Hemp bars high in healthy fat
By: Doug Cook, Toronto Star (CN ON), 04-15-08

Product: Soft Hemp Cranberry Almond Bar

Price: $2.15 each at Nutrition House

Manufacturer: Ruth's Hemp Foods, ruthshempfoods.com, Toronto

The Position: The perfect balance between providing protein and energy in an all-natural bar.

Ingredients: Oats, raisins, honey, soft hemp, almonds, brown rice and cranberries.

Nutritional breakdown: 170 calories per bar, 29 g carb (3 g fibre, 14 g, sugar); 4.5 g fat (4.5 g polyunsaturated,); 5 g protein.

Analysis: The main nutritional advantage of hemp is the composition of its fat and protein. Hemp oil is a perfect source of the essential fats linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (the plant form of omega-3). It's also a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, which is similar to the healthy fat EPA found in fish). GLA helps decrease inflammation and research supports its beneficial role in heart disease, arthritis and skin conditions.

While hemp protein does have more fat than many other protein powders on the market, it's important to stress that the fat is the hearty, healthy essential fat.

Alternative: Other hemp bars.

Take it or leave it: Pop one in your briefcase, purse or gym bag today.

Doug Cook is a dietitian at St. Michael's Hospital. wellnessnutrition.ca

2004 H.U.M.A.N.: Hemp Users Medical Access Network - Toronto Medical Marijuana