Hemp is highly nutritious, and retains the necessary fatty acid proportion required for humans. It is a great dietary supplement in any form. It does not contain whey or lactose, and is a fantastic substitute food for people who have nut allergies. Vegetarians and vegans can supplement their diet with protein rich hemp. Hemp can assist with several medical conditions and has many health benefits.

Composition

Roughly 40% of the weight of hemp seed is healthy, consumable oil that contains 80% essential fatty acid and can be used for cooking. 75-80% of the fat in hemp is polyunsaturated, primarily omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The hemp amount of omega 3 is in balance with the amount of omega 6. Although the exact optimal ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 is not yet known, the ratio in hemp (about 3:1) is probably close to ideal. Hemp is also unique in that the omega 3 isn’t 100% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Hemp also contains two other omega 3 fats; stearidonic acid and small amounts of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA is rarely found in plant sources. Hemp contains 50-70% Linoleic acid (LA), 15–25% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and 1–6% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is an omega 6 oil, which is usually made from linoleic acid by our bodies. It is important to have a good ration of omega 3 to omega 6. Most Western diets contain too much omega 6 which is associated with a number of negative health issues. It is therefore important to increase intake of Omega 3's. Hemp seeds provide a higher omega 3 dietary supplement amount than walnuts!

Health benefits

Omega 3

Famous health food guru Dr. Andrew Weil suggests that consumption of hemp can correct the imbalance of fatty acids in the diet. He bases this on the fact that Americans eat a lot more Omega 6 fatty acids compared to intake of omega 3 fatty acids. This can be detrimental to one's health. Protein is the other major component of Hemp at 33%, second only to soy at 35% protein content, but Hemp protein is more easily digestible because it is primarily globular proteins (33% albumin and 65% edestin). Globular proteins are soluble in water (unlike fibrous proteins) therefore they are much more easily absorbed by the Human digestive system.



Source of protein

Hemp is commonly used to add protein to the diet plans of vegetarians and vegans. It is a marvellous dairy-free and natural substitute for whey. A handful of the seeds provides the minimum daily requirement of protein for adults. When hemp is consumed the body obtains what is needs without non-essential calories. There are several health benefits that are attributed to consumption of hemp. The benefits include: reduction of cardiovascular disease, reduction of cancer, alleviate the symptoms of bipolar disease and also those of rheumatoid arthritis.

The balance of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid in hemp seed oil can satisfy our needs for these essential fatty acids (EFAs) very well. Both the complete protein and the essential oils contained in hemp seeds are in ideal ratios for human nutrition.

Fiber is a highly valuable part of the hemp plant. It is referred to as bast, and is found on the outside of the woody interior of the plants stalk. There is an abundant amount of protein content in hemp and it is very digestible.

Summary

Hemp seed oil helps to remedy several medical conditions including acne, psoriasis, osteoporosis, cancer and multiple sclerosis. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing agent. It balances dry skin, heals skin lesions, and contains anti-oxidants and moisture balancing properties. Hemp seed oil prevents moisture loss on a physiological level. Most oils only coat the top layer of the skin, but hemp oil provides deep moisturization. Dr. Weil states that people with nut allergies should substitute hemp seeds for nuts in order to avoid allergic reactions. He also states that people with lactose intolerance can safely drink hemp milk.