Hemp Seeds have been consumed as a staple food all over the world for thousands of years. Now, Australia is major global competitor in growing organic hemp, sustainably and in harmony with nature.
What is Hemp all about?
The superfood world is getting bigger everyday and It's easy to get lost in Google when you type in 'superfoods' Chia, Macca, Chlorella, Lacuma, Açaí, Gojo Berries, Turmeric and the list goes on are all listed as “superfoods”.
One super healthy food, which has science to back up its claims and is starting to become available in Australia, are hemp seeds. But what is it and why would you want to eat it?
According to research, Hemp dates back as early as 8,000+ BC where ancient villages in Taiwan used hemp cord in pottery. Making Hemp one of the first and oldest agricultural crops.
Hemp has many uses apart from being an incredibly nutritious source of food. Hemp has been known to be used to make items such as clothing, plastic and paper. However, it has been recorded that hemp has well over 25,000 different uses, making it a very versatile plant.
To add to this, hemp also contains incredible environmental advantages, as it is recyclable, reusable and 100% biodegradable.
You might have seen them sprinkled onto salads or smoothie bowls on social media or food blogs, or perhaps you haven't. This super seed contains the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals for human function and has long been recognised for its nutritious value as one of China’s five ancient grains!
Now Hemp is indeed different to Marijuana. Hemp contains little to no THC, the component in Marijuana that gives you the ‘high’ and it has no effect on the human body. It is also completely legal to eat and was approved by the Council of Australian Governments on the 12th of November 2017.
Here are 5 things you should know about hemp seeds.
1. Health Benefits
Natural rich source of protein: essential building blocks for muscle growth, healthy skin, hair and nails.
Perfect 1:3 balance of omega 3 and 6: vital for strengthening the immune system and promoting cardiovascular health. Excellent source of dietary fibre: necessary to keep your digestive system healthy. Complete amino acid profile: amino acids can increase energy levels and metabolic rate while healing and repairing body tissue. Rich source of magnesium: assists in reducing inflammation, arthritis, blood pressure & cholesterol. Contains the essential Vitamins and Minerals: packed full of zinc, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, vitamin E, sodium and sulfur.
2. They are versatile
Hemp seeds have so many uses! They can be eaten raw as a healthy snack and can be used in salads, raw energy bars and balls, smoothies, dressings, granola, sandwiches, with yoghurt and berries, on top of porridge and avocado toast. There will be recipes on the blog soon!
3. Hemp Seeds are low in Carbs
For those watching their carbohydrate intake, hemp seeds are a natural yet filling low carb option, with around 33 percent coming from protein and around 40 percent from healthy fats.
4. Hemp is an Eco Friendly Product
Hemp is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly crops in the world and many areas of Australia are perfect for growing hemp. Once it's planted in soil, hemp is fast-growing and water efficient, meaning it can thrive in dry landscapes as well. It requires few pesticides and no herbicides, which makes it eco-friendly as well as renewable.
5. Its Allergy Friendly
Hemp is vegan-friendly, GMO-free and doesn’t contain gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, cholesterol or any additives!
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