Hemp makes strong case for inclusion in Paleo Diet

With an origin story stretching back millions of years, hemp is making an overdue appearance in Paleo diets.

Paleo purists may disagree, but the benefits of hemp — a plant with a known history dating back 28 million years ago to central Asia — are undeniable, according to Yes! Weekly. The Denisovans may have been the first human ancestors to make use of the crop 160,000 years ago but evidence of its ancient use dots history books from around the world.

“The cannabis plant seems to have been distributed widely from as early at 10,000 years ago, or even earlier,” said Tengwen Long, a researcher at the Free University of Berlin in Germany.

Hemp originates from cannabis sativa, the same plant that produces marijuana, but with just a fraction of the psychoactive substance THC, its recent road to legalization and expanded use has been much easier than that of marijuana.

The popular Paleo Diet encourages a return to the foods that would have been available 2.5 million years ago in the Paleolithic Age, such as fruits, meats, vegetables and nuts, and an avoidance of dairy and processed foods. With more than 25,000 known uses throughout human history — and hemp-made products now considered superfoods — the crop would seem an ideal fit.

The plant’s small, dry seeds are similar in appearance to sunflower seeds and are packed with macronutrients, micronutrients and high amounts of protein. It contains 20 different amino acids, including the 11 that are considered essential for humans. And, thanks to legalization, hemp can be found in almost anything these days.

“Not bad for a little seed,” said Irena Macri, author of the Eat Drink Paleo Cookbook and Happy Go Paleo. “This plant-based food is a fabulous source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Gram for gram, it fits the ‘superfood’ bill with a strong case,” she said. “They’re a great seed for anyone on the Paleo Diet, the keto diet, or eating plant-based vegan or vegetarian diets.”

Despite the benefits, Loren Cordain, a nutrition scientist and Paleo advocate, advises not going overboard with hemp, just like any other food incorporated into the diet. “Hemp in any whole food form, like any seed, should only be consumed moderately on the Paleo Diet,” he said. “If you like the taste of shelled hemp seeds, you can sprinkle them over a green salad or add them to your homemade Paleo trail mix in addition to other nuts for a quick energy snack.”

But does it technically qualify for inclusion in the diet? It’s complicated, according to Mark Sisson, author of a Paleo blog called Mark’s Daily Apple.

“As to whether hemp is Primal or not, I’d put it (like other seeds) in a supporting role,” he said. “It’s not main Primal fare, but, when eaten in its healthiest (fresh) state, it can complement a good Primal eating plan.”