Hemp has been used for thousands of years because of its versatility and potency as food, medicine, and textiles. Today, there is still plenty to love about this superfood. Rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, hemp products are jam-packed with countless nutrients. Vegans can enjoy the benefits of hemp products across a variety of amazing plant-based hemp food products. Keep reading to discover all the remarkable benefits of hemp and the best vegan hemp food products so you can add easily add this tasty superfood into your life.
In an era where it feels like each year has a new superfood, hemp is truly a powerhouse. Whether you choose to eat hemp seeds, oils, or bars, you can enjoy hemp’s myriad of benefits.
Let’s get this misconception out of the way. While hemp and marijuana come from the Cannabis Sativa family, hemp has less than 0.3% of THC and will not get you high.
Hemp is filled with vitamins like E, D, and B complex as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Just three tablespoons of hemp seeds have 10 grams of protein. That is more protein per serving than chia seeds and flax seeds.
Hemp is a complete protein source and provides essential amino acids. Since the body cannot produce these vital amino acids, we need to get them through food. Amino acids are important because they are the building block of protein.
Hemp contains high amounts of the amino acid arginine, which helps blood vessels dilate and relax. Arginine works to lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
A serving of hemp contains two essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6.
Hemp contains soluble and insoluble fiber which aids in digestion and regulating cholesterol levels. This fiber mixture promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, essential for building a strong immune system.
Since hemp is rich in fiber, you will naturally feel fuller longer and have a reduced appetite.
Hemp improves circulation and reduces inflammation, which helps to speed recovery.
Hemp can be enjoyed in many forms and can be added into nearly any dish as a subtle tasting and natural nutrient boost.
Also known as hemp hearts, hemp seeds have a mild, nutty flavor. Hemp seeds can be mixed into salads, blended into smoothies, baked into sweets, and topped onto acai bows.
Our favorite hemp seeds come from Manitoba Harvest. Not only do you get to enjoy all the fantastic nutrients hemp has to offer at just three tablespoons a serving, but Manitoba Harvest is also an affordable option. Each one-pound bag is under $10, so your money goes further without having to compromise on quality. Manitoba Harvest’s hemp seeds are also non-GMO and accessible for paleo and keto diets.
Bob’s Red Mill has been a go-to option for people looking for a simple way to add hemp seeds into their diet. In just three tablespoons, these hemp seeds offer 10 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 20% of your daily iron. These hemp seeds are non-GMO and gluten free while also being paleo and keto friendly.
Hemp oil can be used as a cooking oil, salad dressing, and mixed into a dip. This oil can also be enjoyed outside the kitchen as a moisturizer and hair conditioner as it soothes dry and itchy skin.
Nutiva is a powerhouse of sustainable and plant-based nutritional products. Their organic Cold-Pressed Unrefined Hemp Oil provides the ideal 3:1 radio of omega-6 to omega-3 as well as 20 essential amino acids. Nutiva’s cold-press process efficiently extracts hemp’s nutrients without any harmful chemicals or intense heat. To best preserve its fatty acids, this hemp oil is not suitable for frying, but it can withstand gentle heating. For a non-GMO, gluten free, raw, paleo, and keto hemp oil packed in a BPA safe bottle, Nutiva has you covered.
Another great natural hemp oil comes from Canada Hemp Foods. This organic and unrefined hemp oil is made in small handcrafted batches to achieve maximum nutritional properties. Canada Hemp also uses a cold-press process to tap into hemp’s assortment of nutrients while making them easy to digest. With zero trans-fat and cholesterol, this organic, gluten free, and non-GMO oil will help you get tons of essential nutrients in just one spoonful.
Hemp makes for a fantastic plant-based protein source that can be enjoyed in convenient bars to keep you full on your busiest days.
Evo Hemp sells an array of hemp protein bars in mouthwatering flavors like brownie chip, cookie dough, and mocha chip. Each bar offers 12 grams of hemp powered protein, 5 grams of fiber, healthy fats, and plenty of nutrients. We love that Evo Hemp bars are made with natural ingredients that anyone can pronounce while being GMO and gluten free. Thanks to Evo Hemp bars, cookie dough has never tasted sweeter or felt healthier.
With Larabar’s outstanding product lineup, it comes as no surprise that they sell delicious hemp bars. Larabar offers two tasty hemp bar options, Blueberry Lavender Hemp as well as Hazelnut, Hemp, & Cacao for a taste of the holidays all year-round. Each organic bar is free from GMOs and is made with just six natural ingredients like dates, almonds, and hemp seeds, of course! Both flavors offer 4 grams of protein and fiber plus all the amazing vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids naturally packed into hemp seeds.
Did you learn something new about hemp? Don’t miss out on this superfood! Hemp is a simple, natural, and tasty way to add tons of nutrients into your diet. Which vegan hemp products are you excited to try out? Let us know in the comments below!