MAUREEN DUBE-SAVAGE, MS, RD
When it comes to spring and new beginnings, we turn our attention to the ridiculously healthy and often overlooked, hemp plant. The hemp plant grows tall and thinner than other varietals. It produces stalks, seeds, flowers and leaves yet has very low to no THC molecule, which produces the buzz effects. The early turn of the century stirred up a profound cannabis prohibition wave, and with it swept away all varieties, forms, and uses of this plant, regardless of its application. Hemp was forced out of its then-known rightful place in all medical, industrial, and agricultural systems for almost 100 years, without scientific support. Now, with prohibition in most states in the rear-view mirror, this plant has claimed center stage once again to replace or reduce plastics, wood, concrete, fuel, and medications among other uses. With the passing of the 2018 US Farm Bill, hemp returned to compete as an agricultural, industrial, and nutritional option. In the form of seed, oil, flower, and a host of plant-based food & other applications it shines as the most versatile and practical plant species. This plant is annual, with a short 90-120 day growth cycle, with low water needs. This plant can grow in most climates with historical roots across all continents. Interestingly, it is a bio-accumulator, which is when a plant is good at pulling up various substances from the soil and storing them in the plant. This ability to clean up soil is environmentally helpful as history shows us when hemp is used at many historically contaminated soil sites. Therefore, if you are consuming any form of this plant, organic practices are extremely encouraged.
Hemp oil is a food-grade cold-pressed oil extracted from the seed. Not to be mistaken for CBD or THC oil which is extracted from the flower from a different hemp cannabis varietal. Although hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, again, they do not produce a mind-altering effect. The botanical fruit of hemp is the seed, although it’s classified as a nut, yet tolerated by tree nut allergies. The outer wall of the seed is the hull and is full of digestible fiber though mainly used in commercial applications as filling. The inner seed is known as hemp hearts and is what you will mostly see on your store shelves. 3 Tablespoons are packed with 9.5 grams of high-quality plant protein boasting good sources of Magnesium, vitamin E, Zinc, and Iron.
The benefits of the hemp seed outweigh our still beloved flax & chia. This seed supports your immune system, metabolism and brain function due to the complete amino acid profile. Did you know you can only get your amino acids through foods? Another good reason to eat more seeds and nuts. All three seeds are good sources of Omega 3:6 which plays a key role in regulating your immune responses.
Hemp seeds are also unique as it has the benefits of arginine to further support blood pressure regulation and is low in phytic acid which increases its absorption of nutrients. For women balancing hormones through various stages, the hemp seed is rich in Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a hormone that reduces the effects of prolactin and is known for easing symptoms related to menstrual cycle and menopause. There are also known anti-inflammatory benefits that have been the root of most diseases in our body systems.
Hemp seed oil can be used topically in commercial or homemade products to ease skin ailments like eczema and other skin ailments due to the rich omegas and its anti-bacterial properties. Hemp hearts have a slightly sweet nutty taste and can be preferred over flax and chia for their smoother texture. All seeds are healthy, so preference for nutritional and texture goals can find you mixing them around in different recipes and food applications. To start, use 1 T of hemp seed hearts sprinkled into smoothies, on top of salads, cereals, or yogurt. You can increase your amounts to 3 T once your body gets used to the digestion of the fiber. Hemp seeds work great in baking to boost nutrition and texture, coated on meats, mixed into burgers or casseroles as a replacement for bread crumbs. Use hemp oil in dips, hummus, pesto, and salad dressings.
Hemp seeds and oils do degrade quickly with heat and light, so purchase in small amounts, store in the refrigerator and use within 6 months for optimal nutritional quality. Hemp seed hearts can be found in bulk at all big box membership and regular grocery not just specialty health stores anymore. I encourage you to divide up and store in the freezer amounts based on your usage. Hemp seed oil can be found in the refrigerated supplement section or ask an attendant as it is not shelf stable.
With the return of Hemp Cannabis Sativa to its rightful place in our food, health, and industrial systems, I encourage you to explore this oldie now newbie again. Spring has sprung so let’s pop some hemp seeds, and drizzle this heart-healthy oil of the forgotten superfood into your fresh food recipes.
Incorporating a plant-based diet into your healthy eating habits takes time, understanding, and guidance. If you would like to work on your nutrition and health goals and explore more about plants and herbs then let’s connect. Visit www.morecannacare.com for a free 15-minute review of your personal goals together.