Do you use hempseed in your daily diet? Are you looking for a superior source of protein than meat? Would you like to get essential fatty acids from a non-toxic food rather than from fish oil? Don’t look further, Hempseed is for you!
Hemp and marijuana are both classified in the species of Cannabis sativa. Marijuana is known for its high content of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), while hemp is preferred for the fibers, seeds, and oil. Hemp’s THC level is less than 1%, while marijuana’s THC level ranges from 3 to 20 %.
Hemp can be used for many things. You can pretty much make anything out of that wonderful plant. Anything that we produce form petroleum, cotton or timber, we could make it from hemp. Soap, shampoo, lotion, lip balm, clothes, paper, rope, biodegradable plastic products, insulation, carpets, building materials, fuel, … there are so many ways that we can use hemp.
What about hemp’s nutritional benefits?
This plant is considered by many to be one of the most nutritious foods on earth. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. about 35% protein, 15% carbs and 45% fat. Hemp is a really good source of ALA Omega-3. You need 3 types of Omega-3 in your diet: EPA, DHA, and ALA. The first two are found in algae and phytoplankton such as chlorella and spirulina (and fish…but I prefer to eat at the bottom of the chain to avoid the toxicity found in animals). The ALA is found in plants like hemp, chia seeds, flax seeds, and other nuts and seeds.
Proteins in hempseed
Hempseed is a real good source of bioavailable protein, as it contains all the essential amino acids that our body needs to thrive. Apart from spirulina and chlorella that has a higher content of pure protein, raw organic hemp seed is definitely a good choice for those who are looking for good protein supplementation. Choose the seeds or the protein powder to add to your shakes and energy balls.
Lipids in hempseed
45% of fat may sound bad to you, but remember that this is good fat we are talking about. Hempseed contains omega-3 (ALA) and omega-6 (Linoleic acid) fatty acids in an ideal ratio, which are good for your brain, your heart, your skin, and hair, as well as omega-9 (GLA) that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential for balancing hormones.
You can buy hempseed in different forms: whole or with the shells removed, hempseed protein powder (very good for active people), cold-pressed oil or butter. Sprinkle it on your salads, add it to your shakes, bread or cakes. You can even make hemp milk.
Hempseed milk
The recipe for hemp milk is the same as the almond milk.
- 1 cup hempseed
- 4 cups of filtered water
If your hempseed are in their shell, you should soak them for 12 hours. Rinse them, and then blend them with the water. Strain in a nut-milk bag.
