Move Over Chia…there is a New Superfood in Town!

Move over chia, step aside quinoa, it’s time for hemp seeds to take center stage! These small but mighty seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. They contain all 9-essential amino acids which means that, unlike most grains or seeds, hemp is a complete protein. Pair that with hemp’s high rate of protein digestibility and you have a fabulous source of plant-based protein. Just 2 Tb of hemp protein powder contains 11 g of highly-digestible protein.lady jane seedHemp seeds are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids – the good fats your body needs for healthful function (Did you know 60% of our brain is fat?!?!). Eating an imbalance of unhealthy fats, among other problems, can increase your internal inflammation. Inflammation, in turn, can contribute to chronic disease, memory problems, and aches and pains. Omega-3 fatty acids help calm inflammation and have also been shown to be beneficial for managing mood.

The vitamin and mineral profile of hemp seeds is another reason to consider adding them to your diet. They are an excellent source of magnesium, an important mineral for heart health, blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, muscle contractions, and nearly 300 other metabolic functions. Most Americans today don’t get sufficient magnesium in their diet. Lack of magnesium can be contribute to hypertension, chronic pain, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, chronic migraines and even depression.

If you’re looking for a nutritional boost, consider adding hemp seeds to your daily lady jane Toasted_Seed_1lb_BAG_LJwmdiet. It can be as easy as sprinkling them on salads, cooked vegetables, yogurt, oatmeal, and or even including them in your favorite baked goods. They’re also a great addition to smoothies or as a snack right out of the bag!

After learning about the wonderful health benefits of hemp, Laura Noble developed Cousin Mary Jane and Lady Jane Gourmet Seed Co (LJ’s). LJ’s uses hemp seeds as the main ingredient in a delicious combination of products for people to enjoy good nutrition with dietary flexibility. All LJ’s mixes are gluten free, another bonus. The company also focuses on educating consumers about the health benefits of hemp and dispelling common myths about the seeds (No, you will not fail your drug test, or get high, by eating hemp seeds).

You can find Lady Jane on Saturday’s at Eastern Market, at various retailers, and online at www.LJseedCo.com.  #EatSomeHemp

Laura Noble is the owner of Lady Jane Seed Company, with edits from Kelly Wilson, RDN, and SE MI Local Food Coordinator for TLD. Contact Laura at [email protected]