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Hemp Seeds vs Macadamia Nuts: Which One is Better for You?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between hemp seeds and macadamia nuts, foods from the nuts and seeds group. Read on to learn more about the hemp seeds vs macadamia nuts comparison.
Michael Whaley, Health Writer

Written by Michael Whaley, Health Writer. Updated on December 29, 2022.

Hemp Seeds and macadamia nuts belong to the nuts and seeds food group, an important group for a healthy diet, as they provide a wide range of essential nutrients, such as protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

In this article, we’ll put a spotlight on hemp seeds and macadamia nuts and compare their similarities and differences.

They both provide a variety of nutrients and are relatively high in calories, like other nuts and seeds.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa) are small, nutty seeds that come from the hemp plant.

These seeds have gained popularity recently as a health food due to their high protein and nutrient content.

Hemp seeds have a slightly nutty and slightly earthy flavor and can be eaten raw or roasted.

They can be added to a variety of dishes, including smoothies, cereals, and baked goods, or used as a topping for salads and other dishes.

Hemp seeds are also available in oil form, which can be used in cooking or as a salad dressing.

They are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They are also a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin E.

Hemp seeds are considered safe for most people to eat. However, it is important to note that they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

If you are allergic to other types of nuts or seeds, it is advisable to be cautious when introducing hemp seeds into your diet.

Overall, hemp seeds are a nutritious and versatile food that can be valuable to a plant-based diet.

If you’re looking to add more protein and healthy fats to your diet, consider giving hemp seeds a try.

Hemp Seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and some Vitamin E.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts (Macadamia spp.) are native to Australia and are now grown in many tropical regions worldwide.

These nuts have a creamy and slightly sweet flavor and are often used in sweet and savory dishes.

Macadamia nuts are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

They are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to have various health benefits.

There are many ways to incorporate macadamia nuts into your diet.

They can be eaten raw or roasted and are often used in baking or as a topping for salads and other dishes. Macadamia nuts are also available in various forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.

Macadamia nuts are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores.

They are often sold roasted or raw and can be purchased with or without the shell. It is important to store macadamia nuts in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh and prevent them from going rancid.

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious nut to add to your diet, consider giving macadamia nuts a try. They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Macadamia Nuts are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) and some Vitamin E.

Hemp Seeds vs Macadamia Nuts Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing hemp seeds vs macadamia nuts.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of hemp seeds and macadamia nuts and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral contents.

Hemp SeedsMacadamia Nuts
Energy553 kcal718 kcal
Carbs8.67 g13.8 g
Sugar1.5 g4.57 g
Fiber4 g8.6 g
Protein31.6 g7.91 g
Fat48.8 g75.8 g
Saturated Fat4.6 g12.1 g

Hemp Seeds vs Macadamia Nuts Calories

Nuts and seeds are generally high in calories; the same goes for hemp seeds and macadamia nuts, so you should consume them in moderation.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a proper serving is one ounce, which is roughly equal to 1/4 cup or 28 grams.

To keep the portions under control, the amounts correspond to one serving size: 14 walnut halves, 16 cashews, 24 almonds, 28 peanuts, or 45 pistachios.

Comparing hemp seeds vs macadamia nuts for weight loss, hemp seeds are slightly lower in calories, with 155 calories per serving, compared to 201 calories per serving of macadamia nuts.

However, both hemp seeds and macadamia nuts can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight. It’s just important to eat them in moderation.

Hemp Seeds vs Macadamia Nuts Protein

Nuts and seeds, including hemp seeds and macadamia nuts, are an important source of plant-based protein.

Hemp Seeds offer around 75% more protein than macadamia nuts.

Hemp Seeds have 31.6 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 8.8g per serving), while macadamia nuts have 7.9 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 2.2g per serving).

Hemp Seeds vs Macadamia Nuts Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in hemp seeds and macadamia nuts.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 37% higher in macadamia nuts than in hemp seeds. They have 13.8 grams per 100 grams, compared to 8.7 grams in hemp seeds.

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There’s less sugar in hemp seeds than in macadamia nuts, 69% precisely.

One handful of hemp seeds (28 grams) contains 0.4 grams of sugar, while the same amount of macadamia nuts contains 1.3 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in hemp seeds and macadamia nuts.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 2.4 grams of fiber per portion, macadamia nuts are a better source of fiber than hemp seeds which offer 1.1 grams per portion.

Hemp Seeds vs Macadamia Nuts Fats

Like the other nuts and seeds, fats in hemp seeds and macadamia nuts are a great source of healthy unsaturated fats, naturally cholesterol free, and free of trans fats.

Total fat in hemp seeds and macadamia nuts:

  • Hemp Seeds: 48.8 grams per 100 grams
  • Macadamia Nuts: 75.8 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, hemp seeds are 62% lower in saturated fats.

Hemp Seeds and macadamia nuts contain 4.6 grams and 12.1 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Hemp Seeds vs Macadamia Nuts Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of hemp seeds and macadamia nuts.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Hemp Seeds have a higher amount of vitamin C, and vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

However, macadamia nuts have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin E.

Hemp Seeds and macadamia nuts contain the same amount of vitamin D, vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), and vitamin K.

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins hemp seeds and macadamia nuts contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Hemp SeedsMacadamia Nuts
Vitamin A11 IU0
Vitamin C0.5 mg1.2 mg
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)1.28 mg1.2 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.285 mg0.162 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)9.2 mg2.47 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)00.758 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.6 mg0.275 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)110 µg11 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E0.8 mg0.54 mg
Vitamin K00

Hemp Seeds vs Macadamia Nuts Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the hemp seeds and macadamia nuts comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Hemp Seeds are a better source of calcium, and selenium than macadamia nuts.

On the other hand, macadamia nuts have a higher amount of copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Hemp Seeds and macadamia nuts contain the same amount of fluoride, and sodium.

Check out the table below to learn how hemp seeds and macadamia nuts compare when it comes to mineral contents.

Hemp SeedsMacadamia Nuts
Calcium70 mg85 mg
Copper1.6 mg0.756 mg
Fluoride00
Iron7.95 mg3.69 mg
Magnesium700 mg130 mg
Manganese7.6 mg4.13 mg
Phosphorus1650 mg188 mg
Potassium1200 mg368 mg
Selenium03.6 µg
Sodium5 mg5 mg
Zinc9.9 mg1.3 mg

The Final Word

Hemp Seeds and macadamia nuts are highly nutritious and excellent sources of plant-based protein and healthy fats.

Although they are relatively high in calories, they are essential to a healthy, plant-based diet and are linked to many health benefits.

Both hemp seeds and macadamia nuts are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Nuts and seeds are versatile foods, and can be part of any meal or salad, just be sure to eat them moderately, as they are loaded with calories.

Nuts and seeds are versatile foods and can be part of any meal or salad, just be sure to eat them moderately, as they are loaded with calories.

Sources

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