Navitas Naturals Adds Organic Hemp Seed to Leading Line of Superfoods

Reader Contribution by Press Release
Published on January 25, 2011

The hemp seed is one of the most ancient, and most nutrient-dense foods in the world, so it is only fitting that superfoods leader Navitas Naturals has added organic Hemp Seeds to its vast lineup.  Hemp is one of the earliest known plants to be cultivated by humans, with a recorded history of over 12,000 years, and has since been grown all around the world for food. Not only is hemp seed a nutritious and delicious ingredient that is easy to add to a wide variety of recipes, it is also one of the most eco-friendly crops. This superseed has a soft texture, attractive sesame seed-like appearance and a nutty flavor similar to sunflower seeds. 

You can enjoy Navitas Naturals organic Hemp Seeds right out of the bag or try them sprinkled on just about anything including granola, yogurt, salads, soups, dips, or add them to baked recipes.  They are also ideal as a smoothie ingredient, or blended into a gourmet nut butter. Below, and at http://www.navitasnaturals.com/recipes/hemp/hemp-hummus.html, is a recipe for Hemp Hummus (and a how-to video with Chef Julie Morris). You can create a gourmet hempmilk by simply blending 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds with 1 cup of water in a high speed blender (add sweetener if preferred).

Nutrition experts tout hemp seed because it is an easily digested complete protein source that is also one of the richest vegetable sources of the Omega 3 & 6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) in an ideal ratio to support human health. Hemp seed is also a plentiful source of fiber, and vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. Unlike many other nuts and seeds, the hemp seed is not known to be a food allergen.  

Hemp Seed Can Help Fight Heart Disease

A recent scientific study concluded that hemp seed provides benefits for cardiac health. The title of the report sums it up, “Cholesterol Induced Stimulation of Platelet Aggregation is Prevented by a Hempseed-Enriched Diet.” Published in the April 2008 edition of the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, the scientists investigated whether hemp seed, a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), inhibits platelet aggregation under normal and hypercholesterolemic conditions. 

“The results of this study demonstrate that when hempseed is added to a cholesterol-enriched diet, cholesterol-induced platelet aggregation returns to control levels,” noted the authors. The research highlighted the elevated concentration of GLA in the test subjects, and mentions that the heart benefits may be due to this. Hemp is a rare and plentiful food source of GLA. Although borage, evening primrose and black courant contain GLA, hemp seed is the only food source that is known to be enjoyed in a wide variety of delicious recipes, so you can get it with a normal diet rather than supplementation.

Navitas Naturals Shelled organic Hemp Seeds are grown sustainably at small family farms in Canada. Raw, kosher, gluten-free, vegan, and 100% organic, they are offered in an 8-ounce resealable pouch for $9.99. Navitas Naturals products are widely available at stores across the U.S. such as Whole Foods, and online at www.amazon.com and www.navitasnaturals.com.

The hemp plant is known to be among the most useful and eco-friendly crops in the world. It is a sustainable crop that is naturally pest-resistant, and because hemp plants grow fast and close together, they out-compete weeds and therefore don’t require herbicides. Hemp’s rugged roots anchor soil to prevent erosion and the leaves return nitrogen to the soil. Hemp cultivation generates virtually no waste and even the hemp processing byproducts are useful and marketable.

Since 2003, Navitas Naturals’ mission has been to provide premium organic superfoods that increase energy and enhance health. Through direct purchasing agreements, Navitas Naturals provides and expands fair trade economic opportunities in developing regions around the world. In addition to organic hemp seeds, Navitas Naturals offers a wide variety of organic superfoods including stevia, raw cacao, virgin coconut oil, mesquite, nori seaweed, wakame seaweed, lucuma, acai, yacon, mulberries, maca, camu, goldenberries, pomegranate, chia, flax, goji berries and raw cashews.  For more, please visit www.navitasnaturals.com.

Hemp Hummus
• 4 tablespoons Navitas Naturals Hemp Seeds
• 1 1/2 cups garbanzo beans (freshly sprouted or canned)
• 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1 tablespoon hemp or flax oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1. In a food processor, blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl and serve. This creamy dip goes especially well with crackers and raw vegetables, or used as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. The Herb Companion does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

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