Hemp Seed in its raw shelled state is known as one of natures most perfect foods. It is nothing short of a Superfood.
Hemp is one of the most potent foods available in the world today. It supports lifelong optimal health and well being. Raw hemp provides a broad spectrum of health benefits including weight loss, increased energy,longer lasting energy, greater healing, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improved circulation, reduced inflammation, healthier immune system and a natural blood sugar control.
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant. It is not the same as the more widely known marijuana plant. Marijuana, weed, pot, ganja, herb, coli, grass or whatever name you chose has a high level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). which is the active ingredient that produces a high that most people associate with all hemp. Industrial Hemp however contains no THC and therefore is not grown for the same reason as Marijuana.
Hemp has many industrial uses, but you can also be getting valuable long lasting health benefits by adding these seeds to your diet. Hemp can provide you with a complete protein and a balance of omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids. It also contains many B vitamins, vitamins A, D and E, calcium, sodium, iron and dietary fiber. Therefore Hemp Seed can be a valuable part of your dietary needs on a daily basis.
All over the world today many Health Care Professionals are using Hemp Seed to the benefit of their clients. They love this because of the superior balances of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes in Hemp Seed and the relative absence of sugars, starches and saturated fats.
Every bit of the Hemp Plant has a use. It is better for paper for trees and superior to cotton for clothing. The fiber can even be used as a very practicle and durable building material, that is currently being used in many areas. Anything remaining such as leaves, stalks etc can be used to feed livestock as well as a great compost material.
The Hemp Seeds have very many uses but what we are concentrating here is a number of ways to consume these seeds in a pleasurable and tasty way. We hope that others can come up with additional recipes.
Deserts, Appetizers and Eating Out: You can make a perfectly balanced and nutritious meal out of any dessert or appetizer by simply putting on a few tablespoons of Hemp Seeds. Carry some in your purse or in your car or pockets for a quick bit of healthiness on the go..
Salads and Pitas: These are great in Salads of any type. I enjoy a bit of crunchiness in my salad and these can be added to or take the place of sunflower or pumpkins seeds that I enjoy. In Pitas the seeds blend very nicely with all the flavors and textures and certainly make it much more healthful.
Stir-fry: You can add the Hemp Seeds during the frying process and also add them to the finished product as the final topping.
Meats: You can make coating and basting sauces using mostly Hemp Seeds. You can apply this before and after cooking. You can use them in dressing for added flavor and nutrition.
Shakes, Fruit Smoothies and Hemp Milk: Blend ⅓ cup of Hemp Seeds with ⅔ cup of cold water on high speed for 2 minutes. Add fruit of your choice while blending. Can be sweetened if necessary. Without adding anything you will be making Hemp Milk, which can be used for many healthy things.
Hemp Seeds with Raw Fruit or Vegetables: ½ cup cubed Honeydew Melon ½ cup cubed Watermelon ½ cup cubed Cantaloupe ½ cup sliced Bananas ½ cup of Grapes ½ cup of sliced Strawberries ½ cup of Blueberries Top with 1 cup of plain yogurt and sixteen tablespoons of Hemp Seeds
Hemp Seed and Almond Milk Mix:
4 tablespoons of water
8 ounces of Hemp Seeds
2 ounces of fresh whole Almonds
3 or 4 Figs
Blend all in a blender then add 4 cups of cold water and stir briskly.
You can add anything that you want at this time to change the flavor or mood.
Hemp Seed Granola:
4 cups unsweetened plain Granola
½ cup each of hulled, toasted and unsalted Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds
½ cup flax seeds
1 cup Hemp Seeds
¼ cup clear Hemp Salad and Cooking Oil
½ cup Honey or Maple Syrup (not pancake syrup)
Preheat Oven to 300 F
Evenly spread Granola in an 11 x 11 inch glass baking dish
Bake for about 10 minutes
Add Sunflower, Pumpkin, Flax and Hemp Seeds to the Granola and mix well
Place Honey or Maple Syrup in a microwaveable bowl and heat for about a minute
Pour over Oil
Drizzle Honey/Maple mixture over the Granola mixture until coated well
Spread evenly and bake mixture for another 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally
Cool to room temperature before placing in a sealed container
Makes about 8 healthy servings.
Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously suscribed. Certain foods and holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.