Benefits of Hemp Foods
HEMP SEED OIL
HEMP SEED OIL (HSO) EXTRACTED FROM THE SEED OF THE CANNABIS SATIVA L PLANT
Hemp seed oil is usually cold pressed resulting in an extraction ranging from fine yellow to dark green oil. The oil itself has a slightly nutty taste, one which is enjoyably palatable. The seed of the cannabis plant is in truth, not a seed at all but a tiny, hard skinned nut known as an achene, which houses many properties highly beneficial to the health and well being of mankind.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
The tiny hemp seed is packed from wall to wall with nutrients, minerals and fatty acids essential to humans. 20-25% of each seed is protein, 20-30 % of its makeup is carbohydrate, it has 10-15 % important insoluble fibre as well as a full compliment of minerals including potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, sulfur, as well as small quantities of Iron and Zinc.
Hemp Seed Oil is polyunsaturated, contains less than 10% saturated fats and approximately 70-80% polyunsaturated fatty acids - an unusually high level of "the good oil".
All vitamins and minerals contained in Hemp Seed Oil are edible and also easily absorbed directly through the skin. Hemp Seed Oil is well known for its multiple healing benefits worldwide for patients suffering from the following health symptoms:
- Cardiovascular diseases - 10 ml a day can lower LDL high cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure and decrease the risk of arterial sclerosis
- Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis - Linolenic Acid and GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), essential fatty acids contained in hemp seed oil help promote healthier cells and enhance metabolism
- Skin disorders - EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids) contained in hemp seed oil will regulate water loss through the epidermis and improve neuro dermatitis conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
- Rheumatoid arthritis - 40 ml of pure cold pressed hemp seed oil a day over a period of 12 weeks can significantly alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
- PMS - 5-10 ml a day over a period of 12 weeks will improve blood circulation, reduce painful muscular tension, swelling of the breasts, nervousness, irritability, aggressiveness and even depression
- Unborn babies, newly born babies, pregnant and nursing mothers can benefit from the nutritious values of the ALA, GLA, DHA and EFA contained in hemp seed oil
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFA)
Polyunsaturates are essential fatty acids (EFA) that are necessary in our diets for proper growth and functioning of the body. Linolenic acid (Omega 6) and linolenic acid (omega 3) are both EFA's highly present in hemp seed oil. These fatty acids are used by the body to form prostaglandins, which help muscles to contract, regulate stomach acid and body temperature and aids in fat transport and metabolism. Omega 3 has recently become very popular due to its quality of reducing blood pressure and breaking up cholesterol deposits in the arteries. The EFA content in hemp seed oil is a ratio of 3:1 of linolenic and linolenic acid respectively. This has been claimed by some food experts to be the optimum balance of these two fatty acids for human nutrition.
HAIR AND SKINCARE
The oil from the tiny hemp seed is a hidden treasure to be utilised in hair and skin care products. Hemp seed oil has been found to be highly useful for the skin in particular. The combination of nutrients and EFA's have proven to be beneficial in rejuvenating and revitalising dry and flaky skin; better in fact than any other natural oil. It is rapidly absorbed into the pores of the skin when applied. Had this plant not had such a "bad reputation" in recent years, its benefits would have been utilised to the full to make shampoo, soap, lip balm, cream; almost anything that is on the body care market today could be made equally or superior in quality with hemp seed oil.
HULLED HEMP SEEDS
Hemp Seeds are a gift of nature. They are the most nutritious seed in the world. Hemp Seeds are a complete protein. They have the most concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes combined with a relative absence of sugar, starches and saturated fats. Hemp Seeds are one of nature's perfect foods - a Super Food. This is one of the most potent foods available, supporting optimal health and well being, for life. Raw hemp provides a broad spectrum of health benefits, including: weight loss, increased and sustained energy, rapid recovery from disease or injury, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced inflammation, improvement in circulation and immune system as well as natural blood sugar control.
Hemp belongs to the genus Cannabis sativa and has been cultivated for thousands of years as a source of fibre, edible seeds, edible oil, lubricant, and as a fuel.
