Hemp Seeds

Jess Pirnek REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Hemp seeds have officially made their mainstream supermarket debut over the last few years, and as super as they are, they historically have not been safe for people with celiac disease or anyone intolerant to gluten…until now! Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts are now gluten-free! Back in November of 2018 Fresh Hemp Foods Ltd. released a statement claiming that their facilities have met all the requirements of the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) and that selected products (Hemp hearts, Hemp protein powders, and Hemp seed oil) have all been tested for gluten. At this point in time, Hemp hearts are the only product with a certified gluten free claim. While hemp, peas, and the other ingredients themselves do not contain gluten, Hemp Yeah! Plant Protein Blend cannot currently be certified gluten free due to the potential for very low levels of foreign seed contamination (ex. wheat kernels) from the field where these crops were grown. What are hemp seeds? Hemp seeds come from the industrial hemp plant. However, this hemp plant will not affect the brain like other types of cannabis plants as it has been bred to contain low levels (0.3%) of THC, which is the prohibited and active component of marijuana. So, you can enjoy hemp seeds just like any other seed or nut. It is time to jump on the hemp heart train! Hemp hearts are a great source of

A great source of omega 3 & omega 6 fatty acids.

the anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acid and they also contain a special omega 6 fatty acid called gamma-linoleic acid, or GLA. GLA is special because it is both anti-inflammatory and thought to be beneficial for women’s health. Hemp seeds are also jam-packed with protein — just three tablespoons of hemp seeds have about 10 grams of protein. Hemp seeds are also packed with minerals that are often lacking in a hyper-processed diet, like magnesium. Magnesium is a calming mineral and important for the relaxation of smooth muscle, making it an important part of keeping your blood pressure healthy in addition to supporting blood sugar balance. As part of their heart healthy benefits, hemp hearts also contain plant sterols which help lower cholesterol. Hemp seeds also contain a reasonable amount of iron and energizing manganese.

Not only are hemp seeds great for our health but they are also great for the planet! Hemp can be grown in a variety of climates and soil types and we are lucky to have it grown right here in Canada. As it grows quickly and like a “weed”, this decreases the need for most pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides and also means hemp requires less water compared to most other crops. So by eating hemp, you are gaining your nutrition from an efficient, eco-friendly source and most likely supporting Canadian farmers when you do so!

If you are looking for a good source of protein to add to your morning smoothies, then hemp hearts are for you. Try adding 3 tablespoons of hemp hearts which can provide almost as much protein as two eggs. Or sprinkle hemp seeds into your next salad dressing or even in your hummus! ◆