Hemp has been around for a great while, but unfortunately, it does not have the best reputation. Many people associate hemp with drugs and THC, the component in marijuana that causes a “high”. It may be comforting to know that hemp and marijuana are not the same.
Hemp is a type of cannabis that is related to marijuana. Hemp has been grown for hundreds of years for its practical uses. Not only are the seeds edible, but hemp fibers can be used to make paper, fabric, and rope. Hemp flowers and leaves may contain trace amounts of the psychoactive compound THC, but not nearly enough to cause a “high” or detrimental effects.
The flowers and leaves of hemp plants are more likely to contain CBD, the healing component that is present in marijuana. This is the prize compound shown to have powerful healing and pain-relieving properties. When you hear about medical marijuana, CBD is what makes it medicinal. However, most hemp is more likely to be used outside of medicine or recreation.
Hemp grows incredibly quickly. This makes it a great renewable resource for textiles like paper and fabric. Hemp cloth is durable and sustainable, and hemp paper saves trees from being cut down. Developments of biodegradable hemp plastic are being made right now!
Foods Alive focuses on a different part of the hemp plant: its seeds!
Hemp seeds or hemp hearts are incredibly nutrient-dense and versatile! They have a nutty flavor and a creamy texture, so they lend themselves well to sweet and savory foods. They can be eaten with or without the shell or hull, and you can enjoy them raw or roasted. The possibilities are endless with hemp seeds!
Similar to flax and chia, hemp seeds contain copious amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These are essential to the human body as they help maintain healthy cells. These compounds work wonders throughout the body, including supporting a healthy brain.
Where hemp diverges from flax and chia is its protein content. While 16-18% of the calories in flax and chia are from protein, a whopping 25% of the calories in hemp seeds come from protein. For vegans and non-vegans alike, hemp can be a great source of protein.
The benefits of hemp seeds don’t stop there! Hemp seeds are full of beneficial vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin E, iron, sulfur, phosphorous, and magnesium among others. These properties may help support a healthy diet and a good lifestyle overall! Scientists praise hemp for its nutrition in small, versatile packaging.
Hemp truly is a superfood, and it can be eaten in many different ways. Sprinkle it on salads, blitz it up to mix with breadcrumbs, or anything else your heart desires! Here at Foods Alive, we carry hemp a few different ways. You can get just hemp hearts, or we use them in our Rosemary Hemp crackers and Onion Clusters! You can even get artisan cold-pressed hemp oil!
With hemp in your diet, you may see changes beginning in your life. In combination with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, you may see some significant improvement! When you use hemp, be sure to snap a picture of your creation and tag Foods Alive for a chance to be featured on our social media! Happy creating!
Research
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-health-benefits-of-hemp-seeds#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/wellness/what-is-hemp/
