Hemp seed comes from the hemp plant, which has been used for centuries in the paper, textile, biodegradable plastics, and construction industries.
Hemp seeds, however, have recently been rediscovered as a highly nutritious food. They are one of the best sources of easily digestible plant protein above all nuts, seeds, and plants (aside from spirulina).
The hemp plant, Cannibis sativa L., is more fibrous and seedy than its THC potent cousin. The popular phrase about hemp seeds is that "you can't get high on the seeds, you only get healthy."
Hemp's use as an agriculture crop dates back over 10,000 years, cultivated in China even before the soy bean. The hemp fiber was used extensively on ship sails and was a commonly used textile in colonial times.
Hemp Seed Nutrition
Super Source of Fatty Acids and Protein!
Hemp protein has the highest percentage of the high quality edestin and albumin protein of any plant based source. It contains all 20 amino acids (including the 8 essential), the good fats (EFA's) and the uncommon gamma linolenic acid. These qualities make it a highly digestible, complete protein source.
Hempseed contains 80% Omega fatty acids, including Omega-6, Omega-3, and vitamin E within the oil. Essential fatty acids are "essential" because the body does not make them. They are an important antioxidant needed to protect the skin and build the immune system.
Hempseed is the lowest in saturated fats and promoted by many health practitioners as the perfect food for the human diet.
Essential Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 and Omega-6
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Linoleic Acid
Gamma Linolenic Acid
Stearidonic Acid
It is stated in the book Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, that the oil in hempseed is the best source of EFA's of any food.
Note: It is extremely beneficial to consume raw, organic coconut oil with hemp seeds. The properties of the oil and the omegas in the seeds will work together to activate and enhance superhealth benefits.
How To Use Hemp Seed
It is my experience that hempseeds are best used in blended foods. This way, you really break down the tiny seed fibers into completely digestible pieces. Otherwise, the tiny seeds have a tendency to pass through the body undigested and you will find them in your stool. Although it is an extremely digestible form of protein, you need to make sure you chew or blend it well to absorb its high nutrient content. Sometimes, I put the seeds in my Vitamix and make a hemp "flour." This way I can add it to more solid foods when I want to. The other alternative is to use a hemp protein powder.
They are by far one of my favorite of all the seeds. I just love the taste and their high protein content really satisfies the need for other foods. They must, of course, be eaten raw to maintain their nutritional value.
(Check out my hemp chowder soup for a delicious way to blend up this yummy seed.)
Hempseeds taste to me like a combo of pine nut and sunflower seed. They make an amazing addition to many recipes, shakes, smoothies and add an extra special boost to our almond milk recipe.
Inositol - strengthens hair follicles, breaks down fats/cholesterol, sedates nerves
Phytosterols - maintains hormone balance
Vitamins and minerals:
~calcium
~iron
~phosphorus
~zinc
~magnesium
~copper
~vit E
~manganese
~sulfur
Hemp protein is an incredible top-10-superfood that combines well into a superhealthy diet. They will give you full force energy needed to run the extra mile and maintain energy levels for long periods of time.