Hemp seeds come from a strain of the Cannabis plant.
Hemp seeds are one of nature's most wholesome and healthful foods. These seeds, which are produced by a strain of the Cannabis plant, contain all the essential amino acids and fatty acids necessary for healthy human life --- no other plant source possess these essential amino acids in such an easily digestible form or in such an ideal ratio to meet human nutritional needs. Rich in the fatty acids necessary for human nutrition, as well as the omega-3s GLA, ALA and DHA, which promote healthy brain and eyesight development and a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, hemp seeds are used worldwide to treat malnutrition and heal illnesses.
Hemp Seeds Possess High Nutritional Value
Hemp seeds are as complete a source of protein as this steak.
The nutrient rich seeds of hemp contain all eight essential acids, making them a complete protein, like meat, milk, eggs, and soy. Hemp seeds, however, unlike these other sources of complete protein, require fewer resources to produce and are in a more digestible form. Hemp seeds, for these reasons, are used worldwide to treat malnutrition --- Udo Erasmus, Ph.D., author of "Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill," writes that just one pound of hemp seeds can sustain human life for two weeks.
The human body requires essential fatty acids for health but cannot produce them internally, so it's important to include them in your diet. These fatty acids affect brain and cellular function, inflammation, mood and behavior, as well transferring oxygen to cells. Eating just one tablespoon of hemp seeds every day provides the recommended daily allowance of essential fatty acids.
Hemp Seeds Treat a Variety of Ailments
The essential fatty acids in hemp seeds fight depression.
According to Erasmus, the essential fatty acids in hemp seeds help lubricate membranes and eliminate wastes such as lactic acid in muscles after exercise. They optimize brain function, improve mood, fight depression, help reverse irritability caused by PMS, reduce behavior problems in children, help the body's immune system fight off bacteria, fungi and viruses, such as malaria, lower cholesterol and protect heart health. Hemp seeds, eaten over time, can heal and moisturize skin as well as reduce inflammation. In addition, the essential fatty acids in hemp seeds have anti-cancer properties important for inhibiting tumor growth.
The mineral-rich husk of the hemp seed is often removed from commercially packaged seeds, but the husk provides a good source of calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and zinc, as well as vitamins A, B, D and K. The husks of the seeds are also very high in soluble and insoluble fiber, which are vital for improving digestion and warding off constipation and hemorrhoids.
Some Ways to Include Hemp Seeds in Your Diet
Hemp seed oil can be used in baked goods.
A cup of hemp seeds blended with four cups of water makes hemp milk, a nondairy nutritional beverage that is delicious when chilled. Raw or ground hemp seeds can be used in salads, smoothies, cereals and baked goods, to which they impart a pleasing nutty flavor. Hemp seeds are also made into a nut butter similar to peanut butter. Using just hempseed oil is useful in fat-based products such as salad dressing or in any product for which fat is an ingredient, such as desserts or baked goods.
Eco-Friendly Ways Hemp Seeds Can Be Used
Hemp seeds can offer a viable and inexpensive alternative to hazardous products. Hemp oil provides a substitute for substances with an oil base and can be used to make nontoxic environmentally friendly paints, varnishes and inks. Hemp seed can also be made into ecofriendly plastics that are biodegradable, which helps to protect the environment.
Hemp seed oil can be used for fuel --- in fact, the first Ford automobile was produced using 70 percent hemp plastics and ran on vegetable oil, including hemp seed oil, a practice that ended when the Marijuana Tax of 1937 was passed. Hemp seeds remain a promising source of bioenergy --- hemp grows more quickly than crops like sugarcane or corn, and every acre of hemp can yield 1,000 gallons of methanol.
Tags: fatty acids, essential fatty, essential fatty acids, Hemp seeds, acids hemp, baked goods