New to Hemp? Nutiva Has 3 Ways to Enjoy This Superfood

Revolutionizing the way the world eats might sound like a lofty goal, but Nutiva is up for the challenge. Founded in 1999, it curates some of the world’s most wholesome, plant-based organic foods like coconut oil and chia seeds. Its products are certified organic, non-GMO verified, and the company even gives away one percent of its sales to programs that support sustainable agriculture and healthy communities worldwide, including hemp advocacy.

Since it’s Hemp History Week, we wanted to share more about this densely nutritious and sustainable plant. Here are a few amazing reasons why hemp deserves a place in your pantry.

A nutritional powerhouse

Hemp hearts (the raw, shelled seeds) are easy to digest and contain more essential fatty acids than any other nut or seed. They also have all 20 amino acids, plus protein and magnesium. Hemp oil (made from cold-pressed hempseeds) has an optimal 1:3 ratio of Omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids.

Cultivated for ages

Hemp has been grown for thousands of years throughout Asia and the Middle East, and is used in everything from food products to textiles, and even auto parts. In fact, our founding father and former president, George Washington, was a hemp farmer who used his crops to help make rope and sail canvases for ships.

Sustainable roots

Not only is hemp naturally resistant to pests (no need for pesticides!), but it also uses less water than most plants. It’s good for farmers, the environment, and your body—what’s not to like?

Weed free

Yes, both hemp and weed come from the same cannabis family of plants, but eating hemp won’t make you feel high (its levels of THC are barely measurable.)

3 Hemp Products You Need In Your Pantry (and How to Use Them)

1. Nutiva Organic Shelled Hempseed

When you need a complete source of protein, hempseeds deliver. They contain all 20 amino acids, including nine the human body is incapable of producing on its own. Just three tablespoons of hemp seeds provide 10 grams of protein, so while they’re great for any diet, hempseeds are particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans. They also provide minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and iron, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. As for flavor, think of a nuttier tasting sunflower seed.

How to use it
How you choose to use the mighty hempseed is only limited by your creativity. Sprinkle them over smoothie bowls, purée them into salad dressings, or even try kale-hemp pesto to toss with spaghetti.

2. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein

Meet your new favorite protein powder! With 14 grams of protein per scoop, it gives a plant-based power boost to your smoothie. Nutiva hemp powders contain 66% edestin (an easily digestible protein)—more than any other plant!—plus 2 grams of essential fatty acids per serving. It’s gently cold processed without the use of hexane, a harsh chemical solvent often used to process non-organic soy protein powders.

How to use it

Transform your morning smoothie into a filling, easily transportable breakfast. You can also add a scoop to pancake batters or other baked goods like cookies or banana bread.

3. Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is produced when hemp hearts are cold-pressed to extract the oil. This approach means hemp oil retains all the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that may help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery time.

How to use it
Hemp oil tastes great drizzled on salads and added to smoothies. It can also be used topically. Since it’s both hydrating and non-comedogenic, it won’t clog pores the way some heavier oils might. Hemp oil also contains ceramides, lipids that can replenish the skin’s protective layer, and natural hair enthusiasts love ceramide oils for their ability to strengthen tresses, as well. Thrive Member Khristi uses it to make salad dressing by blending it with her favorite vinegar.

Photo credit: Nutiva