Nutrition Faceoff: Flax Seeds vs. Hemp Hearts

Written By Sofia Layarda, MPH, RD on Nov 28, 2012

(HealthCastle.com) This month, instead of looking at packaged food products, we decided to look at two items popular with healthy-food enthusiasts: flax seeds and hemp hearts.

Nutrition Faceoff: Flax Seeds vs. Hemp Hearts

	Flax Seeds	Hemp Hearts
Serving Size:	3 Tbsp (31 g)	3 Tbsp (30 g)
Calories:	165 kcal	170 kcal
Fat:	13 g	13 g
Saturated Fat:	1.1 g	1.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat:	2.3 g	1.5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat:	8.9 g	10 g
Omega-6 Fatty Acids:	1.8 g	8 g
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:	7 g	2.5 g
Protein:	5.7 g	10 g
Total Carbohydrates:	8.9 g	3 g
Fiber:	8.4 g	3 g

Dietitian's Take

• Both flax seeds and hemp hearts are great sources of unsaturated fatty acids. Flax seeds contain more omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid, aka ALA) than omega-6 fatty acids, while hemp hearts contain more omega-6 fatty acids (gamma-linolenic acid, aka GLA) than omega-3 fatty acids. 
• Flax seeds and hemp hearts provide about the same amount of calories. They contain the same amount of fat, but flax seeds contain more fiber, while hemp hearts contain more protein.  

Our Pick: It's A Tie!

You can't go wrong with either one of these; it's a matter of preference. If you eat seeds for their protein value, go for hemp hearts. On the other hand, if you eat seeds for their fiber content, go for flax seeds. They each have something to offer nutritionally, and you likely wouldn't be consuming large quantities in one sitting. So, incorporate either seed as a topping for cereal, yogurt, or salad or add into baked goods! Note that flax seeds come in golden and brown varieties.