posted April 29, 2009 06:06 AM         

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Hemp Seed & Nutrition
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"Cannabis' seeds - traditionally called 'hempseed', contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. No other single plant source provides complete protein nutrition in such an easily digestible form, nor has the oils essential to life in as perfect a ratio for human health and vitality. Hempseed is the richest source in the plant kingdom of essential fatty acids." - Lynn Osburn, researcher

Hemp the 'useful fibre' (Cannabis Sativa) was first brought to Britain by the Romans 2000 years ago. Modern science has identified Hemp seed oil as nature's richest source of Essential Fatty Acids; EFA's.

There are 45 nutrients that humans can't live without, and which their bodies cannot manufacture; 21 minerals, 13 vitamins, eight amino acids and two Essential fatty acids. No single food has them all, but Hemp seed has all eight amino acids and the oil pressed from the hemp seed is one of the best known sources of the two Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) we can't live without; Omega 3 AIpha-Linolenic Acid and Omega 6 Liholeic Acid, and is more than 90 per cent unsaturated.

EFA's are as vital to human life as vitamins and minerals. Nutritionists refer to these polyunsaturates as 'Vitamin K ' and commonly recommend EFA's for lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyeride levels. They also play an important role in reducing heart disease and stroke risk. They improve cell growth, organ function, vitality, mental state, and enhance thought processes with the transportation of oxygen, electrons and energy throughout our bodies.

Linseed or 'flax' oil has previously been seen as a good source, containing both omega-3 and omega-6 fats. However, nutritionists believe the best ratio is three times as much omega-6 as omega-3, and the only oil containing that is hemp.

Hemp seed oil is also a source of vitamins A and E which are powerful antioxidants (anti toxin/free radicals).

The protein in hemp seed is very similar to the protein in human blood plasma. It is therefore easy to digest. This is good news for those who have problems with cows milk and or soya beans. Hemp seed does not contain the anti-nutrient trypsin inhibitors found in soya milk. Hemp Milk recipe.

Acre for acre, hemp is a more economical source of protein than livestock. It can be grown without the use of pesticides and with little or no fertiliser. Unlike soybeans, hemp is resistant to UV-B light which is big news if you are a farmer.

It is legal to use hempseed for food and body care purposes in the UK. To grow hemp as a farmer in the UK requires a licence which is now fairly easy to achieve.

Other health uses of hemp seed:

• Linoleic acid, found in 50 per cent of hemp seed oil, has been clinically proven to have anti-inflammatory properties.

• When applied directly, the oil is beneficial for post laser-treatment or peeled, stressed, acne-prone and sun damaged skin.

• Rich in GLA's, (the active ingredient also found in evening primrose oil), hemp seed oil helps PMS.

• People suffering from Eczema, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Cardiovascular Disease have found that the properties in hemp seed oil have helped to reduce their ailments.

• Hemp oil can also be taken on a daily basis for general well-being (1-3 teaspoons daily) and can also be used in salad dressing or for a wide variety of other food preparations.