What About Hemp

Hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis plant (Cannabis Sativa L), however most food and body care products are made out of hemp and don't contain THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical in marijuana that creates a "high" feeling.

High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids

Many people do not know that hemp and marijuana are both parts of the same plant and that hemp cannot be produced without producing marijuana. But manufacturers say that doesn't mean hemp is a drug, and hemp food products have never contained THC.

The hemp plant and its seeds can be used to make products including flour, fibre, paper, plastics and oil for both cooking and fuel. Advocates of the plant say hemp is a more sustainable plant than cotton or soy, and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions as it naturally stores huge amounts of CO2 while growing.

Hemp foods include cooking oil, flour products (bread, pasta etc.), ice cream, beer, candy, cheese, chocolate and many others. It's high in protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Advocates say it's easier to digest than soy. Brewers say it helps beer retain a healthy head.

Hemp Seeds

A nutritional analysis of hemp seed is impressive. Compared to flax and soy, hemp is more biologically compatible with the human body. Many people have trouble digesting soy products due to the oligosaccharide content, which can cause gas and stomach upsets. Ground flaxseed releases cyanide gas because of the presence of cyanogenic diglycosides. Hemp does not create these problems.

Although a valuable source of fiber, proteins and Essential Fatty Acids (Omegas 3 and 6), hemp is by no means a complete food. There is nothing on this Earth that is, but when used as part of a holistic lifestyle, with a diet high in leafy green vegetables and fresh fruit, you will radiate good health.

The seed of the hemp plant is a small, soft oily nut, surrounded by a thin transparent inner layer and a hard shell. The hemp seed vaguely resembles the seed of other cultivated grains, such as wheat and rye. While raw whole seeds contain the highest percentage of fragile oils and beneficial nutrients, according to current law, in North America raw whole seeds sold must be sterilized or the hull removed to prevent sprouting.

Thanks to recent processing technology, the husk can be removed to reveal the pure, nutritionally-dense hemp nut. The soft nut meat is the most useable part of the hemp seed and a versatile ingredient in many recipes. Hemp-nut is best kept in the refrigerator. Whole hemp seeds still have their place; when toasted they are a tasty, crunchy snack.

The Food Grade

Hemp Seed Oil is my preferred way of taking a nutritional dose of Omegas 3, 6, 9 and GLA; health professionals often recommend hemp oil over other oils for reducing symptoms of eczema, cardiovascular, and the menopause. I also recommend hemp oil as it tastes great, unless you live in Australia , where it is the last western country to legalize hemp oil (2006).

Hemp oil is best when unrefined as processing diminishes the nutritional value by de-naturalizing the essential fatty acids (EFA's). The best test for the quality of any oil is the taste test. It is easy to differentiate between the rancid, scratchy taste of poor quality oil and the smooth, nutty taste of superior oil.

Hemp oil contains mostly the gamma form of vitamin E, a natural anti-oxidant that keeps the oil fresh. Nature does provide?, but not necessarily for mass production and transportation. Buy fresh, and when possible, locally cold-pressed oil. Keep hemp oil in a dark glass bottle, in the refrigerator.

Hemp Seed proteins

The Hemp Seed contains more than 22% complete proteins, which is highly digestible due to its globulin form, as edestin and albumin. Edestin is a superior type of plant protein, similar to protein found in the human body, and perfectly suited to the body's cellular needs. Hemp contains the highest percentage of globulin protein found in any plant. It is important to note that protein can become denatured if heated longer than a few minutes above 115C (239F), making it insoluble and less digestible.

Edestin proteins are forerunners to hormones, hemoglobin (which transports oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood), enzymes (which control many biochemical reactions), and antibodies (which fight off invading bacteria, viruses and toxins). Edestin also assists in suppressing symptoms of sickness and disease by increasing the body's own defense systems.

Hemp seed contains good quantities of arginine and histidine; both are important for growth during childhood. Hemp protein also has the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine, which are needed for proper enzyme formation, as well as relatively high levels of the branched-chain amino acids that are important for the metabolism of exercising muscle.

Hemp seed contains both essential and other amino acids useful for childhood growth. In fact, hemp seed contains all eight essential amino acids, mostly in levels superior to those found in soy protein isolate or flax seed.

A 50% protein powder with Omegas 3 and 6 has been developed to take advantage of the high quality of protein and essential fats available from hemp seed. Protein Powders may be used as supplements by those requiring extra quality proteins. Powders can be added to fruit juices or smoothies. Containing essential fat and containing no carbohydrates, this product is SUPERIOR PLANT PROTEIN.

Nutritionally superior hemp protein powders are becoming available at a price competitive to other protein powders.

Hemp seed fiber

It has been shown that people who consume a high fiber diet lower their fat and blood cholesterol levels. High fiber diets, especially those of plant origin have also been associated with lowered risk of cancers of the breast, prostate and rectum. High intake of foods of plant origin (all of which contain some fiber) is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease such as angina, prevention of cancer and an increased life expectancy.

This is believed to be because the fiber absorbs and eliminates toxins from the body, before they do any real damage. Another benefit of a high fibre diet, one that may assist with weight control, is the feeling of fullness that follows a fiber-rich meal.

The Hemp Seed contains more than 35% dietary fiber. The highest concentration of fiber is found in the food grade seed flour.