Lignoceric acid | 17.5 mg | 0.07 g |
From this same seed source, we also create hemp protein powder, which of course contains much higher levels of protein again.
A Sustainable Crop
The hemp plant that produces the seeds is also an environmentally friendly and sustainable crop with a very low carbon footprint. It is a quick growing plant that doesn’t require the chemical treatments associated with conventional crops, does not deplete nutrients from soil and has a multitude of primary and secondary uses that the Western world is really only just beginning to embrace again.
Discover more about the hemp seed we source for the Byron Bay Labs range of protein powder and other products.