Hemp for the win with Health Horizons!

The superfood that no one is talking about (yet!) – packed with protein and micronutrients, The Health Horizons brings to us Hemp Seeds in their raw form while also busting various myths around this highly misunderstood product! 

Health Horizons is on a mission to build awareness about hemp in its seed and oil forms and the variety of benefits it has to offer while being environmentally friendly and carbon negative as a company.  How cool is that!

Interestingly enough, Hemp comes from the same species of plant as cannabis but differs largely in its THC levels. (Tetrahydrocannabinol – the psychoactive constituent of cannabis, which is lower than 0.3%) & hence can be consumed as a food source.  

For the purpose of this article, we will focus on Raw Hemp Seeds by The Health Horizons. Hemp seeds as a superfood are similar to other plant-based food sources such as flax seeds and chia seeds with some key distinct benefits. 

Why you should include Hemp in your diet

1. High in protein – packed with edestin and albumin, considered as “high-quality storage proteins”. These seeds also contain all 9 essential amino acids which can’t be produced by the body & can only be obtained from one’s diet.
2. Gut friendly & easy to digest
3. Contains Omega 3 & Omega 6 which help with improved heart health
4. Gluten, dairy and soy free, hence ideal as a plant-based source of protein for a vegan diet or for anyone with lactose intolerance
5. Rich in natural antioxidants which aid the immune system

Just remember

Since this is a product that is dense in its nutritional value, it needs to be consumed in moderation – 1 teaspoon or 4 grams is safe to consume on a day-to-day basis. 

Who should avoid this product?

There is currently not enough research to support the consumption of hemp during pregnancy and postpartum recovery hence we suggest avoiding or consuming it under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 

From the brand

“Health Horizons’ core is to deliver nutrition for a healthy body and mind with the help of Hemp and its extracts. We are a pioneer in the domestic Hemp Industry, envisioned to create awareness about the benefits of Hemp in India. We are grateful to be a part of the domestic Hemp Industry, and envision creating awareness and a powerful impact on society.”

Let’s decode the packaging 

Let’s understand the symbols on the front of the packaging of Raw Hemp Seeds: 

1. Per serving is 6.9 gms of protein – here per serving means 30 gms, which is about 6-7 teaspoons. 
2. Per serving is 6.9 gms of balanced omegas 3 & 6 – here per serving means 30 gms, which is about 6-7 teaspoons

Let’s breakdown the reverse side of the packaging

1. Ingredients: Raw hemp seeds
2. Nutritional values per 100 gm: To calculate the energy in kcals, let’s do the breakdown where protein and carbs are each multiplied by 4 and fat is multiplied by 9 : 
   
   Protein * 4 = 22.93*4 = 91.72 kcals
   Carbs * 4 = 32.12*4 = 128.48 kcals
   Total Fat * 9 = 30.04*9 = 270.36 kcals

The total becomes 490.56 kcals which is the total energy available per 100 gms
3. Raw hemp seeds are high in good fats or unsaturated fat. As per the label, every 100 gms of raw hemp seeds contain 26.3 grams of unsaturated fat (total fat 30.04 less saturated fat 3.74)

MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) & PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids), mostly present in Omega 3,6 & 9 contain healthy lipid molecules and are good for heart health. 

4. The ratio of omega 3:6:9 is at an ideal ratio of 2:1:1, maintaining a healthy balance of fatty acids
Since seeds are dehydrated and stored without moisture, they can be good for a shelf life of up to 12 months without adding any preservatives to the packaging. 

5. Regulatory stamp: Health Horizons is growing its own hemp and is certified for its production & quality by national & international bodies – GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), FDA (Food & Drug Administration) and FSSAI (Food Safety & Standards Authority of India)

“As a Great Source of plant-based protein, hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. They also have the right source of omega 3 & omega 6 which makes these seeds a good choice for improving not only heart health but also skin health!”

– Shyft Nutritionists Panel

Conclusion

In conclusion, Raw Hemp Seeds by Health Horizons brings to us Hemp Seeds, a highly nutritious superfood that is rich in protein, micronutrients, and healthy fats. The brand is on a mission to create awareness about the benefits of hemp in its seed and oil forms, and its commitment to being environmentally friendly and carbon-negative is commendable. Hemp seeds are similar to other plant-based food sources such as flax seeds and chia seeds but have some key distinct benefits. They are high in protein, gut-friendly, easy to digest, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and rich in natural antioxidants that aid the immune system. However, as it is a nutrient-dense product, it needs to be consumed in moderation, with one teaspoon or four grams being safe to consume on a day-to-day basis. The packaging of the product has symbols that indicate its vegetarian status and its nutritional values, making it easy to understand for the consumer. Overall, hemp seeds are a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet, and Health Horizons is doing an excellent job of creating awareness and promoting their benefits.