Raw Vegan Protein Fit for Children
A few nights ago I put together a recipe for the children. It made a great, healthy, protein packed treat for them before bed. Everyone loved it, hubby and I included. I have been thinking about it ever since because I used up the last of the strawberries and look forward to getting more today so we can make another blender full!! It's THAT good!
Hemp seeds were the primary ingredient supplying the protein and chia supplied the perfect balance of Omega-3's and Omega-6's. Here is some history about these amazing seeds, taken directly from this site. Check out their web site it is pretty awesome!!
Hemp Seed Benefits
The Protein-Rich Super Seed
Hemp seed comes from the hemp plant, which has been used for centuries in the paper, textile, biodegradable plastics, and construction industries.
Hemp seeds, however, have recently been rediscovered as a highly nutritious food.
They are one of the best sources of easily digestible plant protein above all nuts, seeds, and plants (aside from spirulina).
The hemp plant, Cannibis sativa L. is not the same plant as it's THC potent cousin known as marijuana. Hemp is a food and textile crop containing high amounts of fiber and seeds.
The popular phrase about hemp seeds is that "you can't get high on the seeds, you only get healthy."
Hemp's use as an agriculture crop dates back over 10,000 years, cultivated in China even before the soy bean. The hemp fiber was used extensively on ship sails and was a commonly used textile in colonial times.
Hemp Seed Nutrition
Super Source of Fatty Acids and Protein
Hemp protein has the highest percentage of the high quality edestin and albumin protein of any plant based source.
It contains all 20 amino acids (including the 8 essential), the good fats (EFA's) and the uncommon gamma linolenic acid. These qualities make it a highly digestible, complete protein source.
Hempseed contains 80% Omega fatty acids, including Omega-6, Omega-3 and Vitamin E. Essential fatty acids are "essential" because the body does not make them. They are an important antioxidant needed to protect the skin and build the immune system.
Hempseed is the lowest in saturated fats and promoted by many health practitioners as the perfect food for the human diet.
Essential Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 and Omega-6
- Alpha-Linolenic Acid
- Linoleic Acid
- Gamma Linolenic Acid
- Stearidonic Acid
It is stated in the book Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, that the oil in hempseed is the best source of EFA's of any food.
Vegan Strawberry Mylk
by Elizabeth @rawlivingandlearning.blogspot.com
2 C fresh organic strawberries with the green tops
2 T raw hemp seeds
1 T chia seeds
4 Medjool dates, pitted
1/2- 1 C water
1 banana
1/2 C ice
Take a look at the health benefits of hemp. I found a very large bag of these amazing seeds at our local Costco as well as the Chia. That was a very happy day!!
Hemp Seeds Health Benefits
- High edestin levels contain globulin which builds immune system
- 35% protein, 47% fat, and 12% carbohydrate
- Hemp flour - highest fiber content of all the seeds
- Hemp oil contains 80% essential fatty acids - the highest amount of any plant
- 33-37% highly digestible protein (1/3 edestin and 2/3 albumins) two out of three of the most common protein types
- Amino acid- contains all 8 essential amino acids
- 3 times the vitamin E of flax seed
- Free of oligosaccharides for ease of digestion
- Contains lecithin - for healthy brain function
- Inositol - strengthens hair follicles, breaks down fats/cholesterol, sedates nerves
- Phytosterols - maintain hormone balance
- ~calcium
- ~iron
- ~phosphorus
- ~zinc
- ~magnesium
- ~copper
- ~vit E
- ~manganese
- ~sulfur
"The tiny shelled seed of the amazing hemp plant has a pleasant nutty flavor, similar to sunflower seeds. The seeds are packed with nutrients -- they are an excellent source of the essential fatty acids (EFAs), delivering these EFAs in a balanced 3.75:1 ratio. Hemp seed is a source of complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids."
-Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
"There is a Cure for Diabetes"
-Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
"There is a Cure for Diabetes"
They must, of course, be eaten raw to maintain their nutritional value.
Now let's look at what the people at Superfoods for Super Health say about chia seeds, the second powerhouse in my vegan mylk recipe!
Chia Seeds Nutrition,
A Wild Food from the Chia Plant
Chia seeds are one of our top superfood seeds, along with the hemp seed, that have only recently been rediscovered in the superfood world as a nutritious, energy packed food source.They are the tiny, dark brown to light brown, seeds from the chia plant. Chia is very similar in nature to the flax seed in that it is incredibly gelatinous when soaked in water.
Chia Seeds Nutrition
- Omega fatty acids - contains ample amounts of the essential oils omega 3 and omega 6.
- Digestive aid - produces a gel that soothes the intestinal tract, normalizes bowel movements, excellent for colon health.
- Protein rich food - twice the protein content of most seeds and grains.
- High in Calcium - reported to have 5 times the calcium of milk.
- High in Boron - a trace mineral that helps move calcium into the bones.
- Source of antioxidants and amino acids.
Why Is It Known As An Endurance Food?
This gel is known to be extremely beneficial for: - Stabilizing blood sugar levels which make it an exceptional food for diabetics.
- Enhancing the nutrient absorption of all foods that are eaten with it.
- Containing beneficial long-chain triglycerides (LCT) in the right proportion to reduce cholesterol on arterial walls.
- Slowing down the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.
- Nourishing skin and hair when used internally.
- Helping with weight loss, providing feelings of fullness.
Chia seeds are gelatinous (like flax) and, when soaked, form a thick gelatin that can be blended into smoothies, shakes, and other beverages.
You can use it much like that of irish moss to make desserts thick, like our raw cheesecake and carob-coconut cream pie recipe.
You can use it much like that of irish moss to make desserts thick, like our raw cheesecake and carob-coconut cream pie recipe.
Hydrates The Body!
Another major reason chia is known as an endurance food is because it regulates glandular activity of the adrenals and thyroid while re-hydrating the body with it's hydrophilic colloidal properties. It absorbs between 7-12 times it's volume in water when the raw seeds are soaked. This is the only way we recommend eating chia for its hydrating qualities and health benefits.
The body cells can perform at optimal levels when they are properly nourished by fluids, providing electrolyte balance.
The exceptional value of chia is it's ability to prolong hydration (holding onto fluid), which maintains and regulates moisture in the cells and tissues of the body more effectively.
Irish moss and seaweed also have hydrophilic colloidal properties and are an excellent combination to use with chia that also enhances the mineral content.
Chia Seed Benefits
- Hydrates the body
- Helps prevent diverticulitis / diverticulosis
- Balances blood sugar levels
- Soothes inflammations
- Gives a feeling of fullness which helps with weight loss
- Provides omega 3's
- Long burning fuel source
- Helps to nourish your skin
- High amounts of antioxidants
- Helps to cool the body
- Sweeps and cleanses digestive tract
Comments
on the rare occasion that i get indigestion or heartburn, i swallow a big spoon of chia seeds followed by water. i forget where i read that, but am so glad it stuck with me!
peace,
e
Peace.