Alive Foods and industrial hemp protein, essential fatty acids and more

Hemp- a perfect balance

Hempseed is the fruit of the cannabis sativa plant. This cannabis or hemp plant is being grown in increasingly larger amounts throughout Europe for industrial purposes. Hemp Seed is not the only part of the Hemp plant used industrially. Recent research and development has led to the rediscovery of some of the estimated 25,000 ancient uses of Hemp including paper, clothing, cosmetics and building materials.

Hemp Seed may have been the first part of the plant used by humans. Hemp seed is one of the easiest grains to harvest and it contains a high proportion (34%) of oil. This made it an attractive commodity to the old Neolithic humans, ancient and now modern races.

The seed has many nutritional benefits. It contains the full spectrum of amino acids in ratios best suited for human assimilation. The protein content is high at 23%. Hempseed also contains essential minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur. It is low in heavy metals such as strontium, thorium and arsenic chromium. Heavy metals must be avoided in a healthy diet. Hempseed is also high in dietary fiber. Hempseeds provide Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6 [Linoleic Acid (LA) and Linolenic Acid (LNA)] as well as containing Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA). Of the fat in Hempseed, we have found 56% is Linoleic and 19% is Linolenic (a ratio of 3:1 is considered the optimum balance). Furthermore oil from Hemp Seed is far more valuable, in terms of concentrated nutrients, than Soybean the nearest vegan alternative. EFAs are required by the human body in order to maintain hormonal balance, healthy skin, hair, general health and well being. The body is, however, incapable of producing EFAs and it is therefore necessary to ensure that they are consumed by the body as a part of a balanced diet. Essential Fatty Acids are accountable for the responsiveness of our immune system and they do not raise cholesterol levels. In fact EFAs help to clear the bodies arteries. Because Hempseeds are so digestible, scientists are suggesting their use in medicine to blocking diseases and in treating malnutrition. Tests are currently in progress with regards to EFAs in treating cancer and helping to support the immune system of those with the HIV virus. Advice gathered from Government scientists and from the health food industry generally suggests that our regular dietary habits require a reduction of fat intake. Humans MUST consume fat in order to obtain an adequate supply of the two essential fatty acids (LA and LNA). This is the reason that they are referred to as 'essential' and the rest are merely fatty acids or simply "fats". Over-consumption of saturated fat is harmful. Research links essential fatty acid deficiency with cancer, cardiovascular disease, auto-immune disorders, impaired wound healing, breast pain, pre-menstrual syndrome, hormonal imbalance, multiple sclerosis, skin and hair disorders. The type of fat in one's diet is therefore critically important.

Sports, Nutrition and Health If we increase the intake of EFA's to 12-15% of our total daily food consumption then this alone quickens our metabolic rate. This results in a thermogenic reaction causing fat burn off and loss of excess weight. LA and LNA also substantially shorten time required for fatigued muscles to recover after exercise and they facilitate the conversion of lactic acid to water and carbon dioxide. Uses of Hemp Seed around the World: In parts of Europe traditional soups such as Silesian Hemp soup are still enjoyed.

In parts of China toasted Hempseeds are still sold like popcorn in movie theatres and by street vendors. In the Ukraine ancient Hempseed recipes are still shared. The Japanese use ground Hemp seed as a condiment. Polish cooks continue to bake the seeds into holiday sweets. Hemp butter will soon be available as an alternative to Peanut butter. It will taste similar while containing a healthier nutritional content. It is currently very popular in Russia.

Hempseed may also be used in dairy alternatives such as ice cream. Hemp seeds may be crushed in a grinder to produce a flour that is capable of being mixed with any other flour to make bread, cakes, pastas and cookies. This seed is capable of being used as a substitute for meat in much the same way as the soy bean is used.

Hempseeds can be used as a protein and flavour enhancement in any recipe. No other single plant source can compare with the nutritional value of hempseeds. It is said that Buddha ate one hemp seed a day for three years in his ascetic period.

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