Probably most are aware or know what hempseed is, but have you often wondered how is it beneficial to your health?  The truth about hempseed is that is highly nutritive and even considered superior to other foods.  This is because the average nutrient content of shelled hempseed is 35% protein, 47% fat and 12% carbohydrate.  Hempseed contains all essential amino acids (protein building blocks and are considered essential since they need to come from our diet due to the bodies inability to make them), thus making it a complete protein.  It’s a great source of essential fatty acids or what is considered the ‘good’ fats.  Rich in omega’s 3, 6 and 9, hempseed is an ideal way to get the daily intake of healthy fats for vegetarians.  A unique quality regarding hempseed is its concentration of Omega 3 to Omega 6 is that it has been found to contain the perfect ratio or balanced in way that supports human nutritional requirements.  It also contains necessary minerals such as magnesium, calcium and iron in addition to being a great source of fiber.  Hempseed is easily digested and in its raw form it is chopped full of enzymes, meaning your food can actually aid in the digestion process making it less of a burden on your digestive tract.  It supports the immune system, provides powerful antioxidants and can help decrease inflammation. Organic hempseed is a great way to get your nutritional requirements without having to worry about pesticides, toxins and hormones that can be contained in other food sources.

Product types to look for:

You can find hempseed available as a protein powder, raw seed, cold- pressed oil, butter, ice- cream, breads, salad dressings, hemp hearts and topical body care products

How to use hempseed:

• Adding hempseed to your favorite salads is a great way to get the benefits of the seed as well as a quite tasty
• Put 2 Tbsp of hempseed with your oatmeal or add it to granola recipes
• Hempseed protein powder can be added to your favorite smoothie recipe
• Make your own hempseed milk: Just add 1 cup of hempseed to 3.5 cups of water and blend.  It doesn’t need to be strained after blending so it is very easy and an enjoyable alternative to other milks
• Hemp gravy: ½ cup of water, 3 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp miso, 1/3 cup hempseed, 1 tsp chopped ginger, 2 Tbsp. tahini, 2 Tbsp olive oil.  Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Reference:

Wolfe, David.  Superfoods: The food and medicine of the future.  2009.

In great health & happiness,

Dr. Michelle

Dr. Michelle Peris is a Naturopathic Doctor whose goal is to inspire health through educating, motivating and empowering people.  She has a family based practice out of a clinic in Oakville, Ontario.

Contact Dr. Michelle today to book your 15 minute complimentary consult.