Apart from being the most sustainable, versatile crop on the planet, hemp is a nutrient-dense superfood, all wrapped up in one tiny seed. Unfortunately in the 1950’s, industrial hemp was placed in the same category as marijuana. The seeds, harvested from this industrial relative of marijuana, don’t contain THC (the part that gets you high). Instead, hemp seeds can provide significant nutritional value to your diet: aiding everything from asthma to cancer, with little to no impact on the environment.
Hulled hemp seeds, oil & protein powder are the most common culinary hemp products with the seeds having the most versatility. They’re now readily available in grocery stores, health food stores & online: when hemp seeds are being sold by the supermarket giants you know they’ve become mainstream.
Being able to purchase hemp seeds easily is good news for those wanting to enjoy their impressive list of health benefits:
- A perfect source of protein containing the nine essential fatty acids our body is unable to produce.
- Balance hormones related to PMS & menopause
- Reduce inflammation that causes arthritis & joint pain
- Aids in weight loss – keeps you feeling fuller longer
- Improve gut health – hemp is high in fiber, helps to keeps you regular & this increase in roughage helps to feed the probiotics in your gut: a happy & healthy gut is key to overall good health
- Improve hair, skin & nail health – both consuming hemp or using it externally in beauty products
- May lessen chances of developing some cancers – hemp helps to balance inflammation levels and strengthen the immune system
- Heart health – a couple of tablespoons of the seeds a day may reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure, reducing the risk of blood clot formation & reducing bad (LDL) cholesterol
- Hemp provides heart & skin-healthy omega-3s: hemp has the optimum 3:1 ratio of omega 3 & omega 6.
- Hemp is a rich source of minerals such as: iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium & zinc & vitamins E, D, B1, B2 & B6.
Hemp has a nutty, slightly leafy-green flavor a little similar to that of sunflower seeds. And they’re a cinch to add to your diet: throw them into muffins, chocolate treats, bars, cakes, smoothies, breads, stuffing, pastries, granola, snack mixes, salads, blended into soups, added to breading for chicken, pork & seafood. Their uses are only limited by your imagination. How much do you need to consume in order to experience this superhero’s remarkable health benefits? Of course that depends on your size & overall health, but a general guide for maximum benefits is 2 to 4 tablespoons of seeds, protein powder or oil a day.
Hemp’s mastery isn’t only limited to its impressive list of what it can do for your health, the manufacturing uses of it are equally impressive: beauty products, textiles, paper products, plastic, cleaning products & building material are some of the long list of how hemp can be utilized. When you combine this list with its astonishing health benefits, we’re talking about one of the most remarkable natural resources in the world. Hemp seeds just might be your knight-in-shining-armor.
This delicious hemp and nut loaf is my breakfast most mornings at the moment. I have two thin slices with a tiny bit of butter and a cup of coffee or tea. I love this breakfast and look forward to it every morning. Try it, it’s gluten-free and very high in fiber so my gut stays happy. Happy gut, happy day. Until next time, toodles xo.
- 1 cup pepitas or sunflower seeds
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup hulled hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/3 cup psyllium powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 medjool dates, pitted & chopped
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line base & sides of 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl. Spoon mixture into loaf pan; smooth top. Bake 70 to 80 minutes or until a knife comes out clean when inserted into center of bread. Let cool completely in pan. Remove from pan & cut into thin slices. Makes 1 loaf. Cuts into 24 to 26 slices.
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