Hemp As Food
Hemp is one of the oldest cultivated plants on Earth, it is also one of the most versatile, valuable and controversial plants known to humankind. Hemp use in industry has a long history, which has proven it’s innate worth.
Hemp protein from the hulled seed, is an all-in-one package of quality protein, healthy fiber, enzymes and essential fats. These are the good fats that actually help the body to burn stored fat. They also balance hormones, boost the immune system, and basically help the body to function at its highest level. Hemp protein is the perfect high performance whole food and can be assimilated into any menu.
It is easily digested. Hemp seeds are the only food source that contains all the known amino acids and all four essential fatty acids (EFA). Hemp protein is free of the anti-nutrients found in soy.
Of the three million edible plants that grow on Earth, no other single plant source can compare with the nutritional value of hemp seeds. Both the complete protein and the oils contained in hemp seeds are in the ideal ratios for human nutrition. Sixty-five percent of the protein content in hemp seeds is in the form of globulin edestin, so it can be used by the body in it’s raw state (soybeans must to be cooked or sprouted to be edible). The main portion of this protein profile is edestin, which is found only in hemp. It helps digestion and is considered the backbone of the DNA in our cells. In all of the plant kingdom, hemp protein has the closest resemblance to our human protein profile.
Hemp seeds are about 33 percent protein and 30 percent oil. They contain more digestible protein than red meat, whole eggs, cheese or cow’s milk. These seeds have a better spectrum of available protein than soybeans, without soybeans anti-nutritional factors.
This cholesterol-free protein superfood will also help to balance blood/fuel levels. Protein builds and repairs body cells, muscles and bones, provides a source of energy, assists in weight loss and regulates many important metabolic processes.
Hemp seed oil contains Omega 3 (linoleic acid), Omega 6 (gamma-linoleic acid) and Omega 9 (oleic acid) in a desirable ratio completely compatible with the human body. These EFA’s govern growth, vitality and state of mind. The seeds are high in linoleic acid which is involved in transferring oxygen from the air in the lungs to every cell in the body.
It also plays a part in holding oxygen in the cell membrane where it acts as a barrier to invading viruses and bacteria. The EFA’s in hemp seeds also aid in balancing hormones and promotes glowing skin and hair. These EFA’s are necessary for tissue growth, cell membrane development and metabolism. They are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal to help guard against viral infections. The perfect combination of the Omegas 3, 6 and 9 makes hemp seed oil a powerful anti-oxidant. Hemp oil contains more Omega 3 than fish oil.
Hemp oil is the best edible oil for human health. It is the lowest in polyunsaturated EFA’s. Hemp seeds also contain good amounts of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D and E. As well as chlorophyll and the minerals magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc and some iron. Hemp also contains the powerful enzyme lipase which regulates cholesterol buildup in the arteries and cell membranes.
Hemp oil contains less than 10 percent saturated fatty acids and contains no trans fatty acids, which are particularly detrimental to our blood cholesterol balance. Hemp protein has a structure very similar to the proteins in our blood and is very readily digestible.
Hemp foods will help to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol, increase metabolism, burn fat and prevent dis-ease. They also promote cell membrane fluidity and supports the immune system.
The coarse fiber of the seeds also help to clean the intestines. Hemp seeds provide nearly complete nutrition and it’s oil makes therapeutic skin care products to help cells to communicate to rebuild cell membranes, which keeps the skin from getting dry, by enabling skin cells to better hold onto moisture in their natural lipid layers.
When substituting hemp protein for other protein sources you can expect increased energy, cravings will be reduced and digestion will improve. You will find that candy and other sweets, pastries, and sugar based drinks or other stimulants will not be necessary because hemp seeds are a concentrated and balanced source of all the required protein and essential fatty acids the body needs. The satisfaction provided will help us to make healthier food choices.
There is a high deficiency of EFA’s in our diet due to the widespread consumption of processed foods, unhealthy fats and red meat. Hemp seeds are the perfect source of the missing elements of a modern diet. The easiest way to get hemp foods into your menu is to add the shelled seeds, also referred to as “hemp hearts” to foods you already eat.
The newest and fastest way is to drink hemp milk. Consuming shelled hemp seeds every morning when your body needs energy, will reduce your daily consumption of non-essential sugars, saturated fats and low grade carbohydrates. The most critical portion of any daily nutritional requirements can be met with a breakfast of four tablespoons of shelled hemp seeds. They may be mixed with any food. They can be added to hot or cold cereals, pancakes, casseroles, salads, smoothies, sandwiches and desserts. Hemp seed cookies are delicious.
Hemp seed flour can be used in place of wheat flour, which is mucus forming. Do not heat oil above 105 degrees because it will cause the fatty acids to congeal and solidify, making the oil impossible to digest. When used with vinegar and herbs, hemp oil makes an excellent salad dressing. Hemp oil and nuts are best used for cold and warm dishes where temperatures are kept low. The nuts can be lightly toasted and baked in bread. They also add a nice nutty flavor to many dishes. Hemp oil should not be used for frying.
At middle age you may have noticed that your health is not what it used to be and is gradually deteriorating. You are probably eating too many carbohydrates, too much sugar or high fructose corn syrup, and too much saturated fat. Hemp products are an excellent healthy alternative that can help nurse you back to good health.
Hemp is not a genetically modified food. Hemp is an environmentally friendly renewable resource that does not require pesticides or herbicides. Food grade hemp seeds contain no THC. Hemp seeds are a violet vibration on the color spectrum and represents the crown chakra which is related to creativity, spirituality and bliss.