Hemp seeds come from an edible type of Cannabis sativa, a plant belonging to the same family as hops and fig trees. Hemp has been cultivated for over 6000 years, far longer than crops like soy beans have. This useful plant also provides a resistant textile fibre and renders a high-quality oil.
Hemp seed is exceptionally nourishing and beneficial. It is rich in proteins, and contains 30% to 50 % more protein than fish does. It also provides anti-oxides, including cysteine, carotene (Vitamin A) and tocopherols (Vitamin E). These substances act together to hydrate and restore dry skin and help to maintain healthy eyes and cell membranes.
Hemp is the source of a polyunsaturated oil that is rich in the essential fatty acids (EFAs) Omega 3 and Omega 6. The body does not synthesize these beneficial fats, and ordinary diets are often lacking in Omega 3. These two EFAs work together in synergy and one cannot be activated without the other. In hemp oil the proportion of these two fats to one another is 3:1, an ideal ratio from a nutritional viewpoint for their optimal use in the body. EFAs help to prevent or relieve inflammation problems, arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, cardio-vascular disease and hormonal disturbances linked to menopause, These substances play a role in preventing autoimmune diseases, overweight and cancer.
Hemp seed also contains considerable quantities of iron and calcium, as well as other minerals. It does not contain THC, the psychoactive substance found in marijuana. It is also free of saturated fats, cholesterol and gluten. Hemp seed on its own provides nutritional and nutraceutic benefits that can be matched only by a combination of several different foods or supplements.
Culinary uses
Hemp seeds are delicious tasting and can be used very similarly to wheat germ, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pine nuts. Hemp seeds can be sprinkled on salads, soups, hot or cold breakfast cereals, granola, yoghurt, sauces, pesto, dips, pancakes, and pastries. It is preferable to eat hemp seeds raw. If they are cooked, they should not be heated to temperatures higher 180°C/350°F. After a package or jar of hemp has been opened, the contents keep for 3 to 4 months at room temperature and for up to a year in the refrigerator.
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We got turned on to Hemp Seed (aka Hemp Hearts) a few months ago and have been eating them ever since. My wife and I eat a rounded quarter cup of hemp hearts on a half cup of full fat yogurt for breakfast every day. It's the only thing we have eaten where there is no mid-morning energy drop or hunger. There are many sources for Hemp Hearts with quite a few company out of Canada where hemp can be grown without DEA type issues. I'll plug www.OrganicHealthForLife.com where we have been buying ours for the last 2 months.
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