Whether you enjoy it as a mid-afternoon snack, pre-dinner appies, or spooned on top of your dinner tacos or burgers, guacamole is a perfect addition for almost any occasion and any time of the day! You’re going to love this classic guacamole with a nutritional “spin.”
Hemp seeds are one of my favorite foods. You can top in over anything – soup, salad, oatmeal, yogurt, smoothie bowl – and it packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. Just three tablespoons provides 10 grams of easy-to-digest protein. To put this into perspective, two large eggs provides 12 grams of protein. Hemp also packs fiber, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
As a source of essential fatty acids, hemp is one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fats. These are the “good fats” your body needs because it cannot make them, hence the name “essential” fat.
Hemp seeds provide omega-3’s, omega-9’s and a unique omega-6 fat, GLA, or gamma linolenic acid. GLA lowers inflammation (which makes it great for reducing heart disease risk as well as arthritis and muscle pain). As a source of GLA and magnesium, hemp also reduces PMS symptoms and helps with menopausal hot flashes. They also support healthy hair, skin, and nails.
If you’ve never tried hemp seeds, they have a soft, creamy texture and nutty taste, sort of a cross between a sunflower seed and pine nut. They are also a low allergenic food, a great alternative for soy and/or peanut allergies.
Of course, I can’t leave out the amazing benefits of avocadoes!! This is really the star ingredient of any guacamole recipe! Avocadoes are a super rich source of dietary fiber (about 10 grams in a medium avocado) and satiating healthy fats (that keep blood sugar in check and your cravings at bay). They’re also a rich source of carotenoids which have powerful antioxidant effects and protect the body from free radical damage. This means it’s great for your immune system, your skin, and your heart.
Bring on the guac!
Hempseed Guacamole
Ingredients
- 1 avocado mashed
- 1/4 cup hemp hearts aka hemp seeds
- 2 tbsp red onion minced
- 1/2 fresh lime juiced (or more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp pink sea salt
- 2 tbsp fresh, chopped cilantro optional
- 2 tbsp fresh, chopped tomato optional
- 1/2 fresh, de-seeded and chopped jalapeno optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mash up avocado with a fork.
- Stir in remaining ingredients. Adjust seasonings as desired.
- Serve with fresh cut up veggies, tortilla chips, or plantain chips. Enjoy!!
