Another type of fat found in hemp seeds is an omega-6 fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which helps with cardiovascular issues, healthy cholesterol levels, and hormonal balance.
Hemp is also rich in iron, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pyridoxine), folate, magnesium, and zinc. All of these vitamins and minerals play various roles in helping our body maintain healthy digestion, energy levels, muscular functioning, and boosting our immunity.
The best thing about hemp is that it is so easy to incorporate into your daily diet! You can find hemp seed butter, hemp seed protein powders, hemp seed trail mixes, and so much more in local health food and grocery stores.
Even simple hemp seeds can be "hidden" into your daily eating patterns. Just one bag of hemp seeds will go a long way to improving your health: sprinkle them on your toast, cereal, salads, pastas, rice-dishes. Add a handful into your muffins mixes. Stir them into your soups or sauces. Throw them on top of a pizza. I add a few tablespoons into an omelet instead of cheese, because they provide a really creamy texture. Toss a bit into a shake or smoothie for added creaminess.
Hemp seeds are versatile, and even though I use them in so many different ways, I have to admit that my absolute favourite way of using them is in a pesto recipe, where the hemp seeds replace pine nuts. Not only is this more cost-effective - it actually tastes better, and is more nutritious!
This pesto recipe is thick and creamy. I put it on top of pastas, use it as a sandwich spread, dip veggies in it, spread it over baked chicken - it is incredibly versatile.
Enjoy this hemp pesto recipe! Feel free to add in even more basil than what the recipe calls for - not only is it delicious, it is also a digestive, an anti-bacterial agent, high in chlorophyll and high in anti-oxidants.
Pesto Alfredo Sauce
Makes approx 3 1/2 cups
2 cups hemp seeds
1 cups olive oil
2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 lemons, juiced
1 cup basil (firmly packed), chopped
sea salt & pepper, to taste
Place all ingredients in blender. Slowly increase speed until on "high" or "puree." Blend until creamy and smooth.
Hip, hip, hooray for hemp!
ReplyDeleteOkay, a bit silly....I do have an organic basil plant and I did try, inspired by your yummy pesto, to make my own hemp pesto a couple of days ago. I did use the same ingredients, just by serendipity, an educated guess, but different amounts. Mine came out a bit gluey, probably needed more oil. Thanks :)