by Fiona Ostermayer
What does the word “hemp” make you think of? Illegal drugs? Rope? How about superfoods?
Yes indeed – hemp is actually considered a superfood, but it’s a pretty well-kept secret – especially in the United States. That’s because the U.S. government has not seen fit as yet, to distinguish between industrial hemp and marijuana, and has therefore banned the growing of any variety of hemp including the useful, industrial kind.
Industrial hemp is eco-friendly and can be grown without pesticides. It is very different from its botanical cousin, and hemp seeds are without question one of the best sources of protein around. Hemp protein is considered a complete plant protein because it contains all 20 amino acids essential to human health.
In this superfood we also find the perfect balance (3:1) of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids, which help to fight cholesterol and are considered essential for optimal health. Shelled hemp seeds are an excellent source of fiber and help to pull toxins out of the intestines.
You can purchase hemp in powder form, and as a seed butter, oil, or flour, but it is best to consume the seeds raw and unground. Hemp seeds can be added to cereals and salads, or mixed in with granola.
Already hemp clothing, shoes, car parts, fuel and paper are becoming more common. Hemp seeds are available at health food stores and on the Internet. While its price is still a bit high, we can hope that in the near future the United States will lift its ban on production and allow consumers and farmers alike to take better advantage of this healthy and environmentally friendly superfood!
About the Author
Fiona Ostermayer is the owner and operator of Busy-Vegan.com, a web site dedicated to the vegan and raw food lifestyles. She has been a practicing vegan for 10 years and has been researching and writing about vegan issues for the last 5 years. For more information about hemp protein, hemp power, hemp seed butter, hemp oil, and hemp flour, please visit her page on this topic