Phenomenal Benefits of Hemp Hearts

Does the word "hemp" produce visions of pot plants and pot heads dancing around in your mind? They are not the same and there is an unfortunate misconception regarding the two. Marijuana and hemp are different varieties of the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa L. There are different varieties of Cannabis, just as there are different varieties of citrus. If you want to read more about it, check out Dr. David P. West's paper Hemp & Marijuana: Myths & Realities.

Hemp is actually a superfood that is a well-kept secret in the United States, probably because of its exceptional health benefits. It seems our government just doesn't want anyone to know how to be healthy without depending on pharmaceuticals. Coincidentally, drugs never helped me get healthy throughout my childhood. They just kept me depend on more drugs.

Hemp Hearts are shelled hemp seed which is nature's perfect food - a super food - with a nutritional composition that is exceptional! They are loaded with essential fats, proteins, most vitamins as well as enzymes and amino acids. Hemp protein contains all 20 known amino acids including the nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce. Proteins are considered complete when they contain all nine essential amino acids in a sufficient quantity and ratio, and hemp seeds meet the body's nutritional requirement for a well balanced diet. Approximately 65% of the protein found only in hemp seeds is globulin edistin that works in the body to create antibodies, promoting a strong immune system! Edistin also aids digestion and is considered the backbone of the cell's DNA.

Some Benefits from Consuming Hemp Seed
Excellent source of essential fatty acids including Omega 3, 6 and GLA
Lower blood LDL cholesterol levels
Lower blood pressure
Improve cardiovascular circulation & function
Improve organ function
Improve immunity levels
Increased energy levels & metabolic rate
Reduce symptoms of PMS & menstrual cramps
Reduce inflammation and the symptoms of arthritis
Improve recovery of muscles after exercise
Reduce & treat dry skin and hair conditions
Reduction of many degenerative diseases through preventative measures

Hemp products have a wonderful nutty flavor that can easily be incorporated into your diet while providing a powerful daily supplement. I add them to my salads, smoothies and to my Buckwheat Goji Bars. They can be added to most anything. I even eat them straight as they are mild and quite yummy.

It is recommended that 4-5 Tablespoons in a large salad at breakfast is ideal. If you prefer, you can add it to fruit, raw oatmeal or yogurt, but eating a large salad at breakfast time and then a light dinner of raw veggies will achieve the most substantial benefits. Avoid starches, processed foods and dairy.


How I added hemp to my diet today. I whipped up some muesli for brunch and it was so good I decided to share the recipe.

I Muesli
~~~~~~~~~

1/2 cup whole uncooked oats
1/4 cup of sprouted buckwheat
2 TBSP of hemp hearts 
handful of chopped almonds
handful of raisins
handful of sunflower seeds
juice of one apple

Stir together and enjoy!

Today's smoothie: 10 oz. Coconut Water, 2 frozen ripe bananas, 1 TBSP raw cacao powder, 2 TBSP hemp hearts, 1 tsp. Maca. Blend and enjoy. If the bananas weren't frozen, I would have added a cup of ice before blending.

TIP: I buy several bunches of bananas at at time. As they start to turn brown, I peel them, break them in half, toss them into a Ziploc bag and the throw the bag in the freezer. You could also slice them if you wanted to but I'd rather just break them in half. By doing this, you don't waste bananas when they get too ripe and have to be thrown out, PLUS you can use the frozen bananas in your smoothies.