What Are Hemp Hearts?

Updated July 2026 | Cannanda Hemp Guide

Hemp hearts are the soft, edible inner core of hemp seeds; the part you get after you remove the tough outer shell. Small, with a mild nutty flavour, they're one of the most nutritionally complete plant foods you can eat. If you're curious about hemp for health, this is a good place to start. And if you're specifically looking for hemp's therapeutic potential beyond nutrition, there's something important to know at the end.

What Hemp Hearts Actually Contain

Hemp hearts are a genuinely exceptional food. Here's what's packed into those small seeds:

Complete proteinHemp hearts contain all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks your body needs for muscle repair, enzyme production, and tissue maintenance. Roughly 10g of protein per 3-tablespoon serving.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acidsIn an ideal 3:1 ratio that's associated with anti-inflammatory benefits. Most modern diets skew heavily toward omega-6, making hemp's balance genuinely useful.

GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)An anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid rarely found in food. This is why people take evening primrose oil supplements; hemp hearts provide it as a food source.

Stearidonic acid (SDA)A plant-based omega-3 that converts to EPA (the active anti-inflammatory omega-3) far more efficiently than the ALA found in flaxseed.

FiberSupports healthy digestion, steady blood sugar, and sustained energy between meals.

Vitamins and mineralsVitamin E, magnesium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus, all in meaningful quantities from a small serving.

Health Benefits of Hemp Hearts

Heart health: The omega-3/omega-6 balance and GLA content support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce inflammatory load on the cardiovascular system.
Digestive health: Fiber content supports smooth digestion and gut regularity.
Sustained energy: The combination of protein and healthy fats provides steady energy without the spikes of simple carbohydrates.
Brain function: Hemp seed oil provides the fatty acids the brain needs for optimal function, focus, and memory support.
Skin health: The fatty acid profile supports skin hydration and may help with inflammatory skin conditions.

How to Eat Hemp Hearts

Hemp hearts are one of the most versatile foods around; they blend into almost any dish without changing the flavour dramatically. Sprinkle them on yogurt, oatmeal, or salads for added protein and crunch. Blend them into smoothies for creaminess and nutrition. Stir them into soups or pasta. Mix them into muffin or cookie batter. A recommended daily serving is 2–3 tablespoons. For a full guide on ways to use them, see how to eat hemp hearts.

Who Should Use Caution

Hemp hearts are generally safe for most people. Those on medications should be aware that hemp seeds may have mild effects on enzyme activity; talk to your doctor if you're on multiple medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children should consult a healthcare provider before adding hemp hearts regularly. Those with nut or seed allergies should introduce slowly and watch for any reactions.

Beyond Nutrition: The BCP Upgrade

Hemp hearts are an excellent food. But if you're researching hemp specifically because you're dealing with something like chronic pain, inflammation, joint issues, sleep problems, or immune health, hemp hearts alone won't get you there. Nutrition is one thing. The therapeutic action you're looking for requires something different.

Here's what science found: hemp contains a compound called beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a terpene that also appears in black pepper, cloves, and rosemary. In 2008, researchers discovered it was the only known dietary compound to directly activate CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CB2 receptors govern inflammation, immune function, and pain modulation across your body.

This is genuinely different from the nutrition hemp provides. BCP doesn't nourish the body; it activates a specific receptor system to rebalance it. The result is a reduction in inflammatory cytokines, modulation of pain signals, and support for immune balance.

Hemp hearts and standard hemp seed oil

Excellent nutrition: complete protein, omega-3s, GLA, SDA, vitamin E, minerals. Supports general health and wellbeing as part of a balanced diet.

Cannanda CB2 Hemp Seed Oil

All of the above, plus BCP infused in every serving to directly activate CB2 receptors. Adds the endocannabinoid system support that hemp seed oil alone can't provide.

Cannanda's CB2 Hemp Seed Oil is certified-organic cold-pressed Canadian hemp seed oil with BCP infused into it. Same exceptional nutrition as regular hemp seed oil. Same nutty taste, same versatility in food. But with direct CB2 receptor activation added to every serving. If you're going to use hemp seed oil anyway, this is the one to use.

For the research on what CB2 receptor activation does, see the CB2 studies page.

Hemp hearts got you interested. CB2 Hemp Seed Oil is the next step.

All the nutrition of premium hemp seed oil, with BCP for CB2 receptor activation. Zero THC. No drug interactions. Money-back guarantee.

Shop CB2 Hemp Seed Oil See the Research

Frequently Asked Questions

What do hemp hearts do?

Hemp hearts provide complete protein (all nine essential amino acids), balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, GLA, stearidonic acid, fiber, vitamin E, and essential minerals. They support heart health, digestion, sustained energy, brain function, and skin health as part of a balanced diet.

Can hemp hearts make you test positive for drugs?

No. Hemp hearts contain very low levels of THC, not enough to trigger a positive drug test in normal serving quantities. Hemp hearts and hemp seed oil are food products, not controlled substances.

How much hemp should I eat daily?

A recommended serving is 2–3 tablespoons of hemp hearts per day. Start with 1 tablespoon if you're new to them, and increase gradually. Hemp hearts are high in fiber, so giving your digestive system time to adjust helps avoid any initial bloating.

Why are hemp hearts expensive?

Hemp is a more resource-intensive crop to cultivate and process than some other seeds. The hulling process to remove the shell and leave just the soft heart adds production cost. That said, the nutritional density and protein content per dollar compares favourably to many other premium plant proteins.