Hemp, Food and Nutritional Choice

Hemp as a Food

Hemp seed is the fruit of the Cannabis sativa plant, and may have been the first part of the plant used by humans. Hemp seed is an easy grain to harvest and contains over 30% oil. It has been an attractive commodity since the Neolithic times, and is proving a success for modern hemp food producers. Having many nutritional benefits, it contains a high proportion of amino acids in ratios best suited for human assimilation. The protein content is approximately 25%. Hemp seed also contains essential minerals including Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur. Hemp is a very good source of Manganese which is helpful in assisting the metabolism of the EFAs that it naturally contains. For a seed or nut, hemp is also a very good source of Zinc, Calcium, Iron and Vitamin A. It is low in heavy metals which must be avoided in a healthy diet. On top of all this, hemp is high in dietary fibre.

More importantly, what I have found is that hemp provides approximately 60% Linoleic (LA) and 20% Linolenic acid (LNA), giving a ratio of 3:1 for these EFAs. This was once is considered the optimum balance by Dr. Udo Erasmus. Researchers at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, Md., have published a study that links the rising rate of depression to an imbalance in the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids (such as arachadonic acid and linoleic acid) to omega-3 fatty acids. Originally, the human diet consisted of a balanced 3:1 to 1:1 ratio between these fatty acids; today, it is estimated to be between 10:1 and 25:1. It is time to bring back the balance.

Furthermore, hemp seed is far more valuable in terms of concentrated nutrients than soybean, the nearest vegan alternative, as it contains such highly digestible protein, at approximately 25%. Hempseed also has a high methionine content and an absence of trypsin inhibitory activity which is a major advantage over the type of protein found in soy bean. But possibly more important is the fact that, unlike flax or soy bean oil, hemp tastes good!

However, even though we can say that a hemp seed contains x amount of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and other scientifically astounding nutrients, if we put the exact amount of these ingredients together we would not make a hemp seed. The life energy would be missing. This life energy created the seed whilst arranging its atoms and nutrients. This life energy is the main ingredient to all the recipes in this book. It is not something we can add like salt and pepper, but it is something we can take away by processing or by adding chemicals or preservatives at any stage of the food's life cycle. This life energy is known in all the ancient sciences I have studied. The Indians call it Prana, Chinese Chi, Japanese Ki, Hawaiians Mana, Tibetans Tumo and Orgone energy by the Reich. What we are looking for is permanent, wholesome results from the seed.
And these can be found in these fats called LA (Omega-6) and LNA (Omega-3). These fats termed Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are required by the human body in order to form cell membranes and function, maintain hormonal balance, preventing skin from drying or flaking, hair, general health and well being and can help with cardiovascular disease, auto-immune disorders, impaired wound healing, breast pain, pre-menstrual syndrome and multiple sclerosis. Over-consumption of saturated fat is harmful. EFAs are different. The type of fat in one's diet is therefore critically important.
The EFAs are accountable for the responsiveness of our immune system and they do not raise cholesterol levels. In fact, EFAs help to clear the body's arteries. Because hemp seeds are so digestible, scientists are suggesting their use in medicine to block diseases and treat malnutrition. Tests are currently in progress with regards to EFAs in treating cancer and helping support the immune systems of those with the HIV virus. EFAs also help to generate the electrical current which keeps our hearts beating correctly. Is there any end to the nutritional benefits of hemp? Etc. ...