Marijuana?

I was recently sitting for some friends and when it was time to give the little ones a bedtime snack I was introduced to another player in the health food cast.

As I stood with the fridge door yawning open my eyes were drawn to a large yogurt-like tub with the words "Hemp Hearts" printed across the label. I picked it up with interest, shrugged at this unknown food and placed it back on the shelf. Going to have ask about this later.

My biggest surprise came when the two year old boy beside me said, "I want hemp hearts with yogurt please". I tried to imagine my children asking for such a nutritous snack and had to chuckle. Anything could happen, I guess.

Well there was no yogurt so the little guy had to settle for crackers & cheese but I went back to the container to read the label more closely and to take a small taste sample. Nutty and quite pleasant. Like broken up sunflower seeds. Turns out this food is high in protein, low in carbohydrates & contains healthy fat. Not only does it enhance the food it's served with, but it keeps the body satiated longer and contributes to better digestion & elimination. Where do I sign up?

My husband was equally interested but for different reasons. Isn't hemp part of the marijuana plant? Yes it is, we found out later, but not the part that is illegal. We had all sorts of uneducated theories about the growing and separating of the beneficial from the medicinal. This would make an interesting research project.

So Hemp Hearts are now officially on my grocery list and I am constantly amazed at how much I have yet to learn about nutrition and it's application in my own life.