When you hear the word hemp you probably think of hippies and even those hemp necklaces that were popular back in the 90s. However, hemp is an excellent source of nutrients and is becoming more popular as we learn more about its nutritious punch. Hemp seeds can be used in cereals, salads, baked goods, smoothies, and even to make dairy-free milk. While the products are made from the seeds of the same Cannabis sativa L plant that produces marijuana, they do not contain any THC – the psychoactive element of marijuana.
Hemp seeds have a nut-like flavor. I like to add them to homemade granola bars and as a crunchy topper to salads. My favorite way to use hemp seeds is by making my homemade Vanilla Cashew Hemp Milk. The milk has somewhat of a nutty taste and a very creamy texture.
Hemp seeds and hemp milk provide a healthy 3-to-1 ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids and 10 essential amino acids, which make it a great source of vegetarian protein. Beta-carotene, magnesium, phytosterols, calcium, fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and ascorbic acid are among the other nutrients found in hemp seeds, hemp milk, and other hemp products!
It is important to note that hemp seeds do not pose the allergenic threat presented by tree nuts. Also, those allergic to soy and dairy should be able to consume hemp milk safely.
Some more hemp recipes:
My fellow hemp lovers at Hippie Butter give us 10 Reasons Everyone Should Eat Hemp:
1) Hemp seed products taste great! With a taste similar to sunflower seeds and pine nuts, hemp seed products come in many forms: hulled, toasted, flour, protein powder, oil, coffee, butter and more.
2) Hemp seeds have the perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 essential fatty acids that benefit the body most.
3) Hemp Seed products are easy to incorporate into your favorite recipes: eat hemp seeds straight out of the bag, replace low-temperature oils with hemp seed oil, swap grain-flours for hemp seed flour and protein powder to add nutty flavor to breads, crackers and pastries.
4) Hemp seeds make you feel “full” so it’s easier to lose weight when eating hemp seeds everyday.
5) Eating hemp seeds in the afternoon is a great way to get an extra energy boost when needed the most. Try Hemp Seed coffee!
6) Hemp Seed Protein contains the 18 key amino acids including the 10 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce. Proteins are considered complete when they contain the essential amino acids in a sufficient quantity and ratio to meet the body’s needs. Hemp seeds supply these high quality proteins (EAAs) for a well-balanced diet. Hemp seeds are great for the whole family: expectant moms, dads, kids, athletes, convalescents and seniors.
7) Hemp Seed Oil is the perfect fish oil replacement. “Sea-free” hemp seed oil is mercury-free, contains the perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 essential fatty acids, tastes nutty and fresh and won’t give you fishy burps.
8) Hemp seeds are an excellent source of calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese. Hemp seeds are gluten-free, will not trigger celiac disease, and are high in Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids that benefit cardiovascular health, reduce cholesterol and triglyceridel levels, and decrease the cellular explosion associated with atherosclerosis.
9) Hemp seeds are nutty, delicious, taste better and are easier to cook with than flax seeds or chia seeds.
10) The hemp plant that grows hemp seeds is a renewable green resource for more than 50,000 products!
Check out their website for a whole slew of hemp products from hemp seeds to hemp skin care!
My favorite product is Hippie Butter, which is a healthier alternative to peanut butter!
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