Hemp Peanut Butter Cup Recipe

It seems like hemp seeds are in everything now: Tom Brady's smoothie, packaged granola, energy bars. But does that mean that you should you be incorporating them into your protein shakes, salad dressings, overnight oats, and more?

Yes, yes you should!

These super seeds are becoming increasingly popular because they are nutrition powerhouses and even though they are described to have a nutty taste, the flavor is mild enough you can add it to any meal without it overwhelming the taste of the final dish.

Hemp Seeds are very affordable, easy to get, and are ready to eat upon purchasing.

Hemp seeds have an easy texture to incorporate into dishes you already like.

Hemp seeds are a great source of fiber, rich in essential fatty acids, contain omega 3 fatty acids, and high amounts of heart-healthy minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Let’s look into the health profile of hemp seeds, and how to slip more into your diet, and other FAQs about this increasingly popular ingredient.

What are hemp seeds?

Before we dive into all things hemp seeds, what exactly are these beige bits?

Hemp seeds can be purchased in their whole form, with the outer shells intact (known as hemp seeds), or shelled/hulled (known as hemp hearts), where the outer shell is removed. In addition to hemp seeds, you can purchase hemp in the form of hemp seed oil and hemp protein powder product.

Fact: Hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant.

( And…No, they’re not going to get you high.)

Now lets take a look at the nutritional value of hemp seeds

There's a good reason hemp seeds get so much hype.

“They are a fantastic source of protein, fatty acids, potassium and magnesium. Their standout specs include their protein content, amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals. Here’s the breakdown:

Protein

Hemp seeds are very rich in protein as it takes up around 25-30% of the seed, making them an excellent plant-based protein option.

Amino Acids

“Hemp seeds have all nine essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein,” as reported by the National Library of Medicine: adding that amino acids are the building blocks of protein, with some of them being essential and can only be obtained through foods. “Getting all nine essential amino acids is even more challenging on a plant-based diet alone, making the hemp seed even more remarkable.”

Minerals

Yep, this superfood has minerals, too. “Hemp seeds contain many heart-healthy minerals, such as potassium and magnesium.” Hemp seeds are a great way to add potassium to your diet!

Fatty Acids

Talk about impressive: Around 90 percent of the oil in hemp seeds is made of unsaturated fats, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as your omega 3s, elaborating that a diet high in polyunsaturated fats is linked to a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

Pretty neat for a food where a serving size is a few flips into your smoothie or a generous sprinkling over a soup.

Hemp seeds also have iron, fiber, zinc, B vitamins, and more good-for-you nutrients.

What are hemp seeds’ health benefits?

Some realms of health in which eating hemp seeds regularly—coupled with a balanced diet, folks—may prove beneficial include heart health, weight loss, and constipation. Hemp seeds contain antioxidants such as polyphenols.

These protect against diseases like atherosclerosis, a condition where free radicals damage your blood vessel's linings and lead to plaque buildup. But, antioxidants help protect against free radicals and lower your risk for these diseases. Hemp seeds also contain soluble fiber. Eating adequate amounts of soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol levels.

For these reasons choosing to add hemp seeds to your diet follows the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and helps manage blood pressure and lower your risk for heart disease.

On the weight loss front, hemp seeds are also a win. Hemp seeds are a great source of fiber because they contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. The combination of both fibers helps you feel full longer, it makes you less likely to eat more and helps manage your energy intake.

If you suffer from constipation, you may also want to add hemp seeds to your diet. The majority of the fiber within hemp seeds is insoluble which helps the body draw more water into our stools, making for a softer consistency and helping to alleviate the struggles of constipation.

How do you eat hemp seeds?

A standard serving size is about two or three tablespoons, FYI. The possibilities are virtually endless You can add ‘em to any kind of salad, smoothie, yogurt, and oatmeal or cereal. also adding them to homemade protein bar recipes. We have attached an easy recipe for Oaty Hemp Heart Peanut Butter Cups for you to try.

Not sure if to go the whole or shelled route? Whole hemp seeds are crunchy and are more suitable to incorporate into your cereals, granola or salads. Hulled hemp hearts are easier to consume and offer a chewy texture so that you can add them to your smoothies, baked goods, and dressings.

Give our following recipe try and let us know what you think! We are in the process of compiling recipes for our upcoming cookbook.

Without further ado: Here is our Oaty Hemp Heart Peanut Butter Cup Recipe

A decadent little raw treat that you can whizz up in a hurry. Made with rolled oats and hemp hearts, peanut butter and chocolate, topped simply with some extra toasted hemp hearts or a little rock salt.

Keep these babies in the fridge or freezer, and don't leave them hanging around too long at room temperature. Best eaten straight away!

Ingredients:

1/3 Cup rolled oats

¼ Cup hemp hearts

2 tbsp smooth peanut butter

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 pinch salt

Second layer

¾ Cup smooth peanut butter

1 tbsp maple syrup

Chocolate topping

1/2 Cup dark chocolate (melted)

To decorate: 1 pinch toasted hemp hearts

Directions

Mix the ingredients for the base in a bowl and press into a 6 cup silicon muffin tray. (or 12 minis) Freeze for 15 mins.

While that’s setting, mix the peanut butter and maple syrup in a small bowl for the second layer, and spread over the base.

Top with melted chocolate.

Decorate as desired.

(Keep in fridge or freezer and serve immediately as these will soften at room temperature.)