What is hemp seed?

Hemp seeds are becoming popular and are the new powerhouse of nutrition. They are tiny round, and delicate  similar to  sesame seeds and have a pleasing, mild and slightly nutty flavour Hemp seeds sort of taste like pine nuts, but have an even mellower, milder flavour.

Hemp seeds are an incredible vegan source of biologically available and easily digested protein.

 

Where does it come from?

Hemp seeds are the edible part of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L). Hemp seeds can be pressed for oil, milled into protein powder, roasted or shelled and made into hemp foods.

What are the health benefits of hemp seed?

  • They are a complete protein which is great for the skin
  • Thishigh percentage of protein helps to build muscle, cell repair  and also aids in digestion.
  • Hempseeds are raw, vegan and gluten-free
  • They contain a healthy anti-inflammatory (3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats). In addition, hemp seeds contain an especially beneficial type of omega-6 fat called GLA (gamma linolenic acid). GLA is a direct building block of good anti-inflammatory hormones. Unfortunately, this special omega-6 fat is not typically found in foods (in fact, I believe hemp seeds are the only edible food source of GLA.)
  • Hemp seeds are rich in disease-fighting, plant-based phytonutrients and anti-aging antioxidants such as vitamin E. This vitamin maintains the health of your nails, skin and hairs.
  • Hemp provides a rich array of minerals including zinc, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and iron.
  • Hemp seeds have high amount of fibre that aids in the natural bowel movements and improves digestion.


How do I eat it?

Because hemp seeds have such a mild unobtrusive flavor, they keep a low profile and can easily hide out in a wide number of dishes such as salads, bliss balls and sandwiches. Smoothies seem to be one of the easiest ways to sneak hemp seeds into.

I often sprinkle hempseeds into Issy’s sandwich or on her vegetables at night. The easiest way to eat them is to sprinkle them right on top of a salad. Check out this easy and yummy salad recipe inspired from Dr Gabriel Cousens’ Rainbow Green Live Food book . This is our favorite raw recipe book of them all! (add link to recipe)

Ready to try hemp seed on your salads this week? Try the Raw Red Cabbage & Hemp Seed Salad >> 

At the Raw Food Store, as well as Hemp Seeds, we also sell Hemp products like protein powders and hemp oil.