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Hemp contains nature's most balanced oil with essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega
3 and 6, plus GLA in a nutritionally optimal ratio.
These are the fats that can only do us good, contributing
to hormone balance, skin health, immune system functioning
and the regulation of cholesterol levels in the
blood.
This easy to harvest grain contains over 30%
oil, approximately 25% protein and a high proportion
of amino acids. Hemp seed contains essential minerals
including magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and
sulphur, plus manganese, which helps metabolise
EFAs. It is also a source of zinc, calcium, iron
and vitamin A.
With approximately 60% linoleic acid (omega 6)
and 20% linolenic acid (omega 3) the 3:1 ratio
is in the ideal proportions that the human body
needs. These ratios are particularly important,
because it is found that too much of one will
cause a deficiency in the other. Omega 3s, otherwise
found in oily fish or linseed are commonly lacking
in the western diet. Linseed oil has a high omega
3 content but at a less favourable ratio.
EFAs maintain the function and integrity of cell
membranes, attract oxygen and assist in detoxification
by carrying toxins to the kidneys or surface of
the skin for elimination. Hemp is also a good
source of GLA (gamma linolenic acid - 4%) which
is the active ingredient in evening primrose oil,
as well as omega-9, SDA (stearidonic acid) and
Vitamin E.
75% of the fatty acids in hemp oil are polyunsaturated.
These fragile fatty acids are denatured by heat
so should not be used for cooking. Fresh hemp
oil has a greenish colour similar in tone to a
dark olive oil. Its mild nutty flavour is delicious
in salad dressings, raw sauces and smoothies.
The hulled seed looks a little like sesame seeds
and taste like a combination of sunflower seeds
and pine nuts.
Hemp is really a wonder plant with abundant industrial
uses, providing fibre, paper, fabric, lighting
oil and medicines. Until the end of the 19th century
hemp was the world's key crop for providing these
raw materials. The crop needs neither herbicides
nor pesticides, and taking only four months to
mature, produces nearly 4 times as much raw fibre
as an equivalent sized tree plantation. Hemp crops
are particularly efficient at converting CO2 to
oxygen and fibre and are thus useful in slowing
down the greenhouse effect.
The type of hemp seed available for eating will
not make you high! This is because it comes from
a variety that is particularly low in the psychoactive
THC (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
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