Hemp Seed: The Most Nutritionally Complete Food Source

Anna Hunt, Staff
Waking Times

Hemp, or cannabis sativa, has been called the world’s most versatile and useful plant for many reasons, one of which is because it benefits the human body. Hemp seeds are becoming a welcome addition to the diet of many health-conscious individuals, who have let go of the delusion that anything related marijuana or cannabis is bad, a common misconception imposed on the public over the last 80 years of federal cannabis prohibition.

The simple fact is that hemp seed is one of the most nutritionally complete foods available. Take a look:

• Hemp seed food products, depending on how they are processed, offer some or all of the following: the ideal ratio of Omega-3/Omega-6 fatty acids, all 10 essential Amino Acids, digestible protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
• Hemp refers to strains of cannabis sativa that have been bred specifically for fiber used for clothing and construction, oils and topical ointments, nutritional benefits, and a wide and growing variety of other purposes that don’t involve intoxication.
• There are different varieties of hemp – a plant grown for seed isn’t necessarily the best plant for fiber.

It’s about time that the mass public breaks free of anti-cannabis drug-war programming, which used the slang word marijuana to instill fear of “pot-smoking Mexicans.” Here are 7 categories of how you can start consuming hemp and reap the health benefits of this amazing plant.

Hemp Food Products

1. Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are often sold shelled, so you can eat them right out of the package. They offer easily digestible protein and all the essential Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids needed by the human body. Hemp seeds are also rich in antioxidants, fiber, various minerals, and many vitamins including a hefty dose of vitamin E. They have been used to reduce dry skin and hair, help with muscle regeneration, reduce inflammation, ward off heart disease, and improve immune system function.

These nutritious and healing seeds are starting to be a favorite among vegans and health fanatics, and are often added to smoothies, cereals, oatmeal, and on top of salads.

Recommended products:

Organic Hemp Hearts by Manitoba Harvest

Organic Shelled Hempseed by Nutiva

2. Hemp Milk

Hemp seeds can be blended with water to make a healthy milk substitute, a nice option for people with nut and soy allergies, although the flavor of hemp milk is less sweet than raw almond milk or cow’s milk. It can be used in baking or to make some homemade hot chocolate. You can buy hemp milk in a box, which may have added sweeteners (for example, the recommended product below is sweetened with brown rice syrup), but it is really easy to make. Take half a cup of shelled hemp seeds and 2 cups of water, blend for about 3-5 minutes and then strain through a nut-milk bag or cheesecloth. It’s that easy!

Recommended products:

Hemp Milk by Pacific Natural Foods

Vanilla Hemp Milk by Pacific Natural Foods

3. Hemp Seed Oil

Unlike the medicinal cannabis oil high in intoxicating delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from hemp seeds and can be used in many recipes such as sauces, dips, spreads, marinades and salad dressings. It is typically nutty in flavor and has a light green color. It does not give you buzz, aside from infusing your body with rich omega-3 fatty acids and the more rare ‘super’ polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA).

Recommended products:

Organic Hemp Oil by Canada Hemp Foods

Unrefined Organic Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil by H&B Oils Center Co.

4. Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp protein powder is typically made by cold-milling hemp seeds. This results in a product that has less fat than hemp seeds, thus the final product has mostly the natural protein found in the seeds. Lean sources of protein are beneficial for digestion, they boost metabolism, and they promoting a healthy, lean body mass. Three tablespoons of hemp protein powder contains roughly 90 calories with only 3 grams of fat but 15 grams of protein. Some hemp protein powders are also supplemented with fiber for people looking to increase their overall fiber consumption.

Recommended products:

Organic Hemp Protein Powder, Vanilla Flavor, by Nutiva

Organic Hemp Pro Fiber Protein Supplement by Manitoba Harvest

Remember: Hemp food products are different from what you will find in medical cannabis baked goods. So putting hemp seeds on your sweet potato casserole won’t get you high. Now, you can purchase an alcoholic Hemp Ale, compliments of the Humboldt Brewing Co, although it’s not likely to pack the same nutritional value as the hemp seed products above the “high” that you’ll get from medical cannabis baked goods.

5. Hemp Supplements

You may not always have access to your favorite hemp foods, especially when you are traveling. Hemp oil supplements are a great option to continue benefiting from the nutritional value of hemp seed oil while on the go.

Recommended products:

Vegan Hemp Oil Capsules by Deva Nutrition

Hemp Oil Soft Gels by Manitoba Harvest

Hemp Extract Oil Blended Kids Formula by Irie Hemp

Hemp Beauty & Personal Care Products

Both women and men can benefit from ditching traditional body products which can be laden with various potentially dangerous chemicals. Here is a list of a few body care applications for hemp-based products:

6. Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil can be used topically in many different ways: as a skin moisturizer, anti-wrinkle treatment, massage oil, etc. It can be used to treat eczema, acne, psoriasis, and skin inflammation. The ideal balance of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in hemp seed oil stimulate the skin and improve the overall function of cells, muscles, tissues and organs. And don’t forget the skin is our largest organ!

Hemp seed oil can be used directly on the skin or you can use it as a carrier oil mixed with a few drops of essential oils that also benefit the skin, such as geranium or frankincense essential oils. This makes for a great skin moisturizer that is paraben free, gluten free and 100% began. You can also purchase pre-made body moisturizers enriched with hemp seed oil.

Recommended products:

Pure Organic Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil by Dr.Adorable

Hemp Seed Body Mist, Nag Champa, by Earthly Body

Hemp Seed Glow Oil, Cucumber-Melon, by Earthly Body

Herbal Body Moisturizer by Hempz

7. Hemp Soaps and Shampoos

As more people in the world learn about the benefits that hemp seed oil has on the skin and body, more producers are using hemp seed oil as an ingredient in their personal care products. In addition to replenishing the skin, hemp seed oil also stimulates hair growth, fortifies hair against damage, and moisturizes the scalp.

Recommended products:

Organic Castile Liquid Soap, Peppermint, by Dr. Bronner’s

Leatherwood Honey & Hemp Seed Oil Shampoo Bar by Beauty and the Bees

Shampoo and Conditioner Set + Exfoliating Body Wash, Sulfate Free, by BC Bud Hemp

Indian Hemp Hair and Scalp Treatment by Kuza

Read more articles from Anna Hunt.

About the Author

Anna Hunt is a staff writer for WakingTimes.com and an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She and her husband run a preparedness e-store outlet at www.offgridoutpost.com, offering GMO-free storable food and emergency kits. Anna is also a certified Hatha yoga instructor. She enjoys raising her children and being a voice for optimal human health and wellness. Read more of her excellent articles here. Visit her essential oils store here.

Sources:

http://www.wakingtimes.com/2014/06/09/whats-difference-hemp-marijuana/

http://www.wakingtimes.com/2014/12/23/hemp-worlds-versatile-useful-plant/

http://www.wakingtimes.com/2014/02/10/researchers-find-hemp-seed-oil-valuable-source-bioactive-compounds-food-cosmetic-industry/

This article (Hemp Seed: The Most Nutritionally Complete Food Source) was originally created and published by Waking Times and is published here under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Anna Hunt and WakingTimes.com. It may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement.

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