Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are produced from the hemp plan (Cannabis sativa L). Hemp is commonly confused with marijuana, as it belongs to the same family. Actually, the two plants are quite different. The most notable difference is the level of THC (delta-9-tetrahydro cannabinol). Hemp contains less than 1% of THC, which is a psychoactive drug. Marijuana contains up to 20% or more.
Hemp plants are cultivated for industrial use and harvested for their fibers, seeds, oils, and meal. Industrial hemp seeds are available in different forms. They can be sterilized, toasted, roasted, or cracked. They can be pressed into oil, or hulled into meal. Hemp thrives nearly anywhere tolerating a variety or growing conditions. It is rarely affected by pests or disease. Hemp products include hemp seeds, hemp milki, hemp oil, hemp cheese substitutes, and hemp protein powder. These products can be purchased at most health food stores.
Hemp seeds major producers include Canada, France, and China. Interestingly, both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp in their gardens. Ben Franklin produced hemp paper in his mill, and hemp paper was used for the Declaration of Independence.
Industrial hemp has many uses from paper and textiles to plastic and fuels. It can be used in place of traditional paper from wood and be recycled more times than paper made from wood. Plastic made from hemp is bio-degradable.
Hemp seeds can be used in many food products. Hemp seed food products are considered more allergy free than many other seeds. Hemp seeds contain 20 different varieties of amino acids including the 9 essential amino acids for sustaining good health. Hemp seeds contain the necessary fatty acids known as "good fats". Hemp seeds contain high amouts of protein and fiber, both soluble and insoluble.
According to the USDA 3 TBS of hemp seeds contain 116 calories and these nutrients:
Protein - 9.47 grams
Carbohydrates - 2.60 grams
Fat - 1.2 grams
Total fatty acids - 14.62 grams
Monounsaturated fatty acids - 1.62 grams
Polyunsaturated fat - 11.43 grams
Saturated fatty acids - 1.38 grams
Hemp seeds contain a variety of vitamins and minerals and are especially rich in vitamin E , magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. They are a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins including niacin, riboflavin, thiamine vitamin B6, and folate. The amount of omega-3's in hemp seeds and the seeds' healthful omega-3 to omega-6 ratio can together help to reduce inflammmation.
Hemp seeds are a rich source of gama linolenic acid (GLA), a poly unsaturated fatty acid which may also have anti-inflammatory effects. Reducing inflammation may help managesymtoms of chronic diseases such as metabolic sytndrom, type 2 diabetes, arhtritis, heart disease, and non-alcohol related fatty liver disease.
Ways to incorporate hemp seeds into the diet:
- Sprinkling whole or ground seeds on cereal or yogurt
- Adding the seeds to smoothies
- Baking with hemp seeds and other rich omega-3s
- Making hemp milk at home using whole seeds
- Sprinkling hemp seeds along with other seeds or nuts on a salad.
