WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: HEMP HEARTS

My friends at Manitoba Harvest sent me this package of raw shelled Hemp Hearts to try out and I got to say I’m loving it. I’ve been using hemp protein powder in my green smoothies as long as I can remember, but these hemp hearts are so much more versatile. The soft-textured seeds taste a bit like a sunflower or pine nut. I can sprinkle them over salad for some crunch (love them with this kale salad!), mix them to my favorite veggie burger recipe, or add to my granola, or coconut milk yogurt parfait together with some berries. Perfect breakfast!
Hemp is packed full of protein, it contains all 10 essential amino acids.  It is also a rich and balanced source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 including the rare form of GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid). GLA has been shown to help maintain heart health, healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels and aid in hormonal balance. Other nutrients found in Hemp Hearts are chlorophyll and vitamin E, B vitamins, folic acid (important for women who are trying or may become pregnant), phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and they also are GMO-, additive-, filler- and preservative free. 
For more healthy inspiration “like” Manitoba Harvest on Facebook, check out their website for interesting articles and drool over their Pinterest board for some recipe ideas (I just spent an hour there getting inspired to cook).