5 Reasons to Go Bananas for Seeds

Few times I’ve been around that track, so I’m only gonna eat HEMP SEED BREAD like that. Cause I ain’t a gluten girl no, I ain’t a gluten girl like that. And this bread is bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. And by bananas, I mean crazy good and good for with because it’s made with 3 different nutrient-dense seeds, almond meal and kombucha! It’s a high protein, high fiber and gluten-free bread that’s just as good with savory as it is sweet. Get the dEATs on this recipe for HEMP SEED BREAD and 5 reasons you should be going bananas for seeds, too.

While I’m not gluten intolerant, refined carbs (ie white sugars, flours, rice, etc.) are majorly lacking in the nutrient department and are also linked to inflammation in the body. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (an arthritis in the rheumatoid family) in my mid-twenties and ever since then, I’ve tried to be more mindful of what I put into my body. And along that journey, I’ve discovered the tiniest superfoods in the world – seeds! These nutrient dense powerhouses are high in protein and fiber, leading to lasting satiation. I mean, there’s a reason seeds are teh mother of new plants, right?

Chia, flax and hemp seeds are some of my favorites for their versatility and health benefits, but you don’t have to believe me, check out the numbers.

Seeds, By the Numbers:

Chia Seeds = 4.7 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon

Flax Seeds = 1.9 grams of protein and 1.4 grams of fiber per tablespoon

Hemp Seeds = 3.7 grams of protein and 1.2 grams of fiber per tablespoon

It blew my mind when I first found out how much protein is in seeds! For comparison, a single egg has about 6 grams of protein.

Here are the top 5 reasons I think you should be just as bananas for seeds:

1.) Mega Protein: The protein in seeds can help to build and repair lean muscles and hemp seeds are actually a complete protein. That means they contain all the essential amino acids that your body can’t make.

2.) Filling Fiber: Multiple studies have shown that 95% of Americans don’t get enough fiber! Fiber slows the digestion process, keeping us full longer and also aids in digestion. That means we could all use more fruits, vegetables…and seeds!

3.) Anti-Cancer Properties: Frontiers in Nutrition cited the vast number of studies that linked the consumption of flax seeds to decrease the risk of breast cancer and even reduce the size of breast cancer tumors. Talk about food as medicine!

4.) Inflammation Fighting Power: According to Healthline, multiple studies indicate eating chia seeds can increase ALA in the blood, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that helps to reduce inflammation.

5.) Major Ease & Excitement: I love how easy it is to sprinkle some chia, flax or hemp seeds on a yogurt bowl, oatmeal, salad or really anything to add a major nutrition boost and some crunch factor! Plus, it’s pretty amazing what you can make with seeds – a bounty of chia puddings and the bread below!

If you’re not convinced yet, you absolutely MUST try my HEMP SEED BREAD! No fuss – just 6 ingredients you probably have on hand and one bowl! Most gluten-free breads in the store are tasteless or too dry and airy. This bread is substantive, flavorful and so versatile. I’ve made it 3 weeks in a row now….just sayin!

6-INGREDIENT HEMP SEED BREAD (GLUTEN-FREE)
Makes: 1 Loaf

Ingredients:
– 2 C ground flaxseed
– 1/4 C hemp seeds
– 1/4 C chia seeds
– 3/4 C almond meal
– 4 Vital Farms pasture-raised eggs
– 3/4 C kombucha (I used Holy Kombucha in Moondance, which contains anti-inflammatory turmeric)

Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 320 degrees Fahrenheit then combine the flaxseed, hemp seeds, chia seeds and almond meal in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the eggs and kombucha, mixing well.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper (easier removal and no clean-up!) then top with additional hemp seeds. Bake for 1 hour, remove from the pan to cool for 5-10 minutes and enjoy!