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Nutritionist explains why all vegetarians should have these seeds daily because it is a complete source of protein

Nutritionist recommends daily consumption of hemp seeds for vegetarians, highlighting their complete protein profile and omega fatty acids. 

Published on: Mar 13, 2026 4:18 PM IST
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Protein is one of the most essential nutrients in our diet, whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, or just stay healthy. On average, the recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for a sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, according to the Mayo Clinic. So, a person who weighs 75 kilograms should consume 60 grams of protein per day.

Hemp seeds are a great source of protein. (Freepik)
Hemp seeds are a great source of protein. (Freepik)

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1 seed, which is a complete source of protein

However, if you are a vegetarian, meeting your daily protein requirements through sources other than protein-rich lean meat, poultry, fish, and eggs can be quite difficult. While tofu, paneer, nuts, seeds, legumes and beans are sources of protein, finding other alternate sources can help you meet daily requirements.

In an Instagram post shared on March 13, Deepsikha Jain, a nutritionist, MSc. global public health nutrition, UK, and national diabetes educator, highlighted one seed that all vegetarians should include in their diet because it is a complete source of protein: hemp seeds.

Benefits of hemp seeds

Explaining why all vegetarians should try to eat hemp seeds daily, the nutritionist noted, “Hemp seeds are a great source of protein. They are a complete source of protein with all nine essential amino acids, making them ideal for vegetarians.”

Additionally, she noted that hemp seeds contain a good amount of omega-3s and omega-6s, which help provide several benefits to the body, including:

  • reduce inflammation,
  • improve brain function
  • boost brain cognition

According to the Cleveland Clinic, in addition to these benefits, consuming hemp seeds also provides the body with antioxidants to fight disease, fatty acids to protect skin and hair, healthy fats and fibre to lower cholesterol, and linolenic acids to reduce PMS symptoms.

How to consume hemp seeds?

As for how to consume these seeds, the nutritionist suggested powdering them and taking them daily. “You can easily take up to a tablespoon of hemp seeds on a regular basis. Share this with all vegetarians so they do not miss out on this nutritious food,” she added.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Krishna Pallavi Priya
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Krishna Pallavi Priya

    Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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