Cruelty-Free Eating: High On Hemp Seeds

One inquisitive omnivore’s journey towards healthier and more compassionate eating…

(Click here for why I started)

(MEATLESS/VEGETARIAN/VEGAN RECIPES) Hemp seeds are an amazing superfood! That’s been the buzz for quite some time now, but with all the flaxseeds, protein powders, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds I’ve been eating, I never got around to adding them to anything more than my morning smoothie—until now.

Hemp seeds are a high protein superfood that can pump up the nutritional value of many of your favorite foods. They contain essential fatty acids that may help lower your blood pressure, improve memory and aid in weight loss. Photo credit: Lisa Singer

If you haven’t had a chance to jump on the hemp seed band wagon yet, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. They’re actually chewier than some of the other seeds like sesame and pumpkin and have a tasty, nutty flavor.

They’re a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein (10 grams per ounce,) essential vitamins and omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids. They’re also rich in iron, magnesium, zinc and low in sugar – pretty much everything you need to maintain an optimal healthy diet.

Three easy ways to incorporate hemp seeds into your diet:

1. Add two tablespoons to your oatmeal – gives it a subtle nutty flavor and boosts your morning protein by 10g.


2. Include in your morning smoothie – sometimes I’ll swap out my flaxseeds and Greek yogurt, I still get my morning protein and omega-3’s but with less sugar and calories.


3. They’re also a great way to add protein to your salads, yogurt, pasta and vegetable dishes.

Sprinkling hemp seeds on this Honey Teriyaki Vegetable Stir-Fry adds protein along with a wide spectrum of health benefits, including sustained energy, lower cholesterol, reduced inflammation and may even help promote smoother and softer skin. Photo credit: Lisa Singer

Honey Teriyaki Vegetable Stir-Fry 

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup honey


• 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce


• 1 tbsp soy sauce


• 1 tbsp minced garlic


• black pepper & salt to taste


• 2 tbsp hemp seeds


• 16 oz. frozen vegetable stir-fry blend

Combine honey, teriyaki, soy sauce, garlic, pepper & salt. Stir until well blended. Add stir-fry vegetables, mix and set aside. Spray wok or sauté pan with oil cooking spray, add mixture and cook on medium heat until vegetables are desired tenderness (about 10-15 minutes). Sprinkle with hemp seeds and mix thoroughly, cook another minute or so and serve.

I like eating this alone for my meal (serves 2) but can also be enjoyed as a side or mixed with cooked rice or pasta—just be sure to combine while vegetable mixture is still sautéing in pan for a more flavorful dish.

Source

Cruelty-Free Eating: High On Hemp Seeds