Hemp seeds are nature’s superfoods. Hemp plants grow brown popcorn kernel-sized hard seeds. Inside these hard seeds lie soft, white or light green inner kernels. You will often see these being sold as "hemp seeds" but what you're actually buying is those soft inner kernels, also known as hemp hearts.
Whether hulled or whole, they give you omegas 3, 6 and 9, protein, calcium, iron, phosphorous, magnesium, antioxidants, potassium and plenty of protein. They are also anti-inflammatory, high in digestible fibre, gluten free, lectin free and keto friendly. Hemp protein powder is the richest, natural source of plant-based protein available, containing all 9 essential amino acids, without any of the phytic acid in soya. This means all its nutrients are easily absorbed and explains its popularity amongst athletes.
Hemp seed oil is high in GLA fatty acids, otherwise knowns as omegas 3, 6 and 9, in exactly the right proportions for your body. These wonder elements reduce cholesterol, keep your brain healthy and your hormones balanced.
Then there’s hemp flour, which is low GI, low sodium, high protein and high fibre, plus it contains omegas 3, 6 and 9. It’s easily digested and perfect for those who have nut, gluten or wheat allergies.
So what is the best way to eat hemp?
Eating shelled hemp seeds, or hemp hearts, is as simple as sprinkling a spoonful or two into smoothies or on top of cereal, salads, or yogurt.
People with gluten sensitivity can use hemp seeds as a substitute for breadcrumbs to coat chicken or fish. Just like you can blend almonds and water to make almond milk, you can do the same with hemp seeds for hemp seed milk, which you can use as an alternative to dairy milk in drinks and recipes. And because of its nutty flavour, hemp seeds make a great substitute for people with nut allergies - you can dry toast them over low heat to bring out even more of that nuttiness.
Hemp seed oil should be used as a finishing oil, rather than a cooking or frying oil, since the delicate omega fatty acids will break down during the cooking process, stripping the oil of its nutritional benefits. Instead, use it to make salad dressings, or drizzle over pasta, grilled veggies, or popcorn.
Hemp protein powder is a great choice if you like smoothies. It can also be added to oatmeal, porridge, protein balls, pancake or bread batters, cakes, granola bars, flapjacks, flatbreads, breads, pastas or just included in any meal to boost protein content.
Hemp flour has a slightly coarser texture than hemp protein powder and like hemp protein powder, hemp flour can be added to cakes, breads, flatbreads, oatmeal, porridge, protein balls, pancake, granola bars, flapjacks and many more delicious treats.
It has never been easier to add the benefits of hemp to your diet and you can find some of our favourite recipes using hemp products here.