By Elaine Gordon
Source: thespec.com
Hemp hearts or raw shelled hemp seeds, have grown increasingly popular in the nutrition community during the past couple of years. But despite being labelled a superfood by some, they still have a stigma as part of the cannabis family. With all the recent news about hemp and marijuana, we'd like to shed some light on the benefits of pot's nutritious cousin.
First of all, the hemp plant is legal to consume in the United States. Marijuana and industrial hemp are different varieties of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa L. Marijuana typically contains 3 to 15 per cent of the psychoactive ingredient delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry-weight basis, while industrial hemp contains less than 1 per cent, according to the Agriculture Department. (Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, a large Canadian manufacturer, says hemp contains 0.001 per cent THC and will not cause a psychoactive effect or a false drug test.) Though growing hemp is still banned in most U.S. states, the country remains the world's leading consumer of hemp foods, soaps, lotions and other products.
When it comes to the seed itself, the centre, or the heart, is the most nutritious part. It's an excellent source of vegan protein (containing all essential amino acids), dietary fibre and essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6). Plus, it provides antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Hemp hearts are credited with providing energy, stabilizing appetite and improving digestion.
Three tablespoons of hemp hearts contain 10 grams of protein, 3 grams of dietary fibre and only 3 grams of carbohydrates. This same serving offers loads of natural minerals and vitamins, including manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, thiamine and zinc, as well as calcium, vitamin B6, folate and riboflavin.
In addition to being nutritional powerhouses, hemp hearts are naturally gluten-free and considered a raw food. They are free of common allergens such as soy and dairy. They're not a nut, but they are a crunchy and portable option for those with nut allergies looking for a healthful snack with protein. Their taste is similar to that of sunflower seeds, and they can be added to cold or hot cereals, smoothies, yogurt, salads, wraps, desserts, stir-fries and baked goods. Or just eaten right out of the bag.
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