I was recently sent these snack bars from Manitoba harvest for a review and I’m so glad! I love quick, healthy snacks on the go, so I thought these would fit in nicely with my busy lifestyle. I was a bit hesitant because I am not all that familiar with hemp and its benefits. When I think hemp, I think of the stuff I made jewelery out of as a kid, doesn’t sound very appetizing!
These bars were actually pretty decent. I tried both the chocolate and apple cinnamon flavor and the apple cinnamon won hands down! I am a self proclaimed chocolate snob, so it’s not surprising that I didn’t care for the chocolate flavor.
I had the first bar before my workout and I loved that it gave me a little protein boost and much needed energy to get through a 45 minute high intensity session. Each bar contains 10 grams of protein, 10 grams of omegas and 230 calories. The calories are a little high for a small bar, but the omegas and fat work to keep you full and satisfied, so it’s a great replacement for a snack.
The company is from Canada (the motherland!) and work to provide certified organic and kosher hemp products to grocery stores all over the continent. You can order online at manitobaharvest.com and use code hhbarlaunch1015 for 15% off (expires 3/31/16) Their mission is to educate the public on the benefits of hemp and support farmers in growing a sustainable hemp crop each year.
Health Benefits of Hemp
According to Mercola.com “Hemp seeds are composed of more than 30 percent healthy fats, including the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid (plant-based Omega 3). Hemp seeds also contain gamma-linolenic acid, which supports the normal function and growth of cells, nerves, muscles, and organs throughout your body. Hemps seeds are about 25 percent protein and also provide nutrients including vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and zinc”.
Omegas are called essential fatty acids because your body cannot make them, so they must be consumed through food. Omega 3’s provide an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and help with brain function and normal growth and development.
University of Maryland states that people who are low in omega-3 fatty acids may experience fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression, and poor circulation.
Give them a try! They are the perfect snack to throw in the mix to keep both your heart and tummy happy. Thanks to #fuelledbyhemp #hempheartbar @manitobaharvest @fitapproach #sweatpink for the opportunity to review this new product! Don’t forget to enter their photo contest, more details here.
In fitness and good health,
Natasha
Sources
University of Maryland Medical Center. (2015) Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Retrieved from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids
Mercola. (2015) Health Benefits of Hemp. Retrieved from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/10/27/hemp-health-benefits.aspx