BENEFITS OF HEMP SEEDS
Hemp Seeds are a perfect and natural blend of easily digested proteins, essential fats (Omega 3 & 6), Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), antioxidants, amino acids, fiber, iron, zinc, carotene, phospholipids, phytosterols, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin D, vitamin E, chlorophyll, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, potassium, phosphorus, and enzymes. All amino acids essential to optimum health are found in Hemp Seeds, including the rarely found Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). The 17+ grams of omega fats supplied by Hemp Seeds provides sufficient, continuous energy throughout your day. Many users also experience these health benefits:
- Excellent source of essential fatty acids including Omega 3, 6 and GLA in the perfect balance.
- More digestible protein than meat, whole eggs, cheese, human milk, cows milk or any other high protein food
- Rich in Vitamin E
- Can be eaten by those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, lactose or sugar; there are no known allergies to hemp foods.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS IN HEMP SEEDS
The oil contained in the hemp seed is 75-80% polyunsaturated fatty acids (the good fats) and only 9-11% of the lesser desired saturated fatty acids. Hemp seed oil is reputed to be the most unsaturated oil derived from the plant kingdom. The essential fatty acids (EFAs) contained in hemp seed oil are deemed essential because our bodies do not naturally produce them. This means that they must be obtained from the food we eat.
Most health organisations agree that the human body needs a 3 or 4:1 balance of omega 6 over omega 3. Hemp seed is the only seed where this ideal balance occurs. It does not occur in flax, almond, walnut, soybean or olive oil. Daily use of flax seed can lead to dangerous imbalances since flax seed oil has a balance of 1:4 instead of a healthy 4:1 omega-6 over omega-3.
EFAs are involved with producing life's energy throughout the human body and without them, life is not possible. In general, North Americans have a high dietary deficiency in EFAs due to their high intake of processed foods and meats.
Extensive studies have demonstrated that many common illnesses are related to deficiencies or imbalances of specific fatty acids in the body. Symptoms are often related to a lack of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and their derivatives, the postaglandins.
It has been proven in several clinical studies that dietary supplementation with EFAs or their metabolites (such as GLA) will often prevent or even cure many forms of illness.
HEMP PROTEIN POWDER & HEMP FLOUR
ORGANIC HEMP PROTEIN POWDER BENEFITS:
Much like soy and other beans or legumes, hempseed is an excellent source of protein because it contains all the 21 known amino acids. This includes the 9 essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own and must take from dietary sources. However unlike soy beans, hemp has not been subjected to genetic modification. Hemp farmers also say that its cultivation hardly requires pesticides, herbicides or petrochemical fertilisers. It happens to be one of those plants that lend easily to organic agricultural methods. This makes hemp a comparatively safer plant source of protein.
Two tablespoons of hemp protein powder can provide around 13-15 grams of protein. However it’s not just the concentrated quantity that’s important here. Those two tablespoons contain what are called branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). Specifically they are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, BCAAs should make up 40% of the daily need for essential amino acids. That breaks down to about 40 milligrams of leucine and 10 -30 milligrams of isoleucine and valine per kilo of body weight.
What’s so significant about these amino acids? Along with carbohydrates, they are the fuel that muscles burn for energy. To serve this purpose, their metabolism is more direct and undergoes less processing by the liver, unlike other types of proteins.
It is estimated that up to 18% of energy expended in a workout comes from BCAAs. This can certainly go higher depending on the length and intensity of the exercise. The 40% daily need recommended by the FAO is based on people with regular lifestyles. The figures for daily demand and expenditure during hard physical activities will be higher for athletes.
Use of protein powder is a fairly common practice for athletes as it helps build muscle mass and strength. When choosing a particular powder, you should consider factors such as source and additional nutrients beyond protein. Hemp is a good choice because, as mentioned earlier, it’s a safe plant source. The common method of processing hemp seeds also allows some of the minerals, vitamins and polyunsaturated fats found in the hull to be mixed in with the ground final product.
ORGANIC HEMP PROTEIN POWDER PRACTICAL USES:
Power shakes are the intended and common preparation for hemp and other protein powders. There really isn’t one “right” way to make such a drink. The total nutrients will depend on what else you place in the blender along with the powder. If you want more vitamins and minerals for example, additional fresh fruits would be the best way to go. Some people find hemp protein powder to be bitter. So fruits may also improve the taste.
You can go beyond shakes and just as easily add hemp protein powder in other dishes. You can mix a few scoops in a breakfast porridge of rolled oats or mix it in soup for dinner. This powder is even versatile enough that you can use it as a partial substitute for flour in some baking recipes. You can replace about 25% of the total amount of flour with hemp protein powder.