Health Wise Information: Hemp Seeds

Leave a comment

March 28, 2013 by healthwisehome

In my search for more gluten-free, vegetarian  protein sources, I recently came across some information about hemp seeds. I recall hearing about hemp in the past and after just recently doing some research, I am a little annoyed with myself for not paying more attention to this super seed before now.

What Are Hemp Seeds?

Hemp “seeds”, which are actually a simple dried fruit with a hard shell, are a nutty food source considered by leading researchers to be one of the most nutritious superfoods on the planet. Proponents claim that out of the 3 million plus edible plants that grow on this planet, no other single plant source can compare with the nutritional value of hemp seeds. They are an excellent vegan source of protein and offer many other health benefits as well. Some of these benefits include:

• A healthy, anti-inflammatory 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fat. 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 think hemp seeds are the only edible food source of GLA.)
• Provide all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce
• A superior source of vegetarian protein that is considered to be easily digestible and does not contain any known allergens
• A rich source of disease-fighting, plant-based phytonutrients and anti-aging antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which help protect your immunity, bloodstream, tissues, cells, skin, and organs
• Contain more polyunsaturated essential fatty acids than any other known source in nature, including flax.

Where Can You Buy Them?

I found a bag of hemp seeds in Wegmans natural foods section the other week. You should be able to find them at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or any other health food store as well. Buy organic if you can.

How Should You Store Them?

Once the original package has been opened, hemp seeds should be stored in an airtight container or an airtight resealable bag, in the fridge to prevent the natural oils from going rancid.

How Do You Eat Them?

I just started using these, so I really haven’t had much of a chance to experiment. So far, I have been sprinkling hemp seeds over my morning bowl of hot quinoa cereal and into to my salads when I remember 🙂 Here are some other suggestions from No More Dirty Looks:

1.  Raw in Greek yogurt or a warm breakfast cereal. 
2.  As part of a nut-and-seed crust for fish or tofu. Dry toast your seeds together in a cast-iron skillet—no oil, medium heat, until they start to pop and crack. Turn off the heat, let them cool and them combine with a little Dijon and honey for the most delicious crust ever.
3. In a smoothie. Just toss ‘em in there.
4. 

   Image: Rainbow Cabbage Salad topped with hemp seeds from Oh She Glows

   Dry-toasted with spices then sprinkled on a salad or some kale. Doesn’t this Rainbow Cabbage Salad topped with hemp seeds from Oh She Glows look yummy! I am adding it to my recipe list for next week!

5. Baked into homemade granola bars.

Do you incorporate hemp seeds into your diet? If so, I would love to hear how!