Hemp 101
Hemp Seeds – Discover Their Potential
Originated from the cannabis plant, hemp cores are also known as the heart of the hemp seed. They are a plant-based food that has grown in popularity amongst food and health enthusiasts. Grounded up into smaller pieces for consumption, hemp cores come from industrial hemp, which is a crop used for food and industrial use. Unlike other cannabis plants, hemp seeds from industrial hemp do not affect the brain and are safe to eat.
Similar to other edible nuts and seeds, hemp seeds carry a nutty aroma and a crunchy texture. They differ in their unique nutrition composition.
Health Benefits
A Meat Alternative
What makes hemp seeds stand out from other plant-based foods is their complete protein profile. Hemp seeds are one of the very few plant-based foods that contains all the essential amino acids, which cannot be produced by the body. As such, they are one of the best protein options for vegans and vegetarians.
Hemp seeds are also renowned for their good source of iron. They are one of the iron-containing foods that vegans and vegetarians can choose to include as part of their diet. The absorption of non-heme iron, which is found in hemp seeds and other plant-based foods such as legumes, tofu and some vegetables, can be increased by adding vitamin C-rich vegetables and fruits at meals and snacks.
Healthy Fats
The potential of hemp seeds goes beyond the presence of high-quality protein and iron. Hemp seeds are a great source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. They are exceptionally beneficial to health with their naturally balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids of 3.75:1.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Hemp seeds are unique from other plant-based foods for their abundance and array of minerals. They are an excellent source for phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and manganese. Each mineral plays different yet important roles to maintain good health, including supporting bone health, heart health, brain development, and strengthening the immune system.
Hemp seeds are also notable for the presence of a number of vitamins. They are an excellent source of thiamine, which helps the body with energy production. They are also a source of riboflavin, vitamin B6 and folate, which plays a role in energy production, assists with carrying oxygen in blood and helps with red blood cell production, respectively.
Source of Fibre
Like many edible nuts and seeds, hemp seeds are a source of fibre. Fibre promotes regular bowel movements, provides satiety, controls blood sugar and helps maintain a healthy body weight. And that’s not all; fibre may also lower your risk for heart disease and some types of cancer.
Usage
Hemp seeds are used in various forms of food:
- Whole, shelled
- Hemp oil
- Hemp milk
- Hemp protein
Currently, Alligga™ offers certified organic, shelled hemp seeds under the name, Hempcorz™.
Add Hempcorz™ to:
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Cereals
- Salads
- Stir-fries
- Baked goods
Substitute them for:
- Sesame seeds in Asian dishes
- Breadcrumbs in baked dishes
Or simply, just eat it. Enjoy it as a snack.
The Alligga™ Difference
Shelled hemp seeds are becoming a popular food item in grocery stores and health food stores. It can be challenging to choose a brand that best suits your preference. Alligga™ Hempcorz™ stands out from the crowd:
- Certified organic and non-GMO
- Locally grown in Canadian soil
- Bottled in a sleek-looking container
- Say goodbye to mess: packaging allows easy sprinkling and pouring into foods and beverages
- Environmentally-friendly packaging
- Repurpose the bottle for other ingredients like salt, pepper, spices and seeds
Storage Tips
Hemp seeds are known for having high omega fat content. Once Alligga™ Hempcorz™ is opened, the inner contents are exposed and interact with air. This causes the chemical structure of the fatty acids to change and break down, producing an unpleasant odour and flavour, which we refer to as rancidity. To enjoy Alligga™’s Hempcorz™ at their highest quality, we recommend the following:
- Store Alligga™’s Hempcorz™ in a cooled place, like the refrigerator once the package is opened
- Make sure the lid is capped and tightly screwed before the bottle is placed in storage
- Avoid putting the product under direct sunlight or heat
Fun Facts on Hemp Seeds
- The biological name for hemp is Cannabis sativa.
- Edible hemp seeds and marijuana come from different varieties of Cannabis sativa.
- The main difference between edible hemp seeds and marijuana is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA) states that all hemp producers are only allowed to plant the approved variety, which must have less than 0.3% of THC.
- Hemp seeds are slightly larger than sesame seeds.
- Hemp was the first crop that was first planted by American settlers and it was used for making ropes and textiles.