When you think of hemp what's the first thing that comes to your mind? Don't lie. Have you seen all of the hemp products lining the shelves in your local grocery store such as hemp seed, hemp milk, hemp bars, hemp oil and even hemp lotion and shampoo? If not or even if so , do you still associate hemp with weed. pot. marijuana. Cannibus sative? Gasp! Shame on you!
I kid. Really, I've been familiar with the miracle benefits of hemp for many years but still can't help to associate it with the illegal herb marijuana. In fact, the nutritional and legal form of the plant is pushing it's way into every grocery store in America as of late.
It's about time.
The views and laws for hemp are different all over the world. In Australia for example, although you can legally grow hemp (without the drug ingredient THC), hemp foods are not legal. While in North America, the opposite is true. The lucky Canadians who supply much of the hemp found in the U.S. are reaping the benefits of a 1/2 billion and growing industry.
So, the hemp found in foods and beauty products does not contain the illegal or medicinal ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. What it does contain however is totally worth having.
Hemp contains calcium, vitamins B-6, A, D and K. It has a good source of Iron, magnesium and 24% protein including the full range of amino acids as well as a balanced source of Essential Fatty Acids or EFA's. EFA's include omega-3 and omega-6, which help maintain a healthy immune system and are responsible for shiny healthy looking hair, skin and nails. Best of all in my humble opinion is the major reduction for the craving of junk foods and sweets that I've noticed since I've started consuming hemp seed and hemp milk.
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| ground hemp seed |
How to get Hemp into your diet:
1. Hemp has a slightly nutty flavor and can be eaten raw. You can purchase hemp seeds or hemp meal (ground) or grind the seeds yourself in a food processor or coffee grinder. Add it to smoothies (green or fruit), baked goods, sprinkle it on your yogurt, add it to your trail mix, sprinkle it onto your salads, salad dressings or dips.
2. You can purchase hemp milk at most well stocked grocery stores or make your own by combining 1 cup of hemp meal with 4 cups of water and blending. Add a pinch of stevia, honey or good quality chocolate powder if you please.
We recently purchased a little espresso machine in an effort to save a trillion $$$ at Starbucks and to be healthier and so my newest favorite way to enjoy hemp is in my morning latte. I like the chocolate and vanilla flavored hemp milk which contains some sugar so I usually only have these on the weekend as a special treat.
Simply mix 1 or 2 shots of espresso with hemp milk to your desired strength. Add ice or drink it hot.
Enjoy the many health benefits of hemp.
This post is linked to:
Fresh Bites Friday at Real Foods
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