Which Is Healthier, Flax or Hemp?

Which Is Healthier, Flax or Hemp?

Have you ever stared at your morning smoothie bowl and thought, “Wait, should I sprinkle flax or hemp seeds today?”

I know, first-world problems, right? But hey, when you care about your health (or at least pretend to during brunch conversations), these decisions matter. Let’s cut to the chase and settle the flax vs hemp debate—well, sort of. At least let's make it sound like we’re trying.

Let’s talk flax

Now, flax seeds have been around the block a few thousand years longer than hemp—ancient Egyptians and Greeks used them, and who am I to argue with a toga-wearing philosopher? Flax seeds are pretty high in fibre and packed with omega-3 fatty acids—those good fats we keep hearing about. They're also one of the richest sources of lignans, which might help you dodge a few serious health bullets, like certain cancers (more on that here). Not bad for something you'd usually mistake for bird food.

Just remember, if you want to reap all these benefits, you’ve gotta grind them. Otherwise, they’ll just politely pass right through you without saying hi. Trust me, been there, regretted that.

But wait, what about hemp seeds?

Now let’s shift gears and talk about the superstar I'm obviously biased towards—*hemp*. Sure, flax has fibre, but hemp seeds take the cake in protein. We’re talking serious muscle-building protein. About 10 grams of protein per three tablespoons. Hello, vegan friends—these seeds are basically plant-based gold. They also offer minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc (check the stats here). Not to brag, but that's the nutritional equivalent of winning a tiny, edible lottery.

Yes, the omega balance in hemp seeds leans towards omega-6 rather than omega-3, but don't let that freak you out. The balance is still great, especially if your diet isn't just pizza and regret.

If we're going head-to-head purely on protein and mineral goodness, hemp seeds take a comfortable win. Flax, though, is still the king of fibre.

But Oscar, which seed really wins?

Here’s my incredibly diplomatic answer—you should eat both. I know, not the dramatic verdict you were hoping for. But honestly, if you’re mixing them up, you’re getting the best of both worlds. Why settle for just omega-3 or high protein when you can throw both on your breakfast bowl and feel smugly superior to everyone at yoga?

After all, flax gives you fibre, lignans, and omega-3s, while hemp covers protein, minerals, and balanced fats. It’s a match made in superfood heaven.

From your breakfast bowl to your bedroom sheets?

Now, here's where things get really interesting. We often talk about hemp in terms of nutrition, but what about the fabric side of things? There are quite a few differences between linen and hemp sheets, and there's a strong reason why I personally believe hemp sheets are better. (Not biased at all, I swear.)

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Hemp fabric naturally regulates temperature—keeping you cool in Aussie summers (which feel hotter every year) and cosy in winter. Unlike flax linen, hemp also becomes softer each time you wash it. So yes, your hemp doona cover literally improves every laundry cycle. Tell me that’s not magic.

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Speaking of sustainability…

When I first got into hemp bedding, I didn’t just do it because it felt like sleeping in clouds (though that was a huge selling point). Hemp cultivation is genuinely better for the environment. It uses less water, doesn’t need pesticides, and can even regenerate the soil. If sustainability is something you care about (and it should be), switching to hemp sheets makes as much sense as sprinkling seeds on your smoothie bowl.

You can dive deeper into why I'm such a hemp evangelist here. Seriously, I'm borderline obsessed, and proud of it.

What about the itchy stigma?

Ah, the infamous itch factor. I used to get asked, “Oscar, aren’t hemp sheets itchy?” Short answer: no. Long answer: definitely no. Hemp fabric isn't that weird, scratchy stuff you'd find in an old hippie's wardrobe. Modern hemp bedding is smooth, soft, and feels amazing against your skin—especially after a few washes.

If you're skeptical, have a quick read about whether hemp sheets are itchy. Spoiler: they aren’t.

Let’s wrap this up like a cosy doona

So here’s your takeaway: sprinkle both hemp and flax seeds on your breakfast, because your body deserves all those amazing nutrients. And when you're done eating, snuggle into your hemp sheets because your skin deserves that softness too.

If you’re still tossing up between linen and hemp, just give hemp a go. Your bed—and the planet—will thank you for it. And if you're unsure about anything I've rambled about, just reach out. I'm always keen for a chat, especially if it’s about hemp.

Sweet dreams and smoothie bowls, mates!

Love,

Oscar from Jo Dope

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