If you are a Vegan or even a vegetarian, you are probably used to the question, “where do you get your protein?”

It becomes quite a predicable part of the conversation as soon as someone knows you follow a plant based diet!

I used to give the long answer, but these days, I just tell people the amazing value of hemp seeds (also known as hemp hearts or hulled hemp seeds).  Whilst that still raises a few eyebrows, it also opens a different line of questioning. I get to share my love of this amazing lifestyle and even pass on a few protein shake recipes given a chance.

I will just add here, ironically, whilst it’s legal to grow hemp in Australia, we are not allowed to sell it as a food item. We are one of the last countries yet to approve this amazing plant as a food product. So any hemp seeds/protein you purchase will be labeled as “not for consumption”. This is being challenged and there’s a rumor that this will all be fixed by June this year. Oddly in USA it’s the opposite, you’re allowed to eat the stuff, but not grow it! Anyway, while the government is getting this all sorted for us…..Here’s a little about this amazing little gem:

The seeds of this member of the cannabaceae (hemp family) contain more protein than any other plant food except soy, yet hemp seed is easier to digest than soy and is less likely to cause allergic reactions. (who’d want to eat a processed food like soy anyway!) Hempseeds are sweet and warming.

Like flaxseed, hemp seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but it has a longer shelf life. Hemp seeds have the right balance of essential fatty acids, Linoleic acid, (omega-6) and Alpha-linoleic acid, (omega-3) which are essential for so many of our bodies vital functions. Hemp seeds also contain GLA,  gamma-linolenic acid (a natural anti-inflammatory). It has also been suggested because of the correct ratio of EFA’s in hemp protein, it actually helps us to lose weight and help fight disease…

Hemp seeds contain the 8 essential amino acids and are in greater quantities than eggs, milk and tofu.

Unlike many nuts, hemp seeds are free of trypsin inhibitors (enzymes) and do not need to be soaked before use. Hemp – both the seed and the plant – has many wonderful uses and is economically and environmentally a great product. (We’ve even written about the uses of hemp as a building material… Yep we love Hemp here! )

Because of the high levels of omega-3 in Hemp Oil (derived from the seed) it is a popular product in skin care and has been known to help with eczema and psoriasis.

Hemp seeds are Gluten Free which may them an ideal product if you suffer from Gluten intolerance, wheat allergies, or suffer with Celiac disease.

It is rapidly becoming the body builder’s and health fanatic’s protein of choice as the damaging effects of whey protein become known. Apart from being highly processed, these whey products have high levels of mercury, lead and arsenic. They often have artificial sweeteners in them (don’t get me started on those baddies) and can cause kidney damage over time. No thank you!!

Hemp farming is growing an an amazing rate in Australia, creating jobs, sustainability and a product with so many uses. In the USA a very fast growing industry is use of hemp-crete in buildings made from the fibre of the hemp plant. This is an incredibly strong product and completely sustainable. Hemp requires little space and very little water to grow, making it a perfect crop for Australian conditions.

The Best hemp seeds I have found come from ScottMathiasRaw. Organic, brilliant quality and a great price!

Here’s a couple of wonderful Protein Shake recipes to try if you feel you want to boost your protein intake:

 It baffles me why a plant with so many health benefits isn’t legal for consumption (yet) in Australia!

Hopefully it won’t be much longer before our government catches up with Mother Nature and approves this little beauty!