Hemp! Wait….what ??? Yes, hemp!

On November 12th 2017, the law was changed to allow low psychoactive hemp seeds to be sold as a food product in Australia. If you had been sneaking these superpower seeds into your smoothies, you are now able to openly flaunt your love of hemp seeds!

The hemp products that you are seeing on the shelves of your local organic, natural foods store (including ours) are derived from an industrial grade hemp crop, Cannabis Sativa, which produces low THC hemp seeds. No hallucinations or getting the munchies!!

This superfood has been a part of everyday nutrition for people worldwide and now you can also benefit from this amazing nutritional powerhouse. Here ‘s why:

1. NO PHYTATES
Unlike other seeds and nuts, hemp seeds do not contain any phytates which means there is no additional processing necessary, such as activation, to enable the body to easily digest and access the full nutritional profile of the seeds.

2. EXCELLENT PLANT BASED PROTEIN
Vegetarians and vegans rejoice! Hemp seeds contain all 20 amino acids and have more protein than chia and flaxseeds. With a mild, nutty flavour and a creamy texture, they taste pretty good too.

3. RICH IN HEALTHY FATS
Contains more Omega 3 and 6 per 100g than any other food source other than walnuts, making hemp a superior source of essential fatty acids.

4. AN INFLAMMATION BUSTER AND HORMONE BALANCER
Contains GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) which is important for preventing inflammation. Studies have also shown that GLA can be effective in balancing hormones and can aid in reducing symptoms of PMS and even menopause. GLA is not found in other major sources of essential fatty acids (EFA) like fish, chia, flaxseeds.

5. FULL OF ESSENTIAL MINERALS AND VITAMINS
Trace amounts of zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus as well as essential vitamins. They contain significant amounts of vitamin E and other antioxidants, B vitamins including folate and Vitamin D3.

6. NUTRIENT DENSE AND VERY VERSATILE
You can get hemp seeds, hemp protein powder, hemp flour, hemp oil (yum!!) and hemp butter. You can boost the nutritional content of your meals by adding hemp to your smoothies, to flour mixes for your baking, protein balls as vegan snacks, use as a dressing or sprinkle the seeds over salads, add to sauces and soups. However, do not use as a frying oil as it has a low smoke point.

7. YOUR SKIN WILL LOVE IT
Hemp oil is also found in natural skincare products and has been used to treat skin issues, such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea and acne. The EFA’s, antioxidants and skin loving minerals means the oil is hydrating and revitalizing as well as being non-comedogenic (doesn’t fill up your pores) and great for sensitive skin. The great balance of nutrients also makes hemp oil a fantastic natural alternative to restore dry and damaged hair.

8. THE EARTH LOVES HEMP TOO
It is a sustainable, eco-friendly crop that is very versatile and hardy. It can be grown almost anywhere in Australia, requires less water than major crops such as wheat, rice and soy and does not need any fertilizers or pesticides to thrive.

Just 8 reasons why you should include a little hemp into your food choices in 2018.

“This blog based on the personal experience of the writer. It is not intended to take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a health care professional”

Written by Go Natural Foods

Source: Hemp Foods Australia