Hemp is back! This variety of the cannabis plant, not to be confused with its intoxicating cousin (marijuana), is one of the most significant crops in history.

The folklore

Hemp dates back to 8,000 B.C. in present-day Iran and Iraq. It was among the first crops to be cultivated as a textile fiber, in things like cloth, rope and paper. Every part — seeds, stalks, leaves, flowers, roots — can be used. Historically, it has been used as food, in religious rituals, and medicinally to treat ailments like wounds, toothaches and arthritis. Dietary hemp seeds are nutritious, versatile, and tasty.

The facts

Hemp seeds are from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, the same species (but different variety) of Cannabis, or marijuana. Hemp seeds do not contain the psychoactive cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Instead, they contain healthy fats, protein and important minerals. A 1-ounce serving of hemp seeds packs 10 grams of protein to maintain healthy muscles and keep you feeling full longer, 45% DV (DV=Daily Value, based on 2,000 calories/day) of magnesium to support bone density and circulation, and 15% DV of iron for a strong immune system.

The findings

An excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, intake of hemp seeds can support cardiovascular health. According to a study in the journal Nutrients (October 2018), omega-3 fatty acids are essential in the prevention and decreased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and they may be beneficial in obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Hemp seed oil has the highest proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have been linked to reduced risk of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2019).

The finer points

In the market, hemp seeds, or hemp hearts, are found near other nuts and seeds or in the health food section. Raw and shelled varieties are sensitive to heat and light, so store them in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator or freezer. A soft seed, they grind up in smoothies and into nut butter, or they bring a subtle crunch and nuttiness to salads, veggie side dishes, yogurt, cereal and fruit. Mix them into soups and sauces and baked goods like granola and energy bars for a nutrition and flavor boost. You can also find hemp seed oil, extract, milk, protein powder and flour.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)

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