The benefits of eating hemp seeds
New national research shows over two million Australian adults are unlikely to ever benefit from one of the world’s most nutritious plant-based foods – hemp seeds – partly due to incorrect perceptions that the seeds can alter your state of mind.
Leading Australian nutritionist and chef Zoe Bingley-Pullin, released the survey results as part of an education campaign aimed at clearing up these common misconceptions and highlighting the nutritional benefits of edible hemp seed products.
Hemp foods are a favourite with the health conscious in many other parts of the world. However, most Australians are not aware that hemp is now available as a healthy, tasty and nutritious food, which does not contain the amount of THC chemical known to alter one’s state of mind and bodily function.
The national survey results highlight this confusion with nearly four in ten (39 per cent) Australian adults under the impression that hemp foods are the same as other baked goods containing illegal (THC containing) ingredients.
One in five Australians are also concerned about whether these foods are legally permitted to be sold and consumed in Australia.
Hemp seeds were acknowledged as a nutritious addition to a healthy diet by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) when regulation changes came into effect allowing the sale of these low THC hemp seed foods in Australia from mid-November 2017.
For years, hemp seed foods have been a pantry staple for international consumers seeking healthy food options.
When added to a healthy diet, they offer a number of nutritional benefits. Hemp seeds are a good source of protein, they contain all three of the essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 and 9) needed for the human body to function and they also contain dietary fibre which can aid digestion.
Would you add hemp seeds to your diet or do you believe they can have mind-altering consequences?
Someone gave me a bottle of hemp seed oil as a present once. I did use it with no ill effects and unfortunately didn't get high! Haven't tried the actual seeds.