Choose Hemp for Your (Heart) Health July 11 2014

Shelled hemp seeds (also known by the brand name Hemp Hearts^TM) are really one of nature's perfect foods. Their balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins, and enzymes encourage and support optimal health and wellness.

Nutritious
At the “heart” of all hemp foods is the raw, shelled hemp seed. They are amazingly nutritious, with high levels of plant-based protein, 20 varieties of amino acids, and all nine of the essential amino acids. In fact, hemp seeds are not only cholesterol free, but contain an optimal ratio of the polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and 6.

Healing
Consuming raw hemp seeds can contribute to a wide array of health benefits, such as weight loss, increased energy, speedy recovery from disease or injury, reduced inflammation, lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, reduced inflammation, better circulation and immune system function, even blood sugar control.

A key hemp seed benefit is its high quantity of protein, which helps to strengthen the immune system, thus reducing the instances of disease. Studies have shown that consuming hemp seeds raw or in oil form, can aid in the healing of diseases related to immune deficiency.

If you’d like to keep your heart healthy (and who doesn’t?), you should consume hemp seeds for their essential fatty acids and phytosterols, which help lower the amount of cholesterol in the body (to avoid dangerous fat buildup in the arteries).

Delicious
Hemp seeds can be blended into drinks and smoothies, or sprinkled into and onto all kinds of dishes. Their nutty taste makes a great addition to salads, stir-fries, cereals, stews, basked goods, even popcorn and yogurt. (Note that eating hemp seeds will destroy the nutritional benefits of the fatty acids, so add hemp seeds to foods after cooking).

Bo’s Buds contain the highest-quality, fresh Ontario-grown hulled hemp seed - easily digested, and are considered (did you know?) more allergy-free than other seeds. They are great for those who are unable to, or choose not to, eat gluten, lactose, sugar, fish, nuts, and meat. Try some today – your heart will thank you!

A note: Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa L. Though hemp is commonly confused with marijuana, the two plants are quite different. Most notably is the level of THC. Hemp contains <1% of the psychoactive drug, while marijuana has up to 20% or more. Now you know!