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Hemp Seeds vs Poppy Seeds: What’s The Difference?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between hemp seeds and poppy seeds, foods from the nuts and seeds group. Read on to learn more about the hemp seeds vs poppy seeds comparison.
Catherine Toledo, Journalist

Written by Catherine Toledo, Journalist. Updated on December 30, 2022.

Hemp Seeds and poppy seeds 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 poppy seeds 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.

Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds (Papaver somniferum) are the tiny, black seeds of the poppy plant, native to the Mediterranean region.

These seeds have a slightly nutty and slightly earthy flavor, and are often used in a variety of dishes, including breads, pastries, and savory dishes.

Poppy seeds are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

They are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

There are many ways to incorporate poppy seeds into your diet.

They can be eaten raw or roasted, and are often used as a topping for salads and other dishes.

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious seed to add to your diet, consider giving poppy seeds a try.

They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Poppy Seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin E and some Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

Hemp Seeds vs Poppy Seeds 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 poppy seeds.

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

Hemp SeedsPoppy Seeds
Energy553 kcal525 kcal
Carbs8.67 g28.1 g
Sugar1.5 g2.99 g
Fiber4 g19.5 g
Protein31.6 g18 g
Fat48.8 g41.6 g
Saturated Fat4.6 g4.52 g

Hemp Seeds vs Poppy Seeds Calories

Nuts and seeds are generally high in calories; the same goes for hemp seeds and poppy seeds, 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 poppy seeds vs hemp seeds for weight loss, poppy seeds are slightly lower in calories, with 147 calories per serving, compared to 155 calories per serving of hemp seeds.

However, both hemp seeds and poppy seeds 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 Poppy Seeds Protein

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

Hemp Seeds offer around 43% more protein than poppy seeds.

Hemp Seeds have 31.6 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 8.8g per serving), while poppy seeds have 18 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 5g per serving).

Hemp Seeds vs Poppy Seeds 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 poppy seeds.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 69% higher in poppy seeds than in hemp seeds. They have 28.1 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 poppy seeds, 50% precisely.

One handful of hemp seeds (28 grams) contains 0.4 grams of sugar, while the same amount of poppy seeds contains 0.8 grams.

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

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

With 5.5 grams of fiber per portion, poppy seeds are a better source of fiber than hemp seeds which offer 1.1 grams per portion.

Hemp Seeds vs Poppy Seeds Fats

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

Total fat in hemp seeds and poppy seeds:

  • Hemp Seeds: 48.8 grams per 100 grams
  • Poppy Seeds: 41.6 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, poppy seeds are 2% lower in saturated fats.

Poppy Seeds and hemp seeds contain 4.5 grams and 4.6 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Hemp Seeds vs Poppy Seeds Vitamins Content

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

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, vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and vitamin E.

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

Hemp Seeds and poppy seeds 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 poppy seeds contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Hemp SeedsPoppy Seeds
Vitamin A11 IU0
Vitamin C0.5 mg1 mg
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)1.28 mg0.854 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.285 mg0.1 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)9.2 mg0.896 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)00.324 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.6 mg0.247 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)110 µg82 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E0.8 mg1.77 mg
Vitamin K00

Hemp Seeds vs Poppy Seeds 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 poppy seeds comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Hemp Seeds are a better source of calcium, copper, iron, selenium, and sodium than poppy seeds.

On the other hand, poppy seeds have a higher amount of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Hemp Seeds and poppy seeds contain the same amount of fluoride.

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

Hemp SeedsPoppy Seeds
Calcium70 mg1440 mg
Copper1.6 mg1.63 mg
Fluoride00
Iron7.95 mg9.76 mg
Magnesium700 mg347 mg
Manganese7.6 mg6.71 mg
Phosphorus1650 mg870 mg
Potassium1200 mg719 mg
Selenium013.5 µg
Sodium5 mg26 mg
Zinc9.9 mg7.9 mg

The Final Word

Hemp Seeds and poppy seeds 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 poppy seeds 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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