Hemp seeds are a superfood perfect for smoothies and granola bowl toppings. The hemp plant, Cannabis sativa is a relative of the Cannabis (marijuana) plant. However, Sativa, (food grade hemp seed) is a different variety of the species. Food grade hemp seeds have only a minuscule amount of cannabinoids THC. This ensures that they don’t possess psychotropic effects like its cousin marijuana.
How to Add Hemp Seeds to your Diet
Hemp seeds can be consumed raw, roasted cooked, soaked or boiled. The oil of hemp seeds has nice health benefits and has been used as a food and medicine in China for more than 3,000 years. Hemp seeds are another perfect topping additive to sprinkle on your granola. Hemp seeds are gluten free. They are a great grain for those of us that love to sprinkle a little crunch on our granola bowls, acai bowls, smoothies, or on salads.
My favorite way to consume raw hemp seeds is to add them to your breakfast smoothies. You can pull a great smoothie out of your pantry really quick with about 1/4 cup of hemp seeds and two teaspoons of Natural Fruit Powder, or Natural Vegetable Powder, adding some water or almond milk and optionally a big dollop of yogurt. You can also make a hemp milk by blending hemp seeds in water as an alternative to dairy milk in drinks and recipes.
If your gluten sensitive you can use hemp seeds instead of breadcrumbs to cover fish, chicken or baked potatoes.
Raw hemp seeds are great for vegans and vegetarians and those wanting to eat more plant proteins.
Hemp Seeds an Exceptionally Nutritious Superfood.
Hemp Seeds are high a high protein food, healthy in fats, and a range of minerals. Hemp seeds really are an exceptionally nutritious superfood.
Superfood hemp seed is also called hemp hearts. The flavour is mild yet nutty, (similar to chia seeds or flax) and technically they are a nut.
Hemp seeds are an excellent protein additive. Over 25% of the calories in hemp seeds are from better proteins. They are even higher than chia seeds and linseed (flaxseed), where the calories are 16 to 18% proteins.
Raw hemp seed are particularly high in levels of the essential fatty acids. Particularly alpha-linolenic acid (omega3) and linoleic acid (omega6) and gamma-linolenic acid. Gamma-linolenic acid has been linked to several health benefits.
Hemp seeds will boost your vitamin E levels and contain a range of minerals; calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur and zinc.
Hemp Seeds for Plant-Based Protein
Protein is important in your diet. Hemp seeds can provide protein levels similar to beef and lamb. Thirty grams of hemp seeds, or 3 tablespoons, will provide about 11 grams of protein. They are a complete protein source, as they provide all the essential amino acids, a rare thing in the plant world. Our body cannot produce essential amino acids and totally relies on the foods you eat.
The proteins from hemp seeds are high in digestibility. Better than many other grains, nuts and legumes.
Hemp Seeds for General Health
Hemp Seeds are very healthy and have been linked to multiple health benefits. Regular consumption of hemp seeds may reduce your risk of heart disease. Hemp seeds are a great source of arginine and gamma linolenic acid, which have both been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.
They are generally good for your immune system. Studies suggest that your immune system depends on the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
Hemp seeds are a good source of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids. They have about a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which is considered in the optimal range. They are a true superfood.