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The Nutrition in Hemp-Based Foods

Hemp seeds are the edible part of the plant -- cannabis sativa -- and the basis for foods made from hemp. Shelled hemp seeds are pressed for oil, ground into protein powder or roasted to produce hemp-based foods. It is used in vegetarian, vegan, non-gluten and raw diets. Hemp is a good source of plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Although hemp seeds once planted, grow to become a marijuana plant, hemp seeds do not have the drug effects of the leaves and flowers.

Hemp is a valuable food source. The whole seed is comprised of 20 to 25 percent protein, 20 to 30 percent carbohydrates and 10 to 15 percent fiber, according to the 2000 "Journal of Neutraceuticals, Functional and Medical Foods." It is also a complete source of essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Hemp oil is rich in essential omega fatty acids, supplying 130 calories, 14 grams of total fat, and no trans-fats in 1 tablespoon. Ground hemp seeds, used as a protein powder contain 120 calories, 4 grams of fat, 9 grams of dietary fiber and 13 grams of protein in 4 tablespoons.

Hemp seed oil is almost entirely comprised of fatty acids; the essential fatty acid content is 75 percent, according to a study published in the 2000 "Journal of Neutraceuticals, Functional and Medical Foods." Hemp oil contains the omega-6 fatty acid, linolenic acid and the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid in the preferred ratio of three to one. These are essential fatty acids that are necessary for your health but the body does not make. They are known as polyunsaturated fatty acids. They stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone strength and regulate metabolism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Health benefits such as a reduction in inflammation and lower cholesterol have been associated with fatty acids in this ratio. Hemp is also rich in omega stearidonic acid and gamma linolenic acid, which help convert the benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids more efficiently.

Hemp-based foods are made from the products of the hemp seed. Hemp milk is produced from the seeds and sold in cartons similar to soy milk. The milk is available unsweetened or sweetened, in plain, vanilla or chocolate flavors. It can be used in recipes or by the cup. Hemp oil is also a way to include this nutritious oil in your diet. Try hemp oil for salad dressings or other recipes. For a protein drink, add hemp protein powder, made from the ground seeds. Hemp protein powder provides fiber, magnesium and iron, and a balanced source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.

Some people might have an allergy to hemp, according to a study published in the "Journal of Neutraceuticals, Functional and Medical Foods." But hemp is a good choice if you want to avoid soy, dairy, gluten and meat products. Most of the hemp produced is grown in Canada, where laws permit its growth and manufacturing. Hemp-based food, made from the hemp seed, is not marijuana and generally contains less than 1 percent of the pyschotropic chemical, THC, that is present in the leaves and flowers. Laws in Canada and the European Union state that hemp can have only 0.3 percent of THC.

Article reviewed by DonaldM Last updated on: May 30, 2012

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