Winnipeg, Manitoba (May 14, 2007) – Many people with active lifestyles are discovering the critical role that protein plays in providing the energy and stamina they need to fuel their body and mind.  Nutritious Hemp Protein Powder has emerged as the hot and healthy protein source in today’s marketplace and Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils has announced a new economy size to offer more options to meet skyrocketing customer demand.  Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powder is now available in a 32-ounce jar for a SRP of $27.99, and is sold at health food stores across North America and at www.manitobaharvest.com.  It provides a protein and fiber boost to drinks such as juices and smoothies, or can be used as a nutritious flour alternative in baking recipes. 

Hemp is Hot

Hemp is one of the hottest trends in the health food industry.  According to SPINS market data, sales increased 26% over the past year.  Vote Hemp, an advocacy group that promotes the reestablishment of hemp agriculture in the U.S., estimates that consumers in America will purchase $300 million in hemp products this year.  Manitoba Harvest is an example of the growing popularity of hemp foods.  The company’s sales have grown more than 1,000% over the past five years.

The ‘Healthy Hemp’ feature that appeared on the NBC Today Show (January 16, 2007), is yet another example of how hemp has earned its way onto the ‘radar screen,’ and menu, of mainstream America.  Phil Lempert, NBC’s Food Editor and industry expert, led the discussion. “These are going to be the hottest products in 2007,” said Lempert, whom is also known as the Supermarket Guru. “This is powerful nutrition,” added Lempert. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16637630

An Easy Way to Add Protein and Fiber to Smoothies

With sales of more than $1 billion this year, smoothie drinks are one of the hottest food and beverage trends in North America.  These portable “liquid meals” are considered the healthy fast food of the 21st century.  Hemp Protein Powder is one of the hot new ingredients emerging quickly onto the smoothie scene.  Sales are soaring now that smoothie companies and consumers are discovering hemp’s pleasant nutty flavor, powerful protein profile and healthy dietary fiber.  Delicious smoothie recipes are listed below, and more are available at www.manitobaharvest.com/recipes. 

Hemp Seed: The King of Plant Protein

“Nutrition savvy people are discovering that hemp is a powerhouse food,” explains celebrity lifestyle coach Cameron Shayne, creator of the Budokon method whom advises stars in Los Angeles including Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Meg Ryan and Renee Russo.  “Not only is it one of the richest sources of protein in the plant kingdom, it is a vegetarian protein source that also features plenty of fiber, vitamins and omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids,” notes Shayne.   Hemp is a complete and well-balanced protein source that includes all of the essential amino acids.  Of its impressive protein total, hemp protein powder contains an amazing 66% of “edestin,” proteins which are pre-cursors to such vital body components as hormones, hemoglobin, enzymes and antibodies.  Hemp’s edestin structure is the highest in the plant kingdom.  

Unlike the multitude of refined “isolate” protein powders on the market today, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powder is a whole food powder made from 100% raw ‘non-GMO’ hemp seeds.  Manitoba Harvest’s cold press process ensures that valuable enzymes are not destroyed and the many vitamins, minerals and nutrients remain intact.  This is in sharp contrast to many soy protein isolates that are often processed with chemicals such as hexane, and typically require high heating or fermentation to destroy various anti-nutritional qualities such as phytic acids that can prevent proper assimilation of essential minerals.  Unlike legume powders, Hemp Protein Powder doesn’t contain trypsin inhibitors which can prevent protein absorption, and oligosaccharides which can cause gas and bloating.  

Manitoba Harvest - An Award Winning Hemp Foods Pioneer

Manitoba Harvest was honored recently at the Natural Products Expo East show with the 2006 Socially Responsible Business Award for their work pioneering sustainable hemp agriculture in the 1990s and for spreading organic farming in Manitoba ever since.  In the 1990’s activist and co-founder Martin Moravcik worked with the Manitoba and Canadian governments to re-legalize hemp agriculture.  The goal of reintroducing hemp farming came to fruition in 1998 when the Canadian government began issuing hemp farming licenses and he partnered with Mike Fata and Alex Chwaiewsky to form Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils.  The company is now the largest hemp foods-only processor in North America.

Quality From Seed to Shelf

Manitoba Harvest contracts more than 6,000 acres of hemp seed production in Manitoba with more than 20 farmers that are shareholders in the company.  They process the raw seed into organic hemp seed oil, shelled hemp seed, hemp seed butter, hemp protein powder and new Hemp Bliss – a line of non-dairy organic hempmilk.   Manitoba Harvest owns and operates a kosher and USDA certified organic facility and their products are distributed to thousands of stores in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan.  Since Manitoba Harvest is an integrated producer, they control production from “seed to shelf,” and are therefore able to ensure freshness and quality.  For more information, please visit www.manitobaharvest.com.

Green Earth Smoothie

Makes: 4 Cups; Prep Time: 5 min

2 scoops Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powder

1 tbsp Manitoba Harvest Hemp Seed Oil
2 cups orange juice (fresh squeezed is best)
1 banana
1 pear
1 tbsp spirulina powder (or green food powder)
1 cup ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until creamy and smooth.

Brazilian Acai Protein Power Shake

Makes: 2 Cups; Prep Time: 5 min

2 scoops Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powder

2 packs Sambazon Organic Acai - Original Blend (100g each)
1 cup rice milk (soymilk, hemp milk or dairy)
1 tbsp green food powder (optional)
1 tbsp maca (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a blender.  Blend on high for 2 minutes or until creamy smooth.