Product Review – O, those Omegas!

Hemp seeds and chia seeds came onto my radar about 2 years ago, and since that time I have compiled a variety of ways to enjoy them and they are such a great source of Omegas.

There are many brands out there on the market, so how do you know which is the best tasting and best value to purchase? 

In an effort to provide my readers and Facebook followers with information on the product I recommend, I recently approached Nutiva about reviewing their hemp and chia seeds.  I have already been purchasing and enjoying their brand of Coconut Oil, which I find is an extremely good quality product and price point, so I wanted to see how their Chia Seeds and Hemp Seeds compared to other brands on the market.

One thing that I found out when researching the Nutiva Hemp Seeds, is that Hemp was Nutiva's first product line - According to the Nutiva website , the name “Nutiva” was inspired by the “nut” from the Cannabis sativa plant.

Nutiva is a California based company and is "the world’s best-selling brand of nutritious and all-organic hemp foods, extra-virgin coconut oil, red palm oil and chia seeds" (according to their website).  Since 1999 they have operated as a "values-driven company dedicated to nourishing people and planet", and have donated $1 million dollars by contributing 1 percent of sales to sustainable-agriculture groups.   I liked reading this on their website, because I'm all for companies who are invested in the environment and sustainable, healthy living.

Even though Nutiva is an American company, they import their Hemp from Canada, due to the laws that prevent US farmers from growing industrial hemp.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp is from the Cannibis family, and is one of the oldest crops used for cultivation.  Many cultures considered hemp as a gift or a treasure from the Divine Spirit.    Its use as medicine was written about over 5000 years ago, and described the many ways it helped in illness.

Hemp was cultivated in North America by the early settlers, and was considered a more superior crop than tobacco.   Unfortunately, due to the passage of the Marijuana Act, it is illegal for US farmers to grow.

Flavour - I found the Nutiva Hemp Seeds to be a bit softer texture than the other Hemp seeds/hearts  I have tried. (note hemp seeds and hemp hearts are the same thing - shelled hemp seeds)  However, I do like the creamier texture myself, so this is a win for me.  Until I tried the Nutiva product, I didn't realize how fresh hemp seeds could smell and taste.  Some hemp seeds/hearts have a drier texture, which is not bad, but I like the texture of the Nutiva product better.

Value for your money (prices at time of posting) - Both Nutiva and the other brand I compared them to, are certified Organic.  Nutiva Hemp seeds sell for $9.99 for 227 g, the other well known brand sells for $8.99 for 227 g, so the cost of Nutiva Hemp Seeds is slightly higher.  Depending on the store you purchase from, you could see different pricing.  I was using the suggested pricing on the websites of both companies.

Packaging.  I like the re-sealable package that keeps the product fresh. To keep the product as fresh as possible, it is best to refrigerate.

Nutiva Hemp Seeds are available in stores or on line at Nutiva.com

How and why to use:

Hemp seeds are the most concentrated and best balanced source of proteins, vitamins and minerals found in nature.  There are so many benefits to eating hemp seeds, but here are what I consider the main ones:

• Hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein, Omega 3 and GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid).  Omega 3 and GLA are anti-inflammatory, that help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, to name just a few.

• Hemp seeds are full of coarse fiber and plant sterols, and are easily digestible which are beneficial to digestion, helping constipation, and reduce the risk of colon and prostate cancer.

• Hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein for vegans and vegetarians, and for those who are unable for any reason to eat gluten, meats, nuts, fish, beans, as protein sources.

Add hemp seeds to your morning smoothies, cereals and yogurt.  Sprinkle them in soups, and on salads, or just eat them right out of the bag for a delicious and nutritious snack.

Bottom line?  Both the Nutiva Hemp Seeds, and the other brand I used for comparison,  use hemp grown in Canada, that has been certified organic.  They may have even come from the same fields.  What it comes down to is the type of facility the product was packaged in.   When choosing, look for organic sources, with nothing added in the processing.

Other hemp products by Nutiva are hemp oil, hemp fibre and hemp protein (for shakes).

Chia Seeds

Chia was first used by the Aztecs as early as 3500 B.C. Roasted and ground, chia was used as a flour called pinole. Native people have used chia seeds for wounds, colds and sore throats, upset stomachs, body odours, prostate problems, and even constipation. It is a high-energy endurance food that was used by the Aztecs on long journeys.  Chia flour could be stored for many years and could be easily carried on long trips, serving as a high-energy food.

Flavour - Chia seeds are tiny little seeds that are crunchy and have the same texture as poppy seeds (which means that they can get stuck in your teeth!)  When chia seeds get wet, they absorb the water, which causes them to plump up similar to tapioca.

Value for your money - Nutiva Chia Seeds sell for $12.99 for 400 g compared to  another well known brand of organic chia seeds which sells for $11.49 for 454 g.  So again the cost of Nutiva Chia Seeds is slightly higher than comparable brands.  Again, depending on the store you purchase from, you could see different pricing.  I was using the suggested pricing on the websites of both companies.

Packaging - Both Nutiva and the other Organic brand I compared them to,  have re-sealable packages to keep the product fresh.

Nutiva Chia Seeds are available in stores and on line at Nutiva.com

How and why to use:

Chia seeds are considered a superfood, and I agree!  They are a great source of healthy omega-3 fats and fibre.  Here are a few of the top reasons I find Chia seeds beneficial:

• Excellent source of Omega 3 - nearly five grams in a one ounce serving.  Omega 3's are important for brain health and mood.  Research has shown that the conversion of Omega 3's in our body is better with chia as compared to flax seed.
• Because of chia's stabilizing effect it has on blood sugar,  it helps prevent insulin resistance which can also be tied to an increase in belly fat and the potential for Type 2 Diabetes.  It also has been shown to stabilize blood pressure. increase healthy cholesterol,  while lowering the bad cholesterol, so it's great for heart health!
• Contains 11 grams of dietary fibre, 18 % of RDI for calcium, 28 g of magnanese, 27% of daily value of phosphorous, so it helps with maintaining bone and oral health, and preventing osteoporosis.

Sprinkle chia seeds onto salads, soups, yogurt, even into sandwiches and wraps.  Use chia in recipes that call for sesame or poppy seeds. Add to muffins, bread, cookies and cakes. Chia absorbs 9-12 times its weight in water and can make a delicious tapioca-like pudding.

Bottom line?  You can find chia seeds at pretty much every grocery, health and bulk food store, at all different prices.  Both the white and black seeds are good choices, but you want to make sure you're getting a good quality product by avoiding either red seeds (immature chia seeds), or black seeds that are smaller than regular chia seeds (weed seeds).  I also recommend that you look for organic, non-GMO chia seeds that have had minimal processing with no additives or chemicals

Here's your chance to win a package of Nutiva Hemp Seeds and Nutiva Chia Seeds.

Just follow the instruction on this entry form found at the follow link:

Win a package of Nutiva Hemp Seeds and Chia Seeds!