A post shared by Mary’s Nutritionals (@marysnutritionals) on Oct 23, 2017 at 5:45pm PDT

This is a post written by Mary’s Nutritionals—an Elephant partner. We’re honored to work with anyone who is this dedicated to improving our nutritional health and holistic well-being. ~ Ed.

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“Nature itself is the best physician.” ~ Hippocrates

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“So, where do you get your protein?”

If you’re vegan or vegetarian you’re likely to get this question all the time.

Because, you know, in America, we’re big on protein. And because, you know, if you’re vegetarian, you’re likely to find that friends, family, and even strangers are concerned about your nutrition.

Well, here’s one short answer for ’em: hemp.

Hemp is nature’s ultimate source for a digestible plant-based protein—but it’s not just for veggies.

If you’re looking to boost your protein intake as a non-meat eater*, because you’re pregnant or nursing, to give your workouts an extra push, or to help reduce stress, then hemp protein powder is a smart choice.

Hemp protein powder is the latest supplement making a buzz in the nutrition department, and for valid reason. Not only is it a protein powerhouse, but it’s also inherently loaded with more heart-healthy omega fatty acids and fiber than many other common protein powders. It’s bursting with amino acids arginine, histidine, methionine, and cysteine and also contains all the branched-chain amino acids crucial for muscle repair and building—many of which your body is unable to produce on its own.

In addition to being rich in complete protein, hemp is also a great source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and chlorophyll. Almost two-thirds of hemp protein is comprised of edestin, a protein found only in hemp and the form of protein most similar to that of the human body.

Hemp protein is easily digested and assimilated, making it one of the finest sources of protein in the plant kingdom. As a crop, hemp is nitrogen fixing, making it beneficial to the soils in which it is grown and is naturally pest-resistant, requiring no pesticides in its production.

Check out these organic, hemp-infused supplements >>

Hemp protein has been shown to increase energy, improve metabolism, scale down food cravings and inflammation, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, and have positive effects on the immune system. It contains no sugar, saturated fatty acids, trans fat, cholesterol, or THC (the psychoactive ingredient of cannabis). There are also no known allergies to hemp, making it generally safe for those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, or lactose.

Because of the remarkable benefits of hemp, the protein market is quickly becoming flooded with various brands claiming they offer the best quality or value. To help you narrow down the search, we recommend trying one from a reputable brand like Mary’s Nutritionals, a Colorado-based and nationally available line of revolutionary wellness supplements enriched with activated hemp extract and other whole-plant nutrients.

“Recently, Mary’s Nutritionals debuted two variations of organic, hemp-infused supplements that utilize the powerful combination of activated hemp extract, vitamins, and minerals to offer increased bioavailability—or to what extent the supplement is able to be absorbed and utilized by your body—ensuring the consumer sufficiently receives the maximum benefits of each ingredient,” says Lynn Honderd, the brand’s CEO.

A post shared by Mary’s Nutritionals (@marysnutritionals) on Oct 21, 2017 at 10:06am PDT

Their latest supplement innovations, Jeremy Riggle, Ph.D., Chief Operating Scientist of Mary’s Nutritionals adds, “have both been crafted with high-grade activated hemp extract—a natural anti-inflammatory—as well as a unique blend of vitamins that have known antioxidants. Situations where hemp-infused supplementation may prove especially beneficial run the gamut–from the growing teenager to the active athlete to the professional who sits at their desk for eight hours a day.”

According to Dr. John Douillard, a globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine, many of us (not just vegetarians) could be protein deficient.

“Many of us are too busy to cook and eating out has become the standard fallback. We race from one activity to the next, eating just to ‘fill the tank’ for the next activity. In trying to whip up our meals in minutes, we may be sacrificing our nutritional health. I often say that to be a good vegetarian you need to cook at least two hours a day. But, when we consider our current lifestyles, it’s not surprising that many of us don’t have the time for cooking, and our health may suffer for it.”

High-density, easy to prepare protein supplements like Mary’s Hemp Good Greens, a juicing alternative with a hint of mint (yum!), and Mary’s Hemp Protein Greens, a vegetable-based whey protein powder in vanilla berry flavor (gimme!) are a great way to meet our protein needs. They both contain 80 mg of activated hemp extract and are produced in a GMP-certified facility.

Ready to hemp up your nutrition? Get Mary’s Hemp Greens here >>

For a quick, easy, and delicious way to meet your body’s protein needs, just in time for chilly fall mornings, try our version of Nutrition in the Kitch‘s
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Hemp Protein Greens & Maple Pecan Oatmeal Recipe
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“The oatmeal came together in a jiffy and it was all that I had hoped for…and more; warming, nourishing, filling, sweet, but not too sweet, and wonderfully balanced!”
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Ingredients:

⅔ cup plain quick oats
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 level scoop Mary’s Nutritionals Mary’s Hemp Protein Greens Powder
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix or ground cinnamon
10 chopped pecan halves + 6 whole pecan halves
⅔ cup boiling water
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (divided)

Instructions:

1. Between two bowls add the oats, ½ of the hemp seeds, the protein powder, the pumpkin pie spice, the chopped pecans, and ½ of the pure maple syrup
2. Boil water and add to the oat mixture (add more water if you like a thinner consistency)
3. Stir and let thicken; top each bowl with the remaining hemp seeds, the whole pecan halves, and drizzle with the remaining pure maple syrup

*Mary’s Hemp Protein Supplements contain milk and are therefore not suitable for vegans

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Editor: Khara-Jade Warren