FOOD OF THE DAY: HEMP. Yes…you heard me. When most people think of hemp, its of some hippy dippy Berkeley-ite in hemp clothing, hemp jewelry, and puffing mary jane. However, hemp seeds are a power house of nutrition and no, they are not filled with THC.
Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. A whole hemp seed contains about 22 % (unhulled) to 31% (hulled) percent protein, 36 percent carbohydrate and 30 percent fat, as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, niacin and riboflavin. It’s a good source of fiber with 35 percent dietary fiber (three per cent soluble). The main protein found in hemp seed is Edestin, a highly digestible protein. It’s very versatile and lends itself to all sorts of recipes on the fly: stir fry, pastas, sauces and spreads. A smoothie fortified with hulled seeds is an excellent meal replacement for athletes and vegetarians.
Some of the benefits of having all these essential fatty acids in our diets include an increased metabolism, lower harmful cholesterol, better digestion, improved skin and hair condition and a boosted immune system. Amino acids are called the “building blocks of life” because they rebuild and repair tissues and organs. Amino acids are needed for growth and maintenance, enzymes and hormones, antibodies, fluid balance, salt balance, acid-base balance, energy, and so much more. Omega fatty acids offer many benefits. They help in weight loss because they produce long-term appetite satisfaction and they also help the cardiovascular, immune, reproductive, and central nervous systems on a minute to minute basis every day.
Hemp seeds have a light nutty flavor similar to pine nuts. They can be eaten raw or cooked into dishes. You can add them to baked goods, salads, dips, and sauces. You can also combine with your favorite fruits and blend to make a refreshing smoothie.
You can purchase hemp seeds at most grocery and health food stores. Popular brands are Bob’s Redmill, Nutiva, and Manitoba.
*Hemp Seed Nutrition (hulled hemp seeds)
• Calories/100 g 567
• Protein 30.6
• Carbohydrate 10.9
• Dietary fiber 6
• Fat 47.2
• Saturated fat 5.2
• Monounsaturated fat 5.8
• Oleic 18:1 (Omega-9) 5.8
• Polyunsaturated fat 36.2
• Linoleic 18:2 (Omega-6) 27.6
• Linolenic 18:3 (Omega-3) 8.7
• Linolenic 18:3 (Omega-6) 0.8
• Cholesterol 0 mg
• Vitamin A (B-Carotene) 4 IU
• Thiamine (Vit B1) 1 mg
• Riboflavin (Vit B2) 1 mg
• Vitamin C 1.0 mg
• Vitamin E 9 IU
• Sodium 9 mg
• Calcium 74 mg
• Iron 4.7 mg
*Source (hemp seed nutrition): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp
