Have Tree Nut Allergy…no worries…Hemp based food is there for you

What is hemp?

Hemp or Industrial Hemp is a plant of cannabis sativa family group, primarily grown in the northern hemisphere. The plant matures in about 3-4 months. Moreover, the seeds of this plant are quite useful and can be used to produce a variety of products such as textile, paper, rope, bio-plastics, food, animal feed etc.

Misconception- Hemp vs Marijuana

Hemp is often confused with Marijuana- a plant coming from the same family. Marijuana has high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) more than 0.3% (dry weight), the chemical that causes high. However, hemp based food are made from edible plant seeds of hemp plant which contains only a trace amount of THC typically less than 0.3% (dry weight).

What is Nut Allergy ?

when a person is allergic to nuts, their immune system identifies nuts as a harmful substance and starts fighting against it (nuts) by releasing certain chemicals such as histamine. Further, the release of these chemicals from the immune system causes allergic symptoms such as skin rashes, swelling of skin, skin redness, hives, sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes, etc.

According to centers of disease control and prevention, more than 50 million Americans are allergic to nuts. These figures are growing rapidly every year. In addition to this, we already know that people over 30 years of age have higher chances of being lactose intolerant. So, what is the respite for people who are lactose intolerant and are allergic to nuts. No need to worry, you can get a much nutritious alternative that to in various forms. Hemp seeds are the healthiest plant based food. Hemp based foods have nutty flavor, yet they are not nuts. Further, these foods are gaining popularity due to their low carb high protein and fat content.

Hemp Seed in Food Industry

Hemp seeds have high complete protein & fats. They are also a great source mineral (such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus) and can be consumed raw, grounded into powder or sprouted. Several food products such as milk, oil, cheese substitutes, protein powder, etc. are derived from hemp seeds.

Why Hemp Milk ?

Hemp milk is typically prepared from hulled hemp seeds and water. However, several brands prefer to use certain other ingredients such as brown rice syrup and sugar. This increases the carbohydrate content of the hemp milk. It has a nutty flavor (although not a nut) and a creamy texture. It can be used in place of milk in tea, coffee, smoothies, cereals etc.

Unsweetened hemp milk is low in carbs and high in protein and fat content. It also contains several vital nutrients such as iron and calcium. Fats present in hemp milk is mostly unsaturated contains omega3 and omega6 which are vital for building new tissues and membranes in our body. To sum it up, hemp milk has high fat content than other plant based milk and is an excellent alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or have nut allergy.