Benefits of Hemp

Hemp seed is the basis to legal, non-drug hemp foods around the world. Hemp foods include non-dairy milk, snack bars, pasta, sauces and more. Its nutritional content is second to none. So why is this "super-food" not enjoyed at everyone`s dinner table?

Hemp is a legal cousin of "cannabis" or the illegal/ medicinal form of hemp that contains the drug ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short. Hemp seed contains none of this THC, but what it does contain is worth having. 24% protein includes the full range of amino acids as well as a balanced source of Essential Fatty Acids or EFAs#1. EFAs include omega-3 and omega-6, which help us keep a healthy immune system, and are responsible for shiny healthy looking skin, hair and nails. A reduction in the craving for junk foods is also noticeable among many regular consumers of hemp seed and hemp food products.

Hemp Oil is the crushed and pressed seed and offers the most nutritional bang for your buck. After just one to two weeks of 1-2 tablespoons per day you are likely to experience a significant effect on your skin quality. Some even say that hemp oil is a cure for cancer#6, though this has not yet been backed up or proven in blind studies. This may be useful for breastfeeding mums, as it is known that during breastfeeding the child pulls 11 grams of EFAs from the mother daily through her breast milk. This needs to be replenished from food source as it cannot be manufactured in the body.

Hemp Foods have been around for centuries, including hemp oil being mentioned in the Bible #2. So why the controversy? Since the end of the 20th Century there has been little controversy with hemp foods growing in popularity; most people seem to have grown out of the "oh, that`s a drug and can`t be good for me" and into the "would you like a hemp bar in your lunch box today?"

The situation for hemp is not the same all over the world. In Australia for example, although you can legally grow hemp (again, without the drug ingredient), Hemp Foods are not legal#3! In North America, this is the opposite - hemp foods are purported to be worth $100million#4, yet you cannot grow a commercial hemp crop for love nor money (at least legally). The lucky Canadians who supply much of this are enjoying the benefits of a 1/2 billion and growing industry.

Hemp protein contains all of the Essential Amino Acids (EAAs). EAAs are the building blocks of protein, but because the body does not manufacture them itself, they must be included in the diet. During digestion proteins in food are broken down into amino acids. These amino acids are then taken into the body and reassembled into human proteins.

Hemp is unique in that it is comprised of 65% high quality Edestin protein, the most powerful protein of any plant source and 35% Albumin. This closely resembles the globulin in blood plasma and is highly compatible with the human digestive system. Globulins are one of seven classes of simple proteins constructed from amino acids and contain no non-protein substances. Globular protein is the third most abundant protein in the human body and carries out many of the bodily functions required for living.

Hemp protein helps support the immune system.

Hemp protein is the only plant protein that supplies Edestin and Albumin. These two blood proteins not only allow the other nutrients of hemp protein powder to digest and enter into the body faster, but also help create antibodies to improve the immune system. These proteins perform many enzymatic functions but, more importantly, they are responsible for both the natural and acquired immunity a person has against invading organisms. The body needs the right kinds of amino acids in sufficient quantities in order to make proteins such as the globulins, but these quantities may not be available to the body all of the time. Therefore, even if the body has enough essential amino acids available to prevent deficiency diseases, it may not have enough to build the quantities of immunoglobulins necessary for the immune system to prevent infection. The best way to guarantee the body has enough amino acid material to make the globulins is to eat foods high in globulin proteins. Eating hemp protein will ensure the immune system has the reservoir of immunoglobulins needed to make disease-destroying antibodies.

Hemp protein contains enzymes that assist in breaking down food. Because hemp contains a large amount of Globulin Edistin, it has the enzymes necessary for the breakdown of and rebuilding of proteins. Without these enzymes, you would not be able to convert the protein from your food into anything useful that the body could absorb. The enzymes found in hemp protein help make the most effective use of the amino acids that result from a high protein diet.

Hemp protein contains all of the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). EFAs are fats that are essential for our body, but cannot be created and must be obtained through our diet. If we do not get these essential fats, then we can get many health problems. EFAs are present in hemp protein in the perfect ratios, with around 80% of the fat in hemp seeds being unsaturated EFAs. EFAs are polyunsaturated fatty acids and there are two families: Omega-3 (Alpha-Linolenic acid) and Omega-6 (Linoleic acid) and these play an important role in several physiological functions in our body. The body converts Omega-3 into Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexanoic acid (DHA). EPA helps in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, while DHA is necessary for brain and nerve development. Most people consume much more of Omega-6 fatty acid than Omega-3 fatty acid. Ideally these should be consumed in a ratio of about 3:1, i.e. for three Omega-6, eat one Omega-3 fatty acid.

Hemp protein has this correct 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the important hormone balancing acid, Gamma-Linolenic Acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from Linolenic acid, Omega-6 from Linoleic acid, both of which are found in hemp. The balance of Linoleic should be twice as much as Linolenic and hemp seeds contain this 2:1 ratio. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have many benefits and are also important in the prevention and treatment of the following health conditions: Alzheimer's disease, Asthma, Cancer, Cardiovascular disease, Depression, Diabetes, Eczema, Eye disease, High blood pressure, Migraine headaches, Multiple sclerosis, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Hemp protein helps balance the pH level of our bodies. pH is a measure of the level of acidity and our bodies should be mostly neutral, leaning just a bit towards lower levels of acidity. However, modern foods create a much more acidic pH, which is inhibiting to growth and generally feeling healthy. So, using hemp protein is a great way to get the pH back to its optimal level.

Hemp protein contains a huge amount of fiber. Fiber is necessary for cleaning out the body and the type of fibre found in hemp seeds is the type that is harder to find in our general diet. So regular use of hemp protein ensures we are getting an adequate supply of vital fiber in our diet. Hemp protein is extremely rich in essential nutrients. These include: calcium, chlorophyll, magnesium, sulphur, phytosterols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, histidine, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and thiamine. Hemp protein contains no gluten. Therefore Hemp protein is suitable for people with gluten intolerance such as celiac disease.

So next time you visit a health food store or supermarket, don`t forget to check the aisles for some hemp foods and experience the hemp difference today!

#1 Source: Modern Introduction To Hemp at http://www.hemp.co.uk/shop/manufacturer/hemp-books/modern-introductio... 
#2 Source: http://www.hemp.co.uk/hemp-blog/2010/11/29/8-hemp-facts.html 
#3 Source: http://www.hempfoods.com.au 
#4 Source: http://www.thehia.org/PR/2010-05-03-hia-Hemp_Food_Growth.html 
#5 Source: www.votehemp.com 
#6 Source: http://educate-yourself.org/cn/ricksimpsoncancercure16dec07.shtml