Hemp Seeds

No. The Super Bowl and picture (above) did
not inspire this post.
Though the timing is good!
Actually hemp seeds and marijuana come
from the same species of plant, but
different  varieties and the similarities
stop there. Hemp seeds do not contain
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active
substance in marijuana.

I made pumpkin/oatmeal/dark chocolate chip cookies last week and threw in a handful of Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds. I added them to my oatmeal yesterday morning giving both the recipe and the meal added protein and omega fatty acids, yay! Remember that anything you put into the recipe also adds calories. So add wisely.

(From Men's Health Magazine) Despite the Cannabis classification, these seeds aren't for smoking. But they may provide medicinal benefits.

Why they're healthy: "Hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke," says Cassandra Forsythe, Ph. D., a nutrition researcher at the University of Connecticut. What's more, a 1-ounce serving of the seeds provides 11 grams of protein—but not the kind of incomplete protein found in most plant sources. Hemp seeds provide all the essential amino acids, meaning the protein they contain is comparable to that found in meat, eggs, and dairy.

I got this description from Bob's Red Mill website (accurate it seems, but is hyped a bit for marketing purposes!):
Hemp seed may be one of nature's most perfect foods. Considered a complete protein, hemp seed delivers 5 grams of protein in a 2 Tbsp serving, making them a great addition to vegan and vegetarian diets. Hemp is truly a super food providing a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in each serving. These fatty acids promote heart health, lower triglycerides, work to reduce inflammation, promote brain health, and support the immune system. Low in carbohydrates, hemp seeds are ideal for those following the paleo diet or who need to be carb conscious for their health.

With a pleasant nut-like flavor and creamy texture, our hulled hemp seeds are a nutritious and delightful addition to hot cereal and smoothies. Their light flavor allows them to blend easily into desserts, breads, pancakes, granola bars and other baked goods. Try them sprinkled on salads and blended into pilafs, you’ll find hemp seeds to be a delightful, nutritious enhancement to almost any dish.


Action Item: As you cook this week, and before you buy hemp seeds, think about where you could add hemp seeds to meals, dishes, baking, smoothies, etc. Put hemp seeds on your next shopping list if you think it would be a good addition to your eating plan. If you're trying to add more protein to your diet, this is a great option.

For Further Reading: 5 Motives to Make Hemp Part of Your Healthy Home