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

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 but makes them soft and chewy. Either way, hemp seeds are nutritious, providing a significant amount of protein and some carbohydrate, in addition to several vitamins and minerals (particularly magnesium and phosphorus) and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

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 potential contamination with heavy metals and THC, as well as what to consider when choosing and using hemp seed products. Products discussed include Foods Alive Hulled Hemp Seed, Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts Shelled Hemp Seeds, and Nutiva Organic Hemp Seeds, Raw Shelled.

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).