Hemp Seeds

One of the major health benefits of hemp seeds is that they contain omega 3 essential fatty acids

Yep, you got it right those pain in the ass seeds that used to come in your bag of pot in college. Caught me by surprise too. Wikipedia says; Hemp is one of the earliest domesticated plants known. It has been cultivated by many civilizations for over 12,000 years. I'll tell ya, when I was in school I tried to make these things grow in ice cube trays on the windowsill. Never did I imagine that those little devils were one of the highest complete plant protein sources on the planet. First off, I found out that the Hemp plant is such a versatile plant. Its fibers, core, seeds and flowers can be used as raw materials to form products ranging from food to paper, and clothing to carpeting. Also, Hemp is an Eco-friendly crop that rarely needs pesticide treatments for bugs or herbicides for weeds, so Hemp Seed Consumers can be assured that hemp foods are low in chemical residues.

Oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis approved for industrial hemp production have only minute amounts of THC (a psychoactive drug associated with marijuana) not enough for any physical or psychological effects. Typically, hemp contains below 0.3% THC, while cultivars of Cannabis grown for recreational or medicinal use can contain anywhere from 2% to over 20%.

According to livestrong.com, Hemp the industrial plant, provides seeds that can be consumed. Now these seeds are not just any food. They provide a range of nutrients, including protein and fats, that are beneficial to health. Hemp seeds are also versatile in their function, as they can be eaten alone, toasted or not toasted, or added to a variety of foods. Hemp seeds can also be made into hemp protein for smoothies and baking. Hemp Seed has the perfect ratio of Omega fatty acids required by the human body. Omega fatty acids are the key nutrients in reducing inflammation. They feed and rejuvenate the cells, help with new cell growth, and keep the cellular structure strong and pliant. Omega 3 fatty acids also improve the cell’s ability to use the nutrients that are ingested. Hemp is also rich in antioxidants, and as we know oxidation is also one of the key factors of cellular aging.

For the athlete, especially if you are a vegan, there is nothing better you can eat than shelled hemp seeds. There is a vast and concentrated blast of amino acids in every serving of shelled hemp seeds, and these amino acids are vital towards developing new muscles and repairing them. Since they are in the proper ratios, you get the most benefit from the proteins, and the full potential of your body is unlocked. To get the full benefits of hemp seed protein, the seeds should be as fresh as possible. Also, the seeds should come from organic hemp, ONLY. "Hemp seeds are high in vitamin E", says research Dr. Steven R. Gambert. He says "Vitamin E is important for many body functions, including heart and respiratory health, circulation and menstruation. It also is a free-radical scavenger and is purported to be an important nutritent in helping to ward off cancer". A serving of hemp seeds contains about 3 mg of vitamin E. The recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, is 15 mg. Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, sprouted, made into hemp milk, like soy milk, or prepared as tea, they are used in baking, as topings, eaten by themselves, or mixed with sunflower, and pumpkin seeds like I am eating right now. Hemp seeds contain 174 calories per 3 tbsp., with 13.5 g of fat, 11 g of protein and only 2 g of carbohydrates.

Approximately 44% of the weight of hempseed is edible oils, containing about 80% essential fatty acids (EFA's). Hempseed's amino acid profile is "complete" when compared to more common sources of proteins such as meat, milk, eggs and soy. Hemp protein contains all 21 known amino acids, including the 9 essential ones adult bodies cannot produce. Proteins are considered complete when they contain all the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities and ratios to meet the body's needs. Just 3 tablespoons contains 11 grams of protein. The proportions of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid in one tablespoon (15 ml) per day of hemp oil easily provides human daily requirements for EFA's. Hemp seed also contains gamma linoleic acid, or GLA, which is hard to find in food but is necessary for the health of brain, muscle and cell membranes.

GLA (gamma linolenic acid) helps our bodies form prostaglandins, potent hormone-like substances that help regulate many bodily processes, such as healthy blood flow, reduce inflammation, and the protection of arterial walls. Hemp helps to stimulate growth and health of the skin, hair and nails. GLA is also linked to decreased symptoms of PMS, arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome. GLA also helps lower bad LDL cholesterol and improve cholesterol ratio. For you guys who are weak in the pencil, hemp seeds are particularly rich in the amino acid, arginine. According to MayoClinic.com, arginine is used by the body to remove toxic ammonia. Arginine is also needed to make creatine, and changes into nitric oxide in the body. As this transformation occurs, blood vessels become relaxed. So, arginine has been useful in combating conditions such as vascular headaches, erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease. Eating hemp seeds provides 3 g of arginine per serving. Magnesium is important in heart and bone health, helps to regulate blood pressure, a serving of hemp seeds provides almost half the RDA of magnesium. They also contain a significant amount of vitamins A and D. Hemp seeds also contain vitamins C, B-6, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin.

Hemp seed can be cold-pressed for oil that is high in essential fatty acids and low in saturated fatty acids and with zero trans-fatty acids. Hemp seed oil is best used cold or warm, but should not be boiled or used for frying. Use it in salad dressings, dips or spreads. Use it in conjunction with or in place of other oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Because of its ideal composition of essential fatty acids, hemp seed oil is also marketed in a capsule supplement form. After hemp seed has been crushed for its oil, it still contains 25 percent protein; the resultant hemp seed meal can be used as a nutritional supplement and is even used to brew beer. I've personally tried this beer and it's great tasting. Try a bottle or 2 down this weekend with your friends and don't be shy about adding hemp seeds to your diet. You'll be healthier for it. Good Luck...

                                 

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