Hemp: A Tasty and Nutritious Health Food

As featured on The Today Show, hemp has become a hot food trend. No longer thought of just as a product used to make textiles and paper, hemp can be added for those looking for a tasty and nutritious health food. These vegetarian and vegan friendly foods that are kosher certified and pesticide free will add essential omegas and extra protein into one's daily diet. The nutrients contained in hemp include a rich and balanced source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 including the rare form of GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), chlorophyll and Vitamin E, B vitamins, folic acid, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Also, hemp foods are also organic.

For travelers looking for to eat healthy while on the go, consider packing along some hemp products into in one's luggage. At Manitoba Harvest, the hemp seed's hard outer shell has been removed leaving behind a nutty tasting inner kernel (or hemp heart). Hemp seeds come in a convenient 2 ounce resealable package that keeps the seeds fresh. Eat these seeds right out of the bag or sprinkle them on top of salads, cereal or yogurt.

For those going away for an extended vacation where they will be cooking their own food, pack along some hemp seed oil and hemp butter. The nutty flavor of Hemp makes for a delicious addition to dressings, sauces, dips, or smoothies. Consider substituting hemp oil in lieu of other fatty oils in those recipes that are not heated about 176 C (350 F). This product should not be used for frying.

Hemp seed butter provides a highly nutritious alternative to butter and nut spreads. Also, as this product is produced in a hemp food facility that does not process any dairy, soy, nut or gluten products, hemp seed butter makes for a perfect substitute for those with allergies who cannot consume many prepared foods.

For an example of a nutritious heart healthy snacks that can be made using hemp seeds check out Dr. Oz's 'Stamina Sustaining Trail Mix.' This snack food uses hemp seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes and dark chocolate chips for a tasty treat that will quench one's gnawing hunger pangs in lieu of a sugar laden granola bar or some other prepackaged food designed for people to eat on the run. A full list of recipes can be found on the Manitoba Harvest website and other places around the web.

More information about hemp can be obtained by logging on to the North American Industrial Hemp Council's website.