Smart Eating: The Benefits of Hemp Seeds and Oil

By Chris Ellis

    Hemp seeds and oil, as well as marijuana, are derived from the cannabis plant. However, the seeds and nuts are grown for food. Hemp seeds and nuts have no narcotic content, meaning they contain no THC. Unfortunately, because of the association with marijuana, the use of hemp for food and clothing remains controversial in this country. They are members of the “achene” family and have a taste similar to sunflower seeds. Most hemp is grown in Canada, China and India since it is illegal to grow it in this country.
    Hemp seeds and nuts provide a wealth of nutrition unbeknownst to many of us. They are not only a source of essential amino acids (building blocks of protein) but also are one of the plant kingdom’s most concentrated complete and balanced sources of essential fatty acids (46.5%). The seeds and oils contain high amounts of nutrients such as chlorophyll, magnesium, potassium, Vitamin C and E as well as several others.
    Hemp seeds are an excellent source of Omega 3 fats like flax seeds as well as Omega 6 fats. They are also a good source of Gamma linolenic acid, another essential fatty acid which has been shown to improve overall mental health and memory function. All of these essential fats are important in brain function and development and increasing the efficiency of the immune system.
    Hemp seeds and oil are very easy to digest and few people have been shown to be allergic to hemp products. Hemp oil, seeds or nuts and protein powder are susceptible to rancidity like flax seeds so therefore they ideally should be stored in the refrigerator though you may find them on the shelf at room temperature in the store. Expiration dates on the packages should be followed.
    >Hemp oil can be used in smoothies or salad dressings and hemp seeds or nuts can be used on cereals, grains or vegetables. Hemp protein meal can be used alongside flour in low temperature baking. Hemp seeds make a delicious treat when roasted in a pan on low heat until they become lightly browned. Olive oil can be added if desired while you are stirring them in the toasting process. Once they are toasted season them to your taste with garlic, tamari or salt. Use them up quickly since their shelf life is limited like flax seeds.     Hemp milk is also available and can be used as another non-dairy alternative. It can be stored once opened up to 7 to 10 days.

HEMP HUMMUS
    1- 15 oz. can chick peas or garbanzo beans
    ¼ c sesame seed butter or tahini
    ¼ c. hemp oil
    1-2 cloves garlic
    Juice of 1 lemon
    Salt, pepper and cumin to taste
     Fresh parsley if desired

    Add chickpeas to your food processor and process until smooth. Then add all the remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Serve with vegetables or pita bread.

BROCCOLI A LA HEMP
    Steam 1 head of broccoli and break into florets for serving

Mix together:
    2-3 T. hemp oil
    1 Tbsp or more orange juice
    1 tsp. tamari or more
    ¼ cup toasted ground sesame seeds
    Salt and pepper to taste

    Add this mixture to your broccoli and stir to coat florets evenly. Serves 4.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE
    1 cup hemp milk, plain or vanilla
    1 cup ice cubes
    1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
    1 cup mango chunks
    ½ cup strawberries
    1 Tbsp hemp oil

    Place all the ingredients in a blender and process on high until blended well. Hemp protein powder (1-2 Tbsp.) can be added to provide more protein. Serves 3-4 hungry mouths.