Hemp 101

Hemp Seed's Nutrition Profile

To attain optimum health we must eat foods that contain live enzymes, active phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids. These elements are termed "essential" because the human body does not produce them. They must come from the food we eat. Hemp seed is one of the plant kingdom's most concentrated, complete and balanced sources of essential amino acids (EAA's) and essential fatty acids (EFA's). Hemp seeds are high in essential nutrients including chlorophyll, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, phytosterols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, histidine, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and thiamin.

Hemp Seed Protein Profile

Hemp seed contains all 10 essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Hemp seeds contain 33% pure digestible protein, providing readily available amino acids for building and repairing tissue. Hemp seed protein is comprised of 65% high-quality edestin protein, the most potent protein of any plant source, 35% albumin protein and glutamic acid. The globulin edestin in hemp seed closely resembles the globulin in blood plasma, and is compatible with the human digestive system. It is vital to the maintance of a healthy immune system and is also used to manufacture antibodies. Albumin is a protein manufactured by the liver that is supportive of liver and kidney health.

Hemp Seed vs. Soy Protein

Hemp seed protein has many advantages when compared to soy, the most commonly used form of supplemental plant protein. Soy protein contains high levels of enzyme inhibitors blocking the uptake of trypsin and other enzymes the body uses for protein digestion. Eating a diet high in enzyme inhibitors, such as those contained in soy, can result in chronic amino acid and protein deficiencies.

Hemp Seed Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Profile

Hemp seed is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids as well as being one of the few plant sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). EFAs are utilized by many of the body's systems to maintain proper tissue function. EFAs are required for energy production, proper functioning of the nervous system, brain development and function, skin health and elasticity, digestive efficiency, normal cardiovascular function, hormone production, and efficient immune response. Studies have shown that GLA improves memory, and overall mental health, as well as reducing symptoms of skin ailments like eczema and even fibrocystic disease.

Due to the popular misconception that fat is "bad" for the body, many people have adopted a low or no fat diet. Low and no fat coupled with the widespread consumption of processed and genetically modified foods have created EFA deficiencies. Leading researchers are finding significant links between EFA deficiencies and disease. Supplementation with EFA's is an integral part of a healthy nutritional program.

Omega 3 to Omega 6 Ratio

A variety of studies have documented the importance of the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 consumption. Hemp seed oil is the closest to this optimum ratio of any naturally occurring oil. Hemp seed oil has a ratio of at least one-to-three, Omega 3 to Omega 6. Oils with unbalanced ratios have been shown to have detrimental physiological effects.