What does Hemp Seed do for you?
Moving right along … so let’s introduce our new hemisphere™ Hemp Seed Hulled. We make this by mechanically removing the hull, the outer protective shell, from the whole seed of the Cannabis Sativa Hemp plant. Sometimes this seed is called hemp seed ‘hearts’ to describe what is left after the seed is hulled.
Hulled hemp seed is naturally gluten free and mainly allergy-friendly. Those with nut or egg allergies however should be careful when introducing as a new food because one of the proteins in hulled hemp seed is albumin, the same protein that is in eggs (Callaway & Pate 2009).
new hemisphere™ Hemp Seed Hulled provides us with a good source of digestible protein as well as providing all nine essential amino acids. These cannot be made by the body and must be provided by our diet. Protein is needed for growth and maintenance of body tissues, including both muscle mass and bones, and to aid recovery from injury (Van De Walle 2018). Like our new hemisphere™ Hemp Seed Oil, this super-nutritious seed supplies both omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids (Foster, Williamson & Lunn 2009).
Hulled hemp seeds are also a whole, plant-based food. This means they are of plant origin and in the most natural unprocessed form as nature intended.
How to use Hemp Seeds
Now, the fun part – how can you incorporate these mighty seeds into your diet?! There are endless ways you can include hulled hemp seeds in your diet, adding another nutritious plant-based food to your eating regime. Try these:
- Sprinkle hulled hemp seed over avocado smash on toast, peanut butter and banana on toast, stir-fried vegetables, roast vegetables, breakfast cereals and/or yoghurt with fruit
- Make your own hemp seed milk as a dairy-free alternative
- Raw on salads
- Blend in smoothies for an additional protein boost
- Make raw bliss/protein balls (and roll in hemp seeds as decoration)
- Eat raw by the handful
- Add to homemade baking
- Add a couple of tablespoons to your favourite crumble topping for a fruit crumble in the winter months
- Use in a fruit and nut mix for high energy tramping expeditions
- Create your own birdseed slice with a mixture of nuts and seeds including hulled hemp seed with melted butter and honey
- As a gluten free option to coat chicken or fish with various seasonings such as parmesan and/or fresh herbs and spices.
- Include hulled hemp seed with almonds, shredded coconut, flax and chia seeds to make a grain-free ‘paleo’-style porridge with homemade hemp seed milk
How much Hemp Seed a day?
The World Health Organisation recommends that 30% or less of your daily energy intake is from fats, but not all fats are created equal. Replacing trans and saturated fats with unsaturated fats, like omega 3, 6 and 9 provides the best overall health and nutrition (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet). According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the US Institute of Medicine, the adequate intake of omega-6s per day is 17 grams for men and 12 grams for women, for adults from 19–50 years old (https://www.nutri-facts.org/en_US/nutrients/essential-fatty-acids/essential-fatty-acids/intake-recommendations.html). To fulfil this need with new hemisphere™ Hemp Seed Hulled, mean would need to take about 6 tbsp (60grams) and women approximately 4 tbsp (40grams). However, a balanced diet is always recommended, and eating a wide variety of food is best. Other foods which have Omega 6 include almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds and walnuts.
Where to get Hemp Seed from?
Hemp Seeds are a great addition to everyone’s diet, with a great flavour profile and matching nutritional benefits, Hemp Seeds can be consumed by children and adults alike.
You can view the full new Hemisphere Hemp Seed Oil range here.
Blog Post written by Kate Davidson from www.nzhempfoods.co.nz