If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll have noticed that hemp seeds appear in a lot of my meals. It crops up in breakfasts, lunches, dinners, smoothies and even hot chocolate! I have huge respect for this super seed, both for its nutritional content and positive impact on the environment.
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On the nutritional front, hemp seeds are little powerhouses, packed with protein, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals.
Nutritional Qualities of Hemp Seed
♥ A complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids
♥ Very high protein content (over 30%)
♥ Low in saturated fat
♥ Excellent source of omega 3 and omega 6, and in the ideal ratio for your body to absorb it
♥ Natural source of Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA)
♥ Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E
♥ Great source of magnesium, zinc and iron
Health Benefits of Hemp Seed
♥ Increases energy levels and metabolic rate
♥ Lowers blood pressure
♥ Improves organ function
♥ Boosts immunity levels
♥ Helps circulation
♥ Reduces inflammation and symptoms of arthritis
♥ Reduces symptoms of PMS and menstrual cramps
♥ Builds strong, healthy hair, skin and nails
♥ Low allergen and easy to digest
Though hemp comes from a variety of cannabis sativa, the plant contains extremely low levels (0.02% or less) of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (levels comparable to the amount of opium found in poppy seeds). Here in the UK, it’s legal to grow industrial hemp for culinary purposes.
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The production of hemp seed actually has a positive impact on the environment!
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Environmental Benefits of Hemp Seed
♥ A very efficient carbon sequester, locking up to four times as much carbon as a similar size field of trees
♥ One of the world’s most sustainable crops
♥ Extremely easy to cultivate with fantastic yields
♥ Can be grown entirely herbicide and pesticide-free
♥ Excellent for soil structure and health
♥ Doesn’t require any weed control during the growing period (either mechanical or chemical)
♥ Fastest growing plant in the world after bamboo, shooting up 4 metres in 14 weeks
We ♥ Hemp
As a plant-powered family, we consume hemp seed as one of the main sources of our omega 3 intake (along with flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts). Since heat can destroy their valuable omega 3 properties, we tend to sprinkle hemp seed into our meals once they are prepared. Until recently, I’d only ever used plain, shelled hemp seed so I was delighted when I was contacted by Braham & Murray (the company behind Good Hemp) and asked whether I would like to try their new range called ‘Good Seed’. In addition to the plain variety, they’ve created three flavoured blends: Sweet Cinnamon, Asian Spices and Italian Herbs. All four of them are perfect for sprinkling!
I have to say that these products have been thoroughly tested by my family. We’ve used at least one of the blends every day for the past month or so! Here’s a rundown of our favourite ways to enjoy them.
The Sweet Cinnamon blend (hemp seed, ground cinnamon, sugar) has been sprinkled onto breakfast cereals, porridge, and blended into smoothies.
The Italian Herbs blend (hemp seed, coriander, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder) has been wonderful for sprinkling into pasta dishes and on top of pizzas and soups…
while the Asian Spices blend (hemp seed, oregano, sweet chilli, smoke paprika, garlic powder) has been perfect for adding to curries and stir fries.
The plain Shelled Hemp has been sprinkled into a whole array of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and smoothies.
We found that all four blends are also great for sprinkling into sandwiches and wraps.
As companies go, I really value Braham and Murray as they take great care to produce a quality product in harmony with the environment. All their hemp is grown in the UK and is entirely herbicide and pesticide free. They make use of the entire hemp plant, so nothing goes to waste.
♥ The seed is used for food.
♥ The straw is used to create sustainable building materials for Eco houses.
♥ The fibre is supplied to BMW for the doors of 3 & 5 Series cars (the fibre reduces the weight per car by approximately 1kg, thus enabling fuel efficiency).
♥ The dust cleaned from the seed is supplied to worm farms.
♥ Leaf matter supplies essential nutrients back to the soil as a natural fertiliser.
Giveaway Time! NOW CLOSED!
I’m very delighted to tell you that Braham and Murray have kindly offered to give away three of their Good Seed products to my wonderful readers. To be in with a chance of winning one of the pots, simply leave me a comment below stating which of the blends you would like to try: Sweet Cinnamon, Italian Herbs, Asian Spices or Plain Shelled Hemp.
