Hemp Hearts Vs Chia Seeds – Which to choose?
The difference between hemp hearts and chia seeds is that chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, while hemp hearts do not.
Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for brain development and function. Chia seeds also provide fiber and protein, making them an ideal snack for vegetarians and vegans.
This powerful superfood contains nutrients like calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin B6, folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, biotin, and vitamin E. It’s also an excellent source of dietary fiber.
Chia seeds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to their high content of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Check out this article if Can I Drink Chia Seeds While Intermittent Fasting
Hemp heart seeds
Hemp hearts are the seeds that remain after removing the fiber from the hemp seed—the hemp seed used in cooking for centuries.
The hemp seed is a popular superfood because it contains a lot of health benefits. Hemp hearts are no different.
They are rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium, and fiber, plant-based protein.
According to Harvard health organizations, hemp seeds can prevent high blood sugar spikes, help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, fight cancer, boost your immune system, improve digestion, and protect against cardiovascular disease.
Hemp hearts are also straightforward to digest. You don’t need any special equipment to make them at home.
For added information, read this article Where Do Hemp Seeds Come From
For healthy diet
The health food industry has become interested in these tiny little seeds. Sold in many grocery stores across America.
You can buy them online too.
Having hemp seeds in your diet will give you all the nutrition.
Yet, if you want to get more out of your hemp hearts, you should consume them daily.
- Vitamin A – hemp seed
Vitamin A is essential for vision, bone growth, reproduction, and immunity.
It helps maintain skin elasticity and keeps eyesight clear. A deficiency in this vitamin causes night blindness.
- Vitamin C – hemp seed
Vitamins C and E are both fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin C is necessary for proper collagen formation and wound healing.
Elevated levels of vitamin C may increase resistance to infection.
- Vitamin E – hemp seed
Vitamine E is known for its antioxidant properties. It protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Antioxidants neutralize harmful substances called free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.
Chia seeds
The chia seed is a popular seed that’s been around for thousands of years. Its health properties can help fight systolic blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, depression, arthritis, asthma, allergies, and even cancer.
One tablespoon of chia seeds provides about 6 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein, and 14 percent of the recommended daily allowance of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA).
These tiny seeds are with essential nutrients, including:
- Omega 3 fatty acids
The essential amino acids in chia seeds can help keep your body strong and healthy.
- Fiber
Fiber is one of the most underappreciated nutritional components of whole foods.
Fiber is in fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, grains, and legumes.
It gives you energy, helps regulate bowel movements, improves heart health, lowers bad cholesterol, and reduces the risk of colon cancer.
- Protein
The protein content that chia seed has can help build muscle mass.
It makes it an excellent choice for athletes who want to bulk up or lose weight.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is vital for maintaining normal nerve function and regulating blood pressure.
It helps control insulin secretion and regulates calcium metabolism.
- Calcium
The calcium found in chia seeds can help strengthen bones and teeth.
It can also help prevent osteoporosis and other bone disorders.
- Iron
Chia seeds have four times as much iron as spinach. It means they have twice the amount of iron per serving.
They’re also rich in antioxidants, which may help protect against certain cancers.
- Potassium
Potassium is needed to balance fluids in the body and maintain good kidney function.
It’s also necessary for muscle contraction and nerve impulses.
- Zinc
The zinc in chia seeds can benefit people who have chronic fatigue syndrome.
Besides these benefits, chia seeds contain high dietary fiber and protein. They are also a great source of magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
So whether you’re looking to boost your health or need some extra nutrition, chia seeds are a wise choice.
Omega 3 and 6 fat ratios of chia seeds and hemp hearts
- Chia seeds contain omega-three fatty acids (ALA) and omega-six fatty acids (GLA). The ratio of ALA to GLA ranges from 1:1 to 2:1.
- Hemp seeds contain omega-six fatty acids. The ratio of ALA/GLA in hemp seeds varies between 0.5:1 and 1:1.
Both chia and hemp seeds are considered “good” sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
But, chia seeds provide more than double the amount of ALA compared to hemp seeds.
So, chia seeds are superior to hemp seeds when providing adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Although both chia and hemp seeds contain omega-6 fatty acids, there is no evidence consuming large quantities of omega-6 fatty acids will increase inflammation.
The final verdict
Both chia seed and hemp seed can be a substitute for flaxseed meals.
But chia seeds are better at supplying the body with omega-3 fatty acids because they contain higher amounts of ALA.
It makes them a healthier option if you’re concerned about getting enough omega-3s.
I hope you learned something from this article.
Hey'all I'm Amy, a born foodie and diagnosed with celiac disease 7 years ago. I refused to cave into tasteless, boring gulten free food and create my own!
On my blog you'll find info & cool facts along with recipes, all on gluten free foods!