Hemp Seeds

I have bought Hemp Seeds in Hobart. At present hemp, according to AU food standards, is not sold as a food in Australia. Though this may change.

The hemp packet I bought said:

We insist that you only buy hemp seeds, protein powder or oil for external use or eat them in a country where it is legal.

By purchasing this product you agree to these terms. Thank you

This has no psychoactive amounts of THC (cannot get you high) and is legal to eat in North America, Europe and Asia. Please check and comply with your country’s food laws before use.

Hemp seeds are for sale in Health food shops. They are sold amongst the foods and packaged like a food.  According to the law they are not for sale as a food. 

100 gm of Hemp seeds

621 calories

31 gm protein

2 gm carbohydrate

3 gm fiber

54 gm fat 6 gm saturated fat, 7.3 gm monounsaturated fat, 40.6 gm polyunsaturated fat (9.2 gm Omega 3 and 30.9 gm Omega 6)

Hemp seeds contain over 30% fat.

They are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).  They also contain gamma-linolenic acid.  Also the polyunsaturated oleic acid.

The oil from hemp seeds is 80% polyunsaturated fatty acids (good fats) and only about 10 % saturated fatty acids (bad fats).

A lot of the fatty acids from hemp oil are essential. The body does not produce them. They must be ingested.  Most health organizations agree that the human body needs a 3 or 4:1 balance of omega 6 over omega 3.  Is this ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 the best ratio? Why is this ratio the best ratio? Why are the polyunsaturated fatty acids called good fats and the saturated fatty acids called bad fats?  These questions about fat deserve more attention. It is coming. 

Hemp can be eaten by those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, lactose or sugar; there are no known allergies to hemp foods.

Hemp seeds are good sources of the Vit Bs, Vit E , vitamin D, the minerals (manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron potassium, sodium, sulfur, calcium, copper) and dietary fiber phytosterols, chlorophyll, , and enzymes.

Hemp is a variety of cannabis. It is a fast growing plant. It was one of the first plants spun into usable fiber which was used in textiles and clothing. Today it is also used in paper, plastics, paint, body lotions, human food and animal feed. Most species of cannabis contain various amounts of the psychoactive THC.

Uses of hemp seeds.

Eaten raw. Snacked on with nuts, fruit or grains.

Ground into meal and added to anything baked. Can be added to baked foods before grinding. It will give crunch to final product.

Sprouted

Roasted. Can be added to muesli or granola or finger snack foods.

Made into a liquid such as hemp milk, hemp juice, hemp tea.

Hempseed oil has been used in China for 3000 years.

Hemp seeds and heart disease

Contain large amounts of the amino acid arginine.  In the body arginine produces nitric oxide which lowers blood pressure. 

Contains gamma-linolenic acid which decreases inflammation. This decrease in inflammation can benefit anybody with any disease involving inflammation.

Hemp seeds and the skin

Hemp seeds are rich in the essential fatty acids. Hemp seeds are a good source of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids. They have about a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which is considered in the optimal range.

Studies have shown that giving hemp seed oil to people with eczema may improve blood levels of essential fatty acids.

It may also relieve dry skin, improve itchiness and reduce the need for skin medication.

Plant based Protein

About 25% of calories in hemp seeds come from protein, which is relatively high. By weight hemp seeds contain same amount of protein as beef or lamb.  The protein contains all the essential amino acids. Including lysine which is rare from plants.

The protein is considered very digestible. More digestible than meat, eggs or milk. Better spectrum of proteins than soybeans with none of the oligosaccharides that cause stomach gas. 

Contains all 20 know amino acids including the 9 essential amino acids.  

Hemp seeds and PMS

Gamma-linolenic acid (high in hemp seeds) produces prostaglandin E1 which reduces effects of prolactin which decrease symptoms of PMS or menopause. 

Hemp seeds and digestion   

Hemp seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber (mainly in the shell).  Help decrease spikes in blood sugar, regulate blood cholesterol, aids removal of fecal matter, aid movement of food and water through the gut.

Conclusion  

Hemp seeds can be safely eaten. It is a healthy food suitable for snacking or adding to food to make the food slightly more interesting.  Hemp seeds contain largely protein and fat. There are no issues with the protein. The amount of fat raises questions about fat. Which fat is healthy? I need a  further look at this issue.