Hemp seeds are the unshelled seed of the hemp plant while hemp ‘hearts’ are the shelled internal portion of these seeds which contains not only the delicious mild nutty flavor but also the wide array of nutrients and health benefits. For centuries the seeds have been used for oral and topical applications to treat and prevent certain health issues. A growing body of research is backing up many of purported benefits of these seeds, documented to at last 3,000 years ago in modern China.
- one of the few plant-based foods that contain all nine essential amino acids
- considered to be a "complete protein"
- great source of vitamin E and B-vitamins
- good source for magnesium, manganese, and zinc
- member of the cannabis family
Sources
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10681-004-4811-6
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20977230/