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 servingAvg qty per 100g
Energy569.8 kJ2279 kJ
Protein9.03 g36.1 g
Total Fat10.73 g42.9 g
– Saturated Fat1.03 g4.1 g
Carbohydrates3.38 g13.5 g
– Sugars (Natural)0.48 g1.9 g
Sodium1.3 mg5 mg
FATTY ACID PROFILE

Avg qty per servingAvg qty per 100g
Total Omega 66585 mg26.34 g
– Linoleic Acid5882.5 mg23.53 g
– Gamma Linolenic Acid505 mg2.02 g
Total Omega 31922.5 mg7.69 g
– Alpha Linolenic Acid1922.5 mg7.69 g
Total Omega 91135 mg4.54 g
-Oleic Acid1130 mg4.52 g
Palmitic acid615 mg2.46 g
Stearic acid255 mg1.02 g
Gondoic acid42.5 mg0.17 g
Behenic acid37.5 mg0.15 g
Lignoceric acid17.5 mg0.07 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.