Compare Super Seeds: Chia vs. Hemp vs. Flax
Compare Super Seeds: Chia vs. Hemp vs. Flax
by Andrea D'Ambrosio, Dietetc Directions
Now that you are familiar with the emerging chia seeds and hemp hearts from my past blogs, we are ready to dig in and compare these super seeds to the famous flax seed. Today, we will review what these seeds have in common as well as their distinguishing characteristics.
What do Chia, Hemp and Flax all have in Common?
- Plant based, vegetarian, vegan protein sources
- Complete protein all your essential amino acids
- All gluten free * Contain heart healthy polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 & 6), which support immune function and brain functioning, and are cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory
- All are a source of both protein and fibre
Nutritional Comparison of the Super Seeds:
Per 2 Tbsp Serving | Calories (kcal) | Protein (grams) | Fibre (grams) |
| Chia Seeds | 100 | 3 | 8 |
| Hemp Hearts | 115 | 7 | 3 |
| Flax Seeds | 100 | 3 | 5 |
Find out how chia, hemp and flax compare nutritionally
Chia Seeds:
- Chia seeds win for highest fibre content! In fact, the fibre is mostly the soluble or the cholesterol lowering kind which helps to fill us up until our next meal, adds bulk to stool and helps to control blood sugars.
- Contains 18% of your daily calcium requirement.
- Can be easily digested without a need to grind the seeds (unlike flax seeds).
- Contains the most phosphorus with 27% of daily requirements.
Hemp Hearts:
Hemp wins for the most protein per serving!
Contains 3X more omega-6 than omega 3's (Note: Omega 3 fatty acids from fatty fish (ie., EPA & DHA) are associated with the heart health benefits).
Contains iron and zinc, which are important for body functions.
Flax Seeds:
- Rich source of lignans, a phytochemical which reduces cancer risk by acting as an antioxidant.
- Least expensive to buy compared to hemp hearts and chia seeds.
- Highest source of the plant-based Omega-3 fatty acid (ALA) per serving. Note: ALA fatty acids convert in small amounts to the EPA and DHA form of Omega-3?s that are important for heart health and brain functioning.
- Need to grind flax seeds in order to reap health benefits.
- Can be a substitute for 1 medium egg: 1 medium egg = 1 tablespoon ground flax seed + 3 tablespoons water
Bottom Line:
Aim to eat a more plant-based diet that includes super seeds like chia, hemp and flax for alternative protein sources, added vitamins and minerals along with phytochemicals. If you are looking for a fibre boost, your richest source would be the chia seeds. If you are looking for a protein alternative, your hemp hearts are a great option and reach for that flax to get some more omega 3?s. So be adventurous and start adding some seeds to your yogurts, cereals, salads or when cooking or baking!
How About Some Hemp Hearts?
The concept of a super-food is an emerging phenomenon and encompasses foods with an extraordinary nutritional profile along with associated health benefits. Hemp is considered one of the world?s most nutritious plants and definitely a super-food you want in your pantry!
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a tall plant; in fact, the hemp plant can grow up to 18 feet high! Hemp has a strong, fibrous stalk and tiny, edible seeds known as hemp seeds or shelled as hemp hearts. It can be eaten whole, pressed into an edible oil, or ground into flour for baking. Hemp has been cultivated as food for over 5,000 years and is a staple in Asian diets.
Hemp is a distinct variety of the Cannabis plant but do not be alarmed, hemp is not a drug! A similar comparison would be between poppy seeds and a minuscule (sometimes zero) amount of opium. Therefore, both poppy seeds and hemp seeds are not considered a drug nor are they hazardous to our health. In fact, as you will see, it is quite the opposite!
Nutritional Benefit of Hemp:
The major nutritional benefit of hemp seeds is that they are a complete protein, meaning that they contain all of your essential amino acids (like meat). Therefore, this is the perfect vegetarian, vegan or raw-food protein alternative! Soy protein is the only plant-based source that has more protein than hemp.
Hemp also contains polyunsaturated (cholesterol lowering) fatty acids. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that an ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is 4:1; hemp has a ratio of 3.75:1. This balance provides the body with what it needs for optimal skin health, energy production, nervous system function, brain development, heart health, and immune system support.
Here are the highlighted benefits of hemp seeds:
- Contains all 9 essential amino acids (known as a complete protein)
- Omega 3 + Omega 6 fatty acids (heart health, immunity and anti-inflammatory)
- Magnesium (70% of daily requirement)
- Iron (30% if daily requirement)
- Source of fibre (3g per 3Tbsp severing)
- Good source of phosphorous (vital for metabolism, our nervous system, hormone balance, energy)
- Very low in sodium (1% of daily value)
- Good source of folate (important for women of childbearing age, body cell functioning)
- Vitamin E (antioxidant containing)
- Good source of potassium (heart health, builds muscle, electrolyte)
- Phytosterols (cholesterol lowering)
What are the health benefits of hemp seeds?
How to Find and Use Hemp Seeds?
You can find shelled hemp seeds (aka hemp hearts) at your local grocery store in the health food section. You can also find hemp flour at bulk food stores. To incorporate hemp seeds into your diet, try sprinkling them on top of your yogurt, try topping your salads with them or even baking with hemp flour. You can stir-fry in a little hemp oil or top hemp hearts on top of Asian entrees instead of using sesame seeds.
Bottom Line:
Hemp hearts come from the hemp plant, and are similar in taste and texture to most seeds and nuts. Add hemp seeds to your diet to lower cholesterol, to reduce the risk of heart disease and to promote satiety or the feeling of fullness. However, per serving, hemp hearts contain more protein and essential fatty acids than most seeds and nuts, and are thus, a healthy and nutritious protein alternative.
