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.
\nHemp 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.
\nYou can purchase hemp seeds at most grocery and health food stores. Popular brands are Bob\u2019s Redmill, Nutiva, and Manitoba.
\n*Hemp Seed Nutrition (hulled hemp seeds)
\n\u2022 Calories\/100 g 567
\n\u2022 Protein 30.6
\n\u2022 Carbohydrate 10.9
\n\u2022 Dietary fiber 6
\n\u2022 Fat 47.2
\n\u2022 Saturated fat 5.2
\n\u2022 Monounsaturated fat 5.8
\n\u2022 Oleic 18:1 (Omega-9) 5.8
\n\u2022 Polyunsaturated fat 36.2
\n\u2022 Linoleic 18:2 (Omega-6) 27.6
\n\u2022 Linolenic 18:3 (Omega-3) 8.7
\n\u2022 Linolenic 18:3 (Omega-6) 0.8
\n\u2022 Cholesterol 0 mg
\n\u2022 Vitamin A (B-Carotene) 4 IU
\n\u2022 Thiamine (Vit B1) 1 mg
\n\u2022 Riboflavin (Vit B2) 1 mg
\n\u2022 Vitamin C 1.0 mg
\n\u2022 Vitamin E 9 IU
\n\u2022 Sodium 9 mg
\n\u2022 Calcium 74 mg
\n\u2022 Iron 4.7 mg<\/p>\n