I think one can attest to the fact that the world in which we live in is more conscious about health and well being than ever before.
In fact, sometimes I think we are too absorbed with what goes into our mouth. There seems to be a new diet around every corner and foods that are good for you one day are terrible the following day. Trends seem to come and go and various research rules in and rules out certain foods like a revolving door.
As a result, writing about a particular food or supplement is so difficult because of differing opinions, depending on where the information is coming from. However, I feel quite content and very comfortable talking about what I consider to be the new superfood. Mind you, hemp seeds have been around for years but we are just now discovering how beneficial this food can be. Now, I won’t bore you with how I discovered hemp seeds, but will attest that I have recently incorporated them into my diet and my research has made me quite the believer.
Hemp foods are expanding onto the shelves of grocery and natural food stores across North America. By definition, these are foods containing whole hemp seeds or the oil, nut (hulled seed) and/or flour (ground seed cake) derived from the seeds. Examples of currently available hemp food products include salad dressings, nutrition bars, breads, cookies, granola, waffles, nut butter, chips, pasta, frozen desserts and cold-pressed oil supplements. Manufacturers promote hemp foods for their exceptional nutritional and taste benefits.
Examining the composition of the hemp seed will help explain these benefits. Hemp hearts (shelled hemp seeds) are one of the best sources of protein, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes in the world. Like other oil seeds, the hemp nut consists mainly of oil (typically 44%), protein (33%) and dietary fiber and other carbohydrates (12%). In addition, the nut contains vitamins (particularly the tocopherols and tocotrienols of the Vitamin E complex), phytosterols and trace minerals. Overall, hemp’s main nutritional advantage over other seeds lies in the composition of its oil, i.e. its fatty acid profile, and in its protein, which contains all of the essential amino acids in nutritionally significant amounts and in a desirable ratio.
Typical Composition of Hemp Nut
Most oil seeds contain plenty of linoleic acid (LA), an essential fatty acid from the “omega-6″ family, yet they offer little alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the other EFA form the “omega-3″ family. Health agencies around the world agree that humans should ingest these EFAs in an omega-6/ omega-3 ratio of about 4:1. Since common seed oil and animal fat, both low in omega-3, account for most of our fat intake, western diets typically have omega-6/omega-3 ratios of 10:1or more, which is far too rich in omega-6 and correspondingly too deficient in omega-3.
Recent clinical research continues to identify this imbalance as a co-factor in a wide range of common illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, diabetes, skin and mood disorders. A 1999 workshop by the U.S. National institute of health demonstrated the impressive benefits of a balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio in our diet: reduced risk of atherosclerosis, sudden cardiac death and certain types of cancers, decrease in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, mood improvement in bipolar disorders and optimized development in infants.
In addition, because hemp products are nutritionally satisfying, there is a lesser urge to eat and, therefore, has been documented to be great for losing or regulating weight. In clinical studies, these benefits are often achieved using omega-3-rich fish and flax oil supplements. A more “holistic” approach consists of shifting our general dietary fat intake towards nuts and oils, offering a better omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Hemp nut and oil offer an omega-6/omega-3 ratio of 3:1 or less, depending on plant variety.
This exceeds the target ratio of 4:1 and compensates in part for omega-3 deficiencies in the rest of our diet. No other vegetable oil offers EFAs at such high concentrations and, more importantly, in such a desirable omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Digestive disorders seem to be more and more of a problem in an age where steroids, preservatives and additives seem to be more prevalent in our foods. However, individuals who use hemp seeds report more efficient digestive systems.
Because hemp seeds are so easily digested, people claim that hemp nuts have cured or reduced the effects of chronic problems of the digestive system. Because they are a well-balanced source of all required proteins and all essential fats as well as most vitamins and enzymes, hemp seeds are of special benefit to those who are unable to eat gluten, lactose, sugar, fish, nuts, meat and other common foods. Those who change their diets in favour of unprocessed fruit, vegetables and fibrous foods, totally avoiding processed starches, always notice that their digestive system function is better and that they expel wastes more regularly.
Hemp hearts (shelled hemp seed) in comparison with other foods.
• Contains more required amino acids (proteins) than milk, meat or eggs
• Is a complete protein source and much more balanced and digestible than soy products
• Contains about 44% oil, 78% of which is omega 3 and 6, the essential fats
• Contains several times more omega 3 essential fat that any fish.
• Provides more energy than energy bars, without their sugar and with less saturated fat
• Is suitable for those unable to eat gluten, sugar, milk, nuts and meat
• Is perfect for those troubled with constipation and for those avoiding carbohydrates
Hemp seeds/nuts can be purchased at most health food stores. Stores such as ‘Choices’ carry a wide variety of hemp seed products also. I really encourage those readers who are interested in this product to do their own research to see how this product may benefit their health. I am relatively conscious of what my family and I eat and think a regular intake of hemp nuts is essential for overall body wellness.
Furthermore, this product has no ill effects whatsoever and actually tastes really good. Please do not hesitate to give me a call if there are any questions regarding this product or if you need information on how to purchase this product in bulk.
