Hemp: Nature's Perfect Food

Hemp has long been considered one of nature's perfect foods because hemp seeds and oil are exceptional sources of essential fatty acids, as well as being high in protein. The seeds contain all 10 Essential Amino Acids and are rich in Omega 3 and 6 Essential Fatty Acids.

These nutrients are deemed essential because we do not manufacture them naturally, and our bodies require them to function, so we must get EAAs and EFAs from the foods we eat.

Hemp Seeds are also contain high amounts of magnesium, calcium, potassium, phytosterols, sulfur, vitamins E & C, fiber, iron, riboflavin, beta-carotene, niacin and thiamin. Not only that, but they are the highest vegan source of edestin, a simple protein that is responsible for the functioning of your immune system.

Hemp is a valuable source of:

• Fiber
• Protein
• Amino Acids
• Omega-3 & Omega-6 ('good' fats)
• Phytonutrients
• Natural vitamins and minerals

Hemp Protein Vs. Other Proteins

• Hemp protein is more easily digestible than cheese, eggs, meat, milk, or any other food high in protein.

• Hemp protein has no cholesterol, in fact, Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fats may reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke.
• Hemp has no hormones, unlike soy, which contains phytoestrogens that mimic the action of estrogen in the human body. High levels of estrogen have been linked to certain types of cancers and developmental abnormalities in infants. Soy also contains natural toxins or "antinutrients" that block the enzymes needed for protein digestion.

• There are no know allergies to Hemp, which makes it safe for everyone to consume - babies, mothers, seniors, body builders, and those with health problems.

Ways to include Hemp Foods in your diet:

Hemp protein makes wonderful smoothies and comes in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate, Amazon Acai, and Vanilla Spice. Two of the best companies that sell it are Nutiva, and Living Harvest.

Hemp seeds have a delicious, nutty flavor and can be added to smoothies, sprinkled on salads, or eaten alone.

Hemp products such as icecream, health bars, burgers, milk, seed butter, flour, and even waffles have slowly found their way into stores. Check with your local health food store such as Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.

Hemp and the Environment

For centuries this versatile plant was cultivated to make ropes, paper, medicine, clothes and fuel in most parts of the world. In fact, Until we came to depend on petroleum as the main source of fuel, most lamp oil was made from hemp seed.

Hemp is a particularly high yield fiber crop; for instance, an acre of hemp produces four times as much paper as an acre of trees! The list of uses for items made from the plant is long indeed: textiles, paper, construction material, canvas fabrics, plastics, and fuel.

Some of the positive attributes of hemp are:

• It grows quickly in most climates and can be successfully grown in arid regions with relatively short growing seasons.
• It takes only moderate amounts of water to grow.
• It can be cultivated in as few as 100 days and conditions the soil for future crops, due to its deep root system.
• It is a natural herbicide and can be grown without pesticides.

• Documentation has proved the ability of hemp to life heavy metals from polluted soil.
• Clothing made from hemp is considerably more durable and therefore longer lasting.
• The cultivation of hemp means less deforestation. It is also very effective in absorbing carbon dioxide. These are two key factors in reversing the greenhouse effect.
• Hemp paper is of superior strength, folding endurance, and is naturally acid-free, and can last for hundreds of years.
• Hemp fuels like Methane and methanol actually emit 50% less air pollution than its fossil fuel competitors.

In short, hemp is an extremely beneficial, eco-friendly plant that could provide the key to repairing the damage we have done to our planet, while at the same time nourishing our bodies.

"Where there is Hemp, there is Hope."