Hemp is a powerfully nutritious superfood you might want to consider adding to your diet. It comes in seed, oil, and powder form. Hemp seeds (aka hemp hearts, shelled hemp seeds, or hulled hemp seeds) are a softer texture than other seeds, have a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
First though, let’s clear up any myths. Yes, hemp seeds come from the cannabis plant, which is also the origin of marijuana. BUT they do not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so these little seeds will not get you high, though it may seem like it in terms of your energy level and endurance being boosted!
Health Benefits
Hemp seeds are high in omega-3 essential fatty acids, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, calcium, and contain all 20 amino acids (including 9 essential amino acids our bodies need but can’t produce on their own). They’re loaded with antioxidants too and will help slow the aging process.
Looking for something to help prevent heart disease? Boost your immune system? Regulate your blood sugar? Increase your metabolism? Reduce blood pressure? Lower your cholesterol? Improve your brain health? Fight off toxins? Hemp seeds can do it all! Plus the healthy fats will help support healthy hair, skin, and nails. Bonus!
Athletes turn to this superfood for its ability to repair muscles, support the cardiovascular system, and alleviate pain and soreness with its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also high in protein – 33% of its composition. It makes for a great clean plant-based protein powder in shakes for vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters.
How to Eat and Store
Hemp seeds are super easy to incorporate into your diet. Play around and try any of these ways:
- Add into your morning smoothie or breakfast cereal
- Sprinkle on salads
- Mix into stir fry’s or veggie dishes
- Make your own non-dairy hemp milk in seconds (Add 2 cups water + 1/4 cup hemp seeds to a blender and blend on high until smooth)
- Stir into soups
After opening your bag of hemp seeds or container of hemp protein, store the remaining in the fridge to protect the omegas and keep it as fresh as possible.
Recipes
Here are some delicious recipes you can start incorporating these super seeds into your life:
Chocolate Banana Smoothie
1 cup non-dairy milk
2 pitted large Medjool dates
2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder
2 tablespoons hulled hemp seeds
1/2 large peeled and frozen banana
Dash cinnamon
3 ice cubes
Pina Colada Smoothie
1 cup coconut water
3 tablespoons hulled hemp seeds
2 tablespoons organic ground flax seeds
1 banana, frozen
1 cup pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Strawberries & Cream Smoothie Bowl
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 large ripe banana 1 heaping cup frozen strawberries
1 cup baby spinach
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon flax seeds, plus extra for sprinkling on top
2 tablespoons hulled hemp seeds, plus extra for sprinkling on top
Instruction for all of the above: Add to blender and blend!
Let me know in the comments section below your favorite way to enjoy hemp.
