If every morning feels like an ode to the same old oatmeal, it’s time to get hip on hemp. No, it can’t completely replace your bowl of whole grains. But stir hemp seeds into your oats, and you’ve instantly upped your nutritional game. These tiny, chewy morsels have a slightly nutty taste and are rich in nutrients that an active body needs. Whether you’re a vegan athlete looking for a quality protein source or just trying to clean up your diet for greater gains, hemp seeds support your cause.
Your overnight oats will appreciate a new texture and added flavor, but that’s not all hemp seeds can do. Here are the top 10 reasons you should pay heed to hemp seeds:
Packed with protein – In only three tablespoons, Vitacost Whole Food Organic Raw Hemp Seeds offer 10 grams of protein. Bonus: this one serving only sets you back 180 calories – oats alone can’t do that.
Provide ample amino acids – Hemp provides all nine essential amino acids. Your body uses amino acids to make proteins for breaking down food, repairing tissues and growing muscles. Since essential aminos aren’t produced naturally, adding hemp can help you hit your mark and keep your body in tip-top shape.*
Feature essential fatty acids – Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also considered essential for your overall health. Hemp seeds offer a balanced ratio of omegas 3 and 6 to help support cognitive function and joint flexibility in your overworked body.*
Rich in calcium – You know you need calcium for bone health. Though a calcium capsule would be more potent, hemp seeds offer 25% the Daily Value of this essential mineral. Some people find whole food sources like hemp are better absorbed or more easily digested than some supplements.
A good source of iron – Hemp also offers 25% the Daily Value of iron, which is important particularly for female athletes. But nearly everyone can benefit from more iron, since it plays such a large role in efficiently producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – your body’s primary source of energy.*
High in fiber – Maybe your morning grains don’t need added fiber, but your yogurt or baked goods might. Mix in a couple tablespoons of hemp seeds wherever you can to help you reach the recommended 25 grams per day. No chalky orange powder required.
Bake healthier – In lieu of walnuts, use hemp seeds in your favorite brownie-nut recipe. They’ll not only add filling fiber and protein, but their natural nutty flavor is a strong stand-in for the real deal. Anyone with a nut allergy can appreciate that.
A top-notch topping – Just a sprinkle of raw hemp seeds on a salad or fruit parfait is a nutritionally sound idea. The healthy fats in hemp seeds help your body absorb the nutrients in your fruits and veggies.
Cook up flavor – Sneak extra nutrients into your family’s favorite foods by adding hemp seeds to pancakes, omelets and side dishes. They’ll even enjoy the nutty undertone.
Takes shape – Hemp is found in more than just seed form. It’s so versatile you’ll find hemp oil to replace dairy fats in any recipe, hemp milk for those of you trying to wean off of coffee creamer and hemp protein powder to make vegan-friendly shakes.
There’s no excuse not to add this high-powered plant to your diet plan. Have you tried it yet? What’s your favorite way to eat hemp?
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.