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Natural Awakenings Healthy Living Magazine

Hemp Seeds are Delicious and Nutritious

Hemp is one of the oldest agricultural crops grown by man. The seed is one of the most perfectly balanced foods we can eat. Hemp foods are naturally free from tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), gluten, dairy, soy and peanuts. It will be hard to find another food with such an impressive resume.

            The nutritional composition of hemp seed is quite unique and exceptional. Whole hemp seeds contain approximately 36 percent dietary fat, 26 percent high-quality digestible protein and 31 percent carbohydrates, comprised mainly of dietary fiber, in addition to an array of vitamins and minerals.

            Hemp seed’s dietary fat is primarily composed of polyunsaturated or “good” fats. Hemp seed oil’s fatty acid profile is comprised of 80 percent polyunsaturated fats, 11 percent monounsaturated fats, 9 percent saturated fats and zero trans fats. Health organizations recommend that most of our fat intake should come from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, while limiting the intake of trans and saturated fats. Hemp seed dietary fat meets this recommendation. Hemp seed oil contains zero trans fat and is cholesterol-free.

            Hemp seed oil provides one of the highest concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) categorized as omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) in an ideal three-to-one ratio. EFAs are vital for good health, but cannot be manufactured by our body, so they must be present in our diet through the foods we eat. EFAs are both important components of cell membranes and are precursors for substances in the body involved with regulating blood pressure and inflammatory responses.

            Hemp seed oil also uniquely contains naturally-occurring Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Stearidonic Acid (SDA). GLA and SDA are direct metabolites of omega-6 and omega-3 EFAs, respectively. These two metabolites are important for regulating inflammation and autoimmune functions in the body. Hemp seed is a source of high-quality, plant based protein and is vegan. Analysis of hemp food proteins has resulted in a protein rating of 40 and above, meaning that the protein content in hemp foods is not only present in high amounts, but also of a high quality.

            Hemp protein is free of trypsin-inhibitors such as those found in other protein rich sources like soy that can cause flatulence and gas. Trypsin is a key enzyme that breaks down peptide bonds in proteins, enabling protein uptake in the human body. Hemp protein is very high in primarily insoluble dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and maintaining regular bowel movements.

            Hemp is naturally gluten- and lactose-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in most grains commonly used in cereals and baked goods. Most people allergic to gluten have a similar reaction to lactose and soy. Hemp foods naturally have zero gluten and lactose content.

Laura Noble is Owner-Operator at Cousin Mary Jane in Hadley. For more info visit LJSeedco.com.