There are two bonus ways of entering the giveaway:
– ‘Like’ the Braham and Murray Good Hemp Facebook page, and leave me a comment below stating that you have done so.
– Follow Good Hemp on Twitter @Good_Oil or @GoodHempNutri, and leave me a comment below stating that you have done so.
I’m afraid that this giveaway is UK only, so apologies to my international followers.
The closing date is Thursday 28th February 2013, at midnight GMT.
Good luck everyone!
Are you a fan of hemp seed? If so, what’s your favourite way of eating it?
I’m going to comment, but obviously not enter (downside of living stateside).
What a cool product. I have never seen flavored hemp and I had no idea about how fast it grew OR that it took in so much carbon.
I have learned quite a bit today.
I will say that I take every opportunity to sprinkle some hemp on food that I can. I, in fact, just had it on a salad for breakfast this morning (I love all of the little kernels).
Oh we made your mushroom risotto this past weekend and it was a HUGE hit. They ate every last bite that was on their plates (I was actually quite stunned as two of my three children don’t like mushrooms). I just wanted you to know we tried it and loved it.
I hope your week is going well Sharon.
I’m so happy that your family liked the mushroom risotto. Hearing that has made my day 😀
Hemp is fantastic isn’t it? I learnt a lot myself whilst researching this article 😉 I already use it a lot, but I’m going to use it even more in the future. Really want to make some hemp seed bars. Lil’ L loves taking them to school but the shop-bought brand is really expensive & very sugary. If it works out, I’ll post the recipe x
All flavours sound incredibly delicious but if I had to choose it would be cinemon and Asian spices 🙂
This was so informative, thank you! I didn’t know about most of the benefits of this nutritious little seed! I’m fairly new on the hemp seed bandwagon but am already a big fan. I’ve been enjoying them sprinkled on porridge and salads as well as blended up with herbs, spinach and some other goodies to make a pesto. I especially love the sound of the new Italian variety, like you say great for a pasta or pizza topping 🙂
I’m a fan of Good Hemp on fbook already in fact!
Now following on Twitter.
Sounds delicious. I’ve never had hemp seeds before and would love to give the Italian Herbs one a try!
Would definately be cinnamon fore. One of my favourite spices.
I would like to try any but Asian Spice (as I am really not keen on spice). Sounds an interesting product though, not tried anything like it before
I have also liked/ followed them on facebook and twitter. Look interesting pages even if I don’t win
liked on fb
I love hemp seeds, in salads or smoothies would be my favourite way to eat them. I love the idea of their flavored hemp seeds!
Hi Sharon
I love the fact about the seeds being made into BMW doors – who’d have thought?! Could I try the Italian herbs plse?
Nicky
Hemp is still not allowed over here! I see so many international folk posting about it but we can’t! lol
I love hemp seeds ! So good for you !
Hi, i’m already following @good_oil on twitter and liked their facebook page. I would like to win the plain shelled hemp as it’s more versatile though the other flavours do sound yummy!
Hemp. What’s not to like? Super food, super protein, super plant power.
I’m following Good Oil. Please double my chances of winning this great giveaway!
I’ve been using some 100% hemp flour for a while in the spelt bread I make.
Good stuff.
Thanks for the info
love
Chonden
Love the idea of the flavoured hemp seeds. The cinnamon one in particular sounds fab.
Asian spices sounds good
I’ve heard so much about hemp seeds but have never had the chance to try it! I’d love to try the sweet cinnamon one, I’ve totaly got a sweet tooth!
Oops, nearly missed this! I’ve been a long time fan of Good Oil but slower on the uptake with hemp hearts. I opened my first packet just over a week ago and have been having a dessertspoon sprinkled over my current indulgent breakfast bowl of sliced oranges, greek yoghurt and rainforest honey every day since. So, the cinnamon would be ideal for me.
I have a really great face cream with hemp in it but I don’t believe I’ve tried eating it. I’d love to try the sweet cinnamon or Asian spices.
I follow @Good_Oil on Twitter. I’m @RoadtoLessCake
I follow @GoodHempNutri on Twitter. I’m @RoadtoLessCake
I like the Facebook page.
The cinnamon ones sound so very good