Hemp Seeds: Health Benefits, Safety, and What To Consider When Picking a Product

Written by Meredith Worthington, Ph.D. — Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Updated November 14, 2024 ⓘ

Whole hemp seeds and hemp hearts in small white bowls

Answer:

Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). They can be eaten with the shell intact (as "whole" hemp seed) or after the shell has been removed (i.e., as "hulled" hemp seeds or "hemp hearts"), which reduces their fiber content.

Hemp seeds are promoted for conditions including heart health, diabetes, boosting testosterone, improving body composition, premenstrual syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sign in as a member to find out if there is evidence supporting the use of hemp seeds for these conditions, as well as information about safety and what to consider when choosing and using hemp seed products.

Also see our Reviews that discuss hemp seed extract (in our CBD Review), hemp seed protein (in our Protein Powders Review, hemp seed oil (in our Seed Oils Review, and hemp milk (in our Plant-Based Milks Review).

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