5 Health Benefits Of Eating Hemp Seeds

While most people associate cannabis with smoking or vaping, hemp seeds are absolutely packed with nutrients that could level up your health game.

Sure, eating hemp seeds might not seem like the most obvious choice—they’re not exactly pantry staples for most. But they’re incredibly easy to work into your meals and can add a ton of nutritional value. Whether you’re tossing them into a smoothie, sprinkling them over a salad, or snacking on them as is, raw hemp seeds are a natural, nutrient-dense food worth exploring. And no, they won’t get you high—but they might get you hooked on their benefits.

This article breaks down five health benefits of eating raw hemp seeds and why they deserve a spot in your daily eating routine.

Technically, yes—hemp seeds are cannabis seeds since they come from plants in the Cannabis sativa family. But, when most people say “cannabis seeds,” they’re usually talking about seeds from plants bred to produce THC-rich buds, not hemp. While you can technically eat these seeds, their primary purpose is cultivation—not snacking.

Hemp seeds come from industrial hemp plants, which are specifically bred for their low THC content (0.3% or below), making them non-psychoactive. These plants are primarily cultivated for their seeds, fiber, and CBD. Hemp seeds are widely used in food products, health supplements, and even beauty products because they are rich in nutrients like protein, omega fatty acids, and minerals.

Hemp seeds are a versatile superfood, packed with nutrients and a nutty flavor that pairs well with many dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a creative recipe enhancer, these tiny seeds can do it all. Here’s how you can incorporate hemp seeds into your diet:

Here are some ways you can incorporate hemp seeds into your diet:

• Raw: Enjoy them raw, shelled, or unshelled for a mild, nutty taste with a hint of sweetness. Sprinkle them over salads, oatmeal, or yogurt for an easy boost of nutrients.
• Toasted: Toasting hemp seeds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. Try them on soups, roasted vegetables, or mixed into trail mix for added texture.
• Blended: Blend hemp seeds into smoothies for a creamy texture and a boost of protein. You can also make homemade hemp seed milk by blending the seeds with water and straining the mixture—perfect for coffee, cereals, or as a dairy-free alternative.
• Baking: Mix hemp seeds into the batter for breads, cookies, muffins, or energy bars. They add a subtle nuttiness and extra nutrition without overpowering the flavor.
• Cooking: Sprinkle hemp seeds over pasta dishes, grain bowls, or stir-fries as a finishing touch. Their nutty flavor pairs well with savory meals.
• Spreads and Sauces: Blend hemp seeds into pestos, dips, or salad dressings for added creaminess and a nutty undertone. They can even be a base for a rich hemp seed butter.
• Breakfast Boost: Mix them into your granola, cereal, or pancake batter to kickstart your morning with added protein and healthy fats.
• Desserts: Use hemp seeds as a garnish for desserts like ice cream, puddings, or chocolate bark for a crunchy and nutritious topping.
• Soups and Stews: Stir hemp seeds into soups or stews for an extra layer of texture and nutrients, particularly in creamy or hearty recipes.

No, eating hemp seeds won’t get you high. Even eating cannabis seeds that will produce THC-rich strains won’t get you high.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects, doesn’t actually exist in the seeds themselves. THC develops as the plant grows and matures, so while cannabis seeds may hold the genetic blueprint for THC-rich plants, they don’t contain any active THC. It’s all just potential at that point. The same goes for hemp seeds—they contain only trace amounts of cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol), far too little to feel any effects.

If you’re looking to get high, you’re better off sticking to the classics: smoke it, vape it, or try a good old-fashioned edible. Cannabis seeds may be packed with nutrients, but they’re not here for the buzz.

Tell all your bodybuilder friends: the hearts of the seeds from cannabis and hemp plants are rich in plant-based protein.

If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you’d be crazy not to incorporate these tiny nutritional powerhouses into your plan. But, even if you’re a carnivore, hemp hearts can provide a quick and convenient, low-carb, low-fat alternative to meat. It’s always good to switch it up, no matter your menu.

Ask your favorite athletes and fitness professionals about hemp seeds. You may be surprised at just how many people love them. During her fighting prime, Ronda Rousey claimed that she starts each morning with a spoonful of hemp hearts before her workouts.

Well-known fitness brands such as Onnit are offering hemp protein powders, made from powdered seeds, which are pricey but quickly becoming more popular as awareness grows within the fitness community.

While hemp hearts aren’t necessarily the most abundant source of protein, they are super-healthy and easy to digest. If you’re plant-based, or just diversifying your daily protein sources, shelled cannabis seeds should be your favorite new snack.

Hemp seeds also happen to be the plant kingdom’s most prevalent source of essential omega fatty acids.

People used to think that eating fish was the only way for humans to intake enough omegas to stay alive. These “omegas” are amino acids that are necessary for protein production, and life itself, yet our bodies are incapable of making them in-house. Now, we know that supplementing with hemp is a viable alternative.

Omega-3 fatty acids help to promote a healthy heart and brain, among other vital functions. They are present throughout the hemp or cannabis plant. However, the hearts and oils from the seed are the very best source you can find.

If you do go for hemp seed oil over the physical hearts, look for cold-pressed oil of the highest possible quality.

The presence of omegas in cannabis seeds is welcome news for those on restricted diets who can’t consume fish, for health or other reasons. Now they too can ensure that they’re getting enough of this vital fuel. Either way, omegas from hemp hearts definitely do a body good.

Did you know you can lose, gain, or maintain your weight easily, simply by eating a ton of cannabis seeds?

Since shelled hemp seeds are super tasty and filling, they are fantastic for people looking to eat less throughout the day. Or, on the other hand, they can be a superb supplement for those looking to bulk up or just maintain their lean muscle.

Their pleasant nutty flavor is totally non-intrusive when it comes to preserving the flavor of your favorite foods. Plus, they can make things that aren’t as tasty, that much more enjoyable. Many dieters bemoan salads and low-fat “snacks” like plain yogurt, hummus or quinoa.

Mixing hemp hearts into even the blandest foods can provide a little kick of flavor and a lot of extra nutrition.

No matter your goals in the gym or on the scale, hemp seeds are a yummy way to kick-start your days and fuel your body and mind to true greatness.

This pretty much goes without saying, but a diet rich in vitamins, plant-based proteins, and healthy fats will go far in helping you live an optimal and healthy life. The heart of the cannabis seed contains all of these, in a perfect little package!

Raw cannabis and hemp products can provide some serious physical perks, but only if you are willing to make them an everyday part of your diet. This shouldn’t be tough, as they typically come ready-to-eat in huge bags from which you can scoop as desired.

Several benefits accompany a well-lubricated hemp-loving body. For one, you’ll experience decreased inflammation in the joints and muscles due to the healthy fat you’re consuming. You might feel more energy or stamina throughout the day, and have a much easier time managing your weight.

Cardiovascular function and blood pressure are known to improve on a high-omega diet, and there’s even a chance that you could be defending your brain against the onset of Alzheimer’s, dementia or other mental disorders.

Consider adding shelled hemp or cannabis seeds to your diet, rather than make drastic and difficult changes to your routine. You may find that you can control many aspects of your well-being, simply through more wholesome nutrition.

We’re predicting that the healthy trend of eating raw cannabis seeds will grow during 2017. Have you ever had any luck incorporating hemp hearts into your diet? Comment below with your favorite way to eat them.

Or, check out these awesome recipes to get started making your own delicious cannabis seed creations.

• Herbed Italian Polenta Pizza with Hempseed Parmesan 
• Hempseed Pesto Pasta 
• Creamy Pesto Toast