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Written by Leah Zerbe
The
benefits of hemp are boundless. This wonderfood balances your hormones,
nourishes your skin and hair, calms post-workout inflammation, and
relaxes your muscles.
Once a mainstay crop in the United States with the
Declaration of Independence drafted on hemp, and early American flags
were made of this durable, plant-based fabric.
In the early 1900s, one report declared 25,000 uses for
hemp, everything from ropes and sails to linens and food. But its
confusion with marijuana, also in the cannabis family, led to an
American campaign that ultimately made it impossible for U.S. farmers to
capitalize on this important agricultural crop.
Bringing it back could prove to be a potent economic
booster that could help clean up agriculture (hemp grows readily without
toxic pesticides) while providing healthy, low-impact protein to
millions.
So just to be clear: Although hemp plants resemble pot
plants, hemp is not marijuana and will not cause false positives on drug
tests, explains Michael Fata, CEO and cofounder of Manitoba Harvest, a
leader in the hemp food movement.
Instead of getting hung up on the drug myth, Fata would
much rather talk about hemp's amazing healing powers. Tasting like what
he calls a cross between a sunflower seed and a pine nut, shelled hemp
seeds and hemp protein powders are pleasant-tasting protein powerhouses,
containing all 10 essential amino acids to form a complete vegetarian
protein source. Hemp is better for the planet, too.
According to Environmental Working Group, animal proteins
can create up to 20 times the climate-damaging emissions compared to
plant-based protein sources.
With U.S. demand up 62 percent in the first quarter of
2013, hemp is turning out to be quite a trendy little seed. Industry
data shows hemp is growing at a rate of 115 percent, compared to an 84
percent increase in chia seeds. It's a powerhouse in the protein powder
category, too. As whey and soy proteins are slowing, hemp protein powder
sales are up 30 percent in the first part of 2013.
Ready to give hemp a try? Consider these facts.
- It's one of the world's most potent natural sources of
magnesium—a mineral required for a healthy metabolism and one that as
much as 75 percent of the U.S. population doesn't get enough of
- It's a key food for exercisers, thanks to its levels of
iron and phosphorus, important trace elements that maximize oxygen
levels
- It contains twice the protein found in chia and flax seeds.
- It's naturally non-GMO.
Here's how to work hemp into your diet:
- Sprinkle shelled hemp hearts on salads, yogurt, and cereal
- Add shelled hemp seeds to soup for a creamy, nondairy protein boost
- Toss protein powder into smoothies and mix with any ingredients that would be complemented by hemp's subtle, nutty flavor
Adapted from The Miracle Food You're Not Eating by Leah Zerbe