Is Hemp A Superfood?
Are you considering adding Hemp to your diet, or are you curious about the nutritional value of Hemp? Well, you've come to the right place.
In this blog, we will not only cover the nutritional benefits of Hemp and why Hemp is truly a superfood, but you'll have access to some delicious recipe ideas on how you can include Hemp in your diet because, trust us, you'll want to after hearing what we have to say.
The Short History of Hemp
Archaeologists have found signs of Hemp dating back as far as 8,000 BC in China and Taiwan. The people then used Hemp for pottery, food, and medicine.
Hemp slowly made its way across the world until it arrived in 1616 at Jamestown, the first permanent early settlement in the Americas. Hemp was grown and made into sails, clothing, and rope.
In 1970 the Controlled Substance Act Classified hemp as an illegal Schedule I drug. This also affected the cultivation of industrial Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) and Marijuana (Cannabis Indica).
In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized Hemp, which removed the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa) and the plant's seeds from the Controlled Substance Act. This allows cultivation and use of the industrial hemp plant current to date.
Why is Hemp a superfood?
Hemp has become an increasingly popular choice for people who care about themselves and their health. When we say Hemp, we are talking about the hemp plant's seeds.
The seeds from the hemp plant contain amazing nutritional benefits. To get these benefits, you can eat the shelled hemp hearts from the seeds, take a small serving of hemp seed oil, or use hemp protein powder from the ground-up hemp seeds.
Nutritional profile of hemp seed oil
Technically considered a nut, hemp seeds are extremely nutritious. These seeds are considered to be a complete protein and a powerhouse of eight essential amino acids.
Shelled Hemp seeds (Hemp Hearts) contain 60-80% Edestine and 20-40% Albumin, which are present naturally in the seeds. The structure of these amino acids is similarly structured to the proteins manufactured by our bodies. This means that hemp plant protein digests easily.
This makes Hemp an ideal superfood as it's a great source of plant-based protein, making it a great source for vegans and vegetarians. Hemp seeds are also rich in fiber.
As a bonus, Hemp seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, specifically omega-3 and omega-6. Each contains gamma-linolenic acid, which has several health benefits. Omegas are not naturally produced by our bodies and can only be gained from eating foods with omegas.
Hemp seed oil also contains vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, iron, zinc, thiamine, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
A normal serving of hemp hearts is about 3 tablespoons and has about 156 calories, 14g of healthy fats, and almost 10 grams of protein.
With a plant-based nutritional profile like this is no secret why Hemp is a superfood.
Hemp Oil is plant-based, lactose-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Hemp is processed in a certified Kosher and Halal facility catering to various ethnic and religious groups.
How to use Hemp Super foods
Hemp Hearts or Hemp Oil can be consumed – poured over or mixed in with other foods, soups, smoothies, salads, fruits, or vegetables.
They can be added as a natural, healthy, nutritious ingredient in various recipes, including baked goods, sauces, dips, marinades, salad dressings, yogurt, or power drinks.
Each Hemp option can be taken directly as a daily supplement if you take hemp oil directly. It's best to chase it with something citrusy, like orange juice.
It's easy to use and high in nutritional value. Hemp seeds are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Sum it up!
There is no doubt that Hemp is a superfood. With so many nutritional benefits from vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, it's hard to doubt its validity. Plus, adding hemp seeds to your meals is super easy. You can't go wrong eating hemp seeds on a daily basis.
Don't waste time with harmful supplements that are bio-engineered and paired with fillers and additives. Use Hemp superfood products for the best way to get to a healthier, happier you. Enjoy the free Hemp recipes below!
Zatural Hemp Products
Recipe Ideas
COCONUT HEMP PROTEIN BALLS
These will be your new favorite after-workout treat. These plant-based protein balls are high in protein and low in carbs.
Recipe:
- ¼ cup vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup Zatural Hemp Hearts
- ¼ cup Zatural Coconut Butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Put all the ingredients into a small food processor/chopper and blend until the ingredients are mixed. Pour or scoop the mixture onto a plate and roll into tablespoon-sized balls with your hands. If the dough is crumbly, add a few additional drops of water.
These delicious treats can be eaten immediately or stored for later. Stored at room temperature, they will last 3-4 days. In a fridge, they will last 1-2 weeks. If placed in the freezer, they will last 1-2 months.
Click here for more delicious Hemp recipes.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This smoothie is high in vegan protein, has high potassium, assists with digestion, assists blood pressure, and is rich in Omegas.
Recipe:
- 2 sliced bananas
- 2 cups almond milk
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon Zatural Hemp Hearts
- 1 tablespoon Zatural Virgin Hemp Oil
- 1 tablespoon Zatural CBD Honey or to taste
- 2 cups of Ice cubes
Add all ingredients to the blender, blend well until smooth and enjoy
HOMEMADE HEMP MILK
This delicious milk is nut-free, egg-free, vegan, keto, grain-free, and gluten-free. Total time takes about 10 minutes and makes 1 quart.
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 cups of filtered water
- 1 cup Zatural Hemp Hearts
- 1 Teaspoon Himalayan Pink salt or Sea Salt (not necessary but enhances flavor)
Options:
- Sweetener Options: Zatural CBD Honey, maple syrup, or stevia
- Other Options: vanilla bean powder, fresh fruit, spices, or other flavoring options.
Instructions
- Make sure to blend until smooth and creamy. It helps to start at a slower blending speed and then work to a higher speed.
- This can be enjoyed right away or strained. (There are added benefits to not straining.)
- Your homemade hemp milk will be kept for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
For educational purposes only
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.