Hemp Hemp Hooray!

This blog post was written by Healthy Living Taste Maker Mindy Elmergreen. Mindy teaches yoga at Tapna Yoga in Burlington. When she’s not in the studio, you’ll often find her in our cafe enjoying juices & smoothies with her adorable son! 

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It’s Hemp History Week, and Healthy Living is celebrating all things hemp at an amazing discount.  The best quality hemp edibles like hemp hearts, hemp oil, Hemp Pro Powder and Hemp Pro Fiber will be showcased in their sweet new display in the Wellness department.

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Benefits of Hemp

Hemp is one powerhouse of a plant. It provides a perfect 1:3 balance of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs), which the body needs for optimal skin health, energy production, nervous system function, brain development, heart health and immune system support. Adding to the power of these super omegas, hemp also contains the naturally occurring Stearidonic Acid (SDA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), which help convert the benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs more effectively.

Let’s not forget the plant-based delight – hemp is a complete protein containing all eight essential amino acids in sufficient quantities to meet the body’s needs. Calling all vegetarians, vegans and athletes! Hemp is easy to digest, rich in calcium, dietary fiber and iron. Vitamins A, E, D and many B vitamins round out this popular and easy-to-consume superfood. The sky is the limit with hemp…

  • Hemp Hearts (aka hemp seeds) – Hemp Hearts are the most popular way to soak up the many benefits of hemp. They’re about the size of a sesame seed and have a mildly nutty flavor that won’t overpower a salad, smoothie, oatmeal or soup. Just three tablespoons yield 10 grams of complete protein.
    Hemp Oil – Shelled hemp seeds are cold-pressed to make a versatile, incredibly nutritious Hemp Oil. It has a bolder flavor than many oils, so try splitting it with olive oil in your favorite homemade dressing.
  • Hemp Pro – A raw whole food, Hemp Pro is an excellent source of protein and omegas to take your smoothies to the next level. The powder isn’t gritty and doesn’t leave an aftertaste – and it contains only one ingredient.
  • Hemp Pro Fiber – Just what the doctor ordered, Hemp Pro Fiber boasts 13 grams of fiber – that’s over half of the recommended daily intake! It’s a hair nuttier than regular Hemp Pro, so start with half the serving amount if it’s overpowering your smoothie.

Celebrate Hemp History Week

For decades, an outdated federal policy has outlawed hemp farming. In 2014, farmers in Kentucky, Colorado and Vermont harvested the first legally cultivated hemp fields since 1957. As awareness of the benefits of hemp continues to spread, supporters are working toward federal legalization of commercial hemp farming for this nutritious, versatile, and eco-friendly crop.

How will you celebrate Hemp History Week? How about with this irresistible hemp seed dressing…

Creamy Hemp Dressing

  • ½ C fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ coarsely chopped celery
  • ¼ C flax oil
  • ¼ C hemp seeds
  • ¼ C nutritional yeast
  • ¼ C water
  • 2 T coarsely chopped onion
  • 4 t light miso
  • 2 t maple syrup
  • 2 t tamari
  • 2 t dried dill

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Use as a dressing or dip.  Creamy Hemp Dressing will keep (refrigerate) for up to two weeks.