Is Hemp-Based Protein Powder Safe?

Nutiva manufactures and distributes hemp-based health products

Hold on to your hats today folks because everything you thought you knew about the plant known as hemp is about to change. Now before you think I've gone off the deep end on this one and started smoking the stuff, here me out on this.

There is a company called Nutiva, in business since 1999, that has taken the same plant species that we get marijuana from and extracted the very healthy hempseeds out of them which only contain undetectable trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical that causes halucinations when people smoke marijuana. There's no more danger in eating this product than there is from the trace amounts of opium found in poppy seeds.

But these hempseeds are very healthy for you and even look like sesame seeds. They have a distinctively nutty flavor to them and are packed with essential fatty acids as well as protein similiar to what is found in flaxseed.

Nutiva's hemp protein powder, for example, has 11g protein, 14g fiber, 120 calories, and 3g healthy omega-6 and omega-3 fats in addition to other key vitamins to supplement your diet. It even comes in a hempseed oil which tastes superb on salads especially. The fatty acids found in hempseeds are good for controlling your blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and can even improve irritating skin conditions like eczema. Cool!

Just in case you are wondering (and I know you are!), this hemp protein powder and oil meets all USDA standards for organic labeling and Nutiva even donates 1% of its sales to help promote sustainable agriculture. The best part of hemp is that it can be grown without the use of harmful and dangerous pesticides which are much worse for your body than consuming hempseeds ever will be.

For people who are livin' la vida low-carb, you will be pleased to hear that Nutiva hemp protein powder contains ZERO grams of net carbs and can be used to make your favorite protein smoothies. Unlike soy-based protein powder, hemp protein powder can be eaten raw to preserve its nutritional content and eliminating the risk of consuming hexane, a harmful greenhouse gas byproduct in most soy protein production which is also used in gasoline production.

Battling government backlash against the use of their product over the past 7 years, Nutiva has won every court case brought against them regarding the use of hemp in their products. While they are still being scrutinized by the government despite several rulings that have shielded them from remaining in business, they are finally being recognized for providing products that are helping people live healthier lives.

Fast Company magazine honored Nutiva in their March 2005 issue as one of the Milestones Honorable Mentions in their Fast 50 list last year and sales have been very strong for this upstart company. Since 2003, they have seen their sales over the previous year DOUBLE annually. This phenomenal growth is expected to continue in 2006 as more than two million pounds of organic hempseed will be used to supply products to over 3,000 stores around the world.

But hempseed isn't the only thing that Nutiva does well. Just wait until you try their unbelievably delicious coconut oil, too! WOW! This healthy oil smells and tastes divine and is cold-pressed within 2 hours of being chopped. This nutritious superfood is cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free as well.



However, coconut oil has not been without controversy either! Ever since the low-fat lie has hit the United States decades ago, this health food has been unfairly labeled as "unhealthy," allegedly causing clogged arteries because of its high fat content.

Yet the coconut oil produced by Nutiva is grown in the Phillipines and is a raw extra-virgin unrefined expeller-pressed organic coconut oil which nutritionists say you should eat up to three tablespoons a day.

Unlike other coconut oils that are refined, bleached, and use week-old coconut that causes the oil to be nearly odorless, bland tasting, and off white in color, you'll notice that Nutiva coconut oil is different. I used it instead of butter in a low-carb chocolate chip pecan cookie recipe over the weekend and oh my goodness, those cookies were incredible! The light coconut flavor brought out the best in the cookies and complemented the ingredients so well.

Unlike hydrogenated and hexane-processed oils which are very high in trans-fats, Nutiva coconut oil is the healthy way to sweeten and flavor your favorite recipes with the goodness that nature intended.

To find out more about Nutiva and their healthy line of products, visit their web site at Nutiva.com. Or you can click here to find a store that carries Nutiva near you.