Hemp protein powder, always a staple in the natural/organic specialty stores, is gaining shelf space in conventional retailers as well. The versatile hemp protein powder can be mixed in smoothies, hemp seeds can be sprinkled over salads, in hot and cold cereals.
What Can Hemp Protein Do For Me?
The body needs 22 amino acids for proper function. Eight of these amino acids cannot be produced by metabolism and two amino acids are not sufficiently reproduced by the body. Hemp protein contains all eight essential amino acids the body cannot produce. It is a vegan protein source that is on par with other complete proteins such as meat, egg whites, whey protein and soy. Because hemp protein is a whole food and contains only the essential nutrients, the body can utilize it efficiently. Hemp protein also leads fish and flax in nutritional value.
For those with food sensitivities will be happy to know hemp protein is not considered a food allergen. Hemp protein is also ideal for people suffering from lactose or gluten intolerance. It is considered a raw food, meaning it is never heated above 116 degrees F so it is an option for those on a raw diet. It is easily digested and unlike soy, hemp protein powder does not interfere with the body’s ability to absorb protein.
Hemp protein powder and seeds are high in fiber which can give you the feeling of being full sooner and reducing cravings for unhealthy foods. It can help boost metabolism because more energy is needed to digest protein than carbohydrates. Protein also helps regulate blood sugar levels which is key to preventing type 2 diabetes..
Where Can I Buy Hemp Protein
Powder And Seeds?
Hemp protein is as versatile as it is good for you. Nutiva, an innovative leader in the health food industry, is a great place to get your hemp protein powder, seeds and oil for cheap in one place and have it sent to you. This is pure awesomeness to people like me who hate to shop brick ‘n mortar and try do as much shopping as possible online.
All their products are organic and they offer shelled hemp seed, cold-pressed hemp oil, hemp protein powder, a high fiber hemp protein powder, and HempShake. I’m going to order their Superberry Hemp Shake with organic blueberries, pomegranate, raspberry, strawberries and maqui berries. I’ll let you know if it’s worth buying or not in a future product review.
I Bought My Hemp Protein Powder.
Now What?
Hemp protein powder can be added to smoothies, shakes and baked goods. Hemp seed can be added to smoothies, baked goods, cereals, omelettes, yogurt, soups, salads and veggies. Pretty much anything you can imagine
Here are a couple of recipes from Nutiva that show the versatility of this protein superfood.
Hot Cereal with Hempseed and Coconut Oil
Here’s a versatile recipe that makes a healthy meal all on its own or as a topping for plenty of other delicious combinations. Packed with tons of hemp, you’ll love this recipe!
Ingredients:1 cup ground flax seed
1 cup ground almonds
1/2 cup oat bran
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup Organic Shelled Hempseed
1 cup vanilla whey protein powder
1 cup Organic Hemp Protein 15g
Organic Coconut oil added when servingDirections:Grind the almonds then toast them at 350 for 5 – 10 min til slightly golden. Grind the flax seed and combine all the ingredients.
Hemp and Coconut Oil Infused Quinoa and Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:1 bunch Leeks
1 lb. Baby Bok Choy
1.5 lb. Potatoes(Fingerling or Red)
3 Tablespoons Nutiva Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
2 Tablespoons Sunflower Seeds
3 Tablespoons Dried Cranberries
4 Tablespoons Nutiva Hemp Seeds
1 Cup Quinoa (“Keen-wah”)
6 Tablespoons Trader Joe’s Goddess Dressing
1 teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon PepperBuy all Organic Ingredients, whenever possible.
Directions: Chop Leeks and Potatoes into small pieces and put aside.
Begin cooking Quinoa, be sure to rinse well.
While Quinoa is cooking, add Coconut Oil to saucepan and heat over medium. Add Leeks and cook for 3 minutes stirring occasionally.
Then, add Potatoes and put almost all the salt and pepper into dish. Mix ingredients and cover over medium heat for 10 – 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
Make sure to add rest of salt and pepper after dish is completed.
Don’t forget about Quinoa! Stir frequently so you don’t overcook it. When Quinoa is done, put aside with top off and off of heat.
After 5 minutes, transfer Quinoa into serving dish to cool.
Chop Baby Bok Choy into small pieces and place around entire outside of plate.
Add potatoes to center of plate and sprinkle with Hemp Seeds.
Place Quinoa on top of Baby Bok Choy, then add Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds over Quinoa.
The last step is to add the Goddess dressing and your delicious meal is ready to enjoy. Cheers!
Editor’s Note: We recommend making your own dressings whenever possible, as bottled dressings are chock full of questionable ingredients.
This recipe comes to us courtesy of Joey Mendelsohn from Los Angeles, California.
Coconut/Hemp Recovery Smoothie
Here is a fantastic smoothie recipe you can enjoy after a hard workout. All the nutrients from Chia Seeds, Coconut Manna, Hemp Protein are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated. Want more recipes? Click here! Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 Cup coconut beverage (such as So Delicious), original or vanilla
1 scoop Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein
1/2 – 1 teaspoon Chlorella (or 1 scoop greens powder of your choice)
1-2 Tablespoons Nutiva Chia Seeds
1-2 Tablespoons Nutiva Coconut Manna
1 Tablespoon Almond Butter (optional)
1 Cup frozen banana chunks (freeze ahead of time) or other frozen fruit
1/3 Cup frozen spinach
Natural sweetener to taste (1 tablespoon coconut nectar or honey, 1/8 teaspoon stevia, etc.)
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. If the smoothie is too thick, add in a little more coconut beverage and blend until smooth.This is refreshing to drink after a tough workout, and tastes great!
Recipe Credit: Heidi Gassman, Seattle, Washington
