The seed of the hemp plant is quite possibly the most nutritionally balanced food source within the plant kingdom. Hemp seeds are an ideal source of:
Complete protein, containing all eight essential Amino acids
Minerals, vitamins and trace elements.
30% of the Hemp seed is fat. 20% of the fat within the seed is unsaturated Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA-Omega3) and 60% is unsaturated Linoleic Acid (LA-Omega6). A perfect balance for humans.
Hemp seeds also contain Gamma-Linolenic Acid, a very rare oil, essential for human development. GLA helps to reduce cholesterol levels. The body converts LA into GLA by means of an enzyme, to protect itself from arthritis, premenstrual syndrome and other conditions.
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of easily digestible protein. The main reason for its digestibilty is the high ratio (65% of total protein) of Edistin. Edistin is a sturdy protein that is pure and highly stable. It is so complete and nutritious that studies done in the early 1900s demonstrated that it could serve as the sole source of protein in the diet of animals.
There are eight proteins that are essential to life; the Amino Acids. These proteins cannot be manufactured by the body and must come from our food. There are two further proteins that the body cannot make in sufficient quantities. These compounds must be consumed in their natural form. The complete protein in Hemp seeds gives the body all the essential amino acids required to maintain health. It provides amino acids in the necessary types and amounts the body needs to make serum albumin and serum globulins, such as the immune-enhancing gamma globulin anti-bodies: the body's first line of defence.
Just a handful of Hemp seeds provides this minimum daily nutrition for adults, and a bag-full of it would provide all the essential protein, oils and dietary fibre necessary for an adult to survive for two weeks.
Hemp seed is delicious eaten on its own, raw or roasted, used in baking
or sprinkled on salads. Another effective and delicious use is to make
hemp seed milk. Here's how: