Hemp Food Nutrition & Benefits

Hemptons

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

Hemp Seed Protein Hemp seeds are second only to soybean in protein content. The difference is that hemp seeds do not need to be processed for the protein to be usable and available to the body. The seeds can be eaten raw as a snack, flour, protein powder etc. Proteins serve a variety of functions in the human body such as acting as enzymes, antibodies, and the structural components of tissues, hormones and blood protein. The main function of dietary protein is to supply amino acids for the growth and maintenance of body tissue. Digestion disassembles proteins into their basic building blocks - the amino acids. Hemp protein contains all 20 known amino acids including the nine essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce. Proteins are considered complete when they contain all nine essential amino acids in a sufficient quantity and ratio to meet the body's needs. Hemp seeds contain an adequate supply of these high quality proteins (EAAs) for a well balanced diet. Hemp protein is free of the tryspin inhibitors which block protein absorption and free of oligosaccharides found in soy, which cause stomach upset and gas. Approximately 65% of the protein in hemp seeds is made up of the globulin protein Edestin and is found only in hemp seed. Edestin aids digestion, is relatively phosphorus-free and considered the backbone of the cell’s DNA. The other one third of hemp seed protein is Albumin, another high quality globulin protein similar to that found in egg whites. Hemp Seed Oil The oil contained in the hemp seed is 75-80% polyunsaturated fatty acids (the good fats) and only 9-11% of the lesser desired saturated fatty acids. Hemp seed oil is reputed to be the most unsaturated oil derived from the plant kingdom. The essential fatty acids (EFAs) contained in hemp seed oil are required in our diet more than any other vitamin, yet our bodies do not naturally produce them. They must be obtained from external sources in the food we eat. EFAs are involved with producing life's energy throughout the human body and without them, life is not possible. In general, North Americans have a high dietary deficiency in EFAs due to our high intake of animal fats versus plant fats, caused by our high consumption of processed foods and meats versus natural organic foods. Hemp seed oil has been dubbed "Nature's most perfectly balanced oil", due to the fact that it contains the perfectly balanced 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 (linoleic/ LA) to Omega 3 (alpha- linolenic/ LNA) essential fatty acids, determined to be the optimum requirement for long-term healthy human nutrition. In addition, it also contains smaller amounts of 3 other polyunsaturated fatty acids in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), oleic acid and stearidonic acid. This EFA combination is unique among edible oil seeds. Extensive studies have demonstrated that many common illnesses are related to deficiencies or imbalances of specific fatty acids in the body. Symptoms are often related to a lack of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and their derivatives, the postaglandins. Most people eating a healthful diet, one that includes a balanced ratio of essential fatty acids, also have healthy skin and a strong immune system. Yet some individuals may experience shortages in specific fatty acids or their metabolites due to dysfunctional enzyme systems or other inhibitions in their metabolic pathways caused by genetic, immune-system-related, or even environmental factors. It has been proven in several clinical studies that dietary supplementation with EFAs or their metabolites (such as GLA) will often prevent or even cure these illnesses. Since hemp seed oil contains both EFAs in a desirable balance while also providing two of the EFA metabolites, it is a good resource for the prevention and treatment of certain illnesses. Hemp seed oil also provides an adequate supply of antioxidants (Vitamin E), carotene (precursor to Vitamin A), phytosterols, phospholipids and a number of minerals including calcium, magnesium, sulphur, potassium, phosphorus, along with modest amounts of iron and zinc. Hemp seed oil also provides a good source of chlorophyll. The daily recommended allowance of hemp seed oil is 14 to 28 ml (1 to 2 tablespoons). This allowance provides between 8 and 16 grams of Omega 6 (LA) and between 3 and 6 grams of Omega 3 (LNA). And lastly, unlike other Omega-rich alternatives (flax, evening primrose, borage or fish oils) that are sold mainly as a vitamin supplement, hemp seed, hemp oil and hulled hemp seed all have a flavourful "nutty" taste. In Body Care Products Although the cosmetic industry claims generic use of unsaturated or Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) as beneficial to the skin, only the EFA, Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) (LA) and its metabolite Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) have clinically proven biochemical and therapeutic effects on the skin. Hemp Seed Oil contains 50% to 60% Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) and is the only high EFA oil that also contains GLA. Because its EFA profile so closely resembles the skin’s natural lipids, Hemp Seed Oil instantly counteracts the effects of degreasing and dehydration, conditions that produce dry skin. Due to its ability to quickly moisturize and condition the skin, Hemp Seed Oil is a choice ingredient for today’s performance skin care market. The skin acts as a barrier to protect the body from excessive water loss and from penetration by foreign substances and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. The optimal state of the skin is characterized by a balanced ratio of skin lipids to skin moisture. The health of skin depends largely on moisture retention provided by the Stratum Corneum, the outer layer of the Epidermis. The weakening or failure of this natural barrier can be caused by sun, dry air, harsh soaps, free radical damage or the slowdown of cell metabolism with aging. The result is changes to the lipid composition of the epidermis and reduced moisture retention capability. Lipids are composed of fat-like substances including sterols, free fatty acids and Ceramides. Chemically speaking, Ceramides are a class of substances that contain different polyunsaturated fatty acids that make up about 18% of the upper Lipophylic layers of the stratum Corneum. Ceramide 1, found in the Omega-6 Linoleic acid, is of critical importance to the moisture control of the skin. Due to its superior EFA profile that closely resembles the skin’s natural lipids, Hemp Seed Oil, when topically applied (either raw or in naturally formulated body products), replenishes skin with these essential components, thus increasing moisture retention. Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, have become an increasingly important class of cosmetic raw materials from a standpoint of both performance and consumer appeal. The proteins used in personal care products have traditionally been derived from collagen or keratin. Recently, however, there has been an increasing demand for proteins that are vegetable derived. As we’ve seen Hemp Seeds contain about 25% protein. Hemp seed contain all 20 amino acids of which 11 out of the 20 are Essential Amino Acids and features a high content of the two sulfur-containing Amino Acids Methionine and Cystine, usually under-represented in vegetable proteins. Aging Young and properly functioning skin has plenty of ceramides. With age or skin disease, ceramide levels decrease. The polyunsaturated fatty acids that make ceramides flexible are replaced by less saturated fatty acids. This slower metabolism contributes to the formation of wrinkles and overall skin aging. The topical application of LA fatty acids work as an anti-inflammatory and partially compensates for lower ceramide levels in the skin thus reducing the appearance of aging or inflamed skin. Baby boomers have grown increasingly aware of the link between aging skin and natural cosmetic ingredients. At no other time in western history has there been such an unprecedented market for anti-aging skin care products. Currently, approximately 43 million women are approaching menopause. Between 1993 and 2004, the age 50 and over population will have grown by 74%. With menopause, oestrogen levels drop and within one year skin structure show significant signs of aging. Since oestrogen supports and protects skin structure, menopause results in decreased barrier protection, heightened sensitivity, increased wrinkling, scaling and dryness, inflammation and loss of firmness and flexibility of the skin. Hemp Seed Oil contains over 50% Linoleic acid, which is a clinically proven anti-inflammatory beneficial for laser-treated or peeled, stressed, acne-prone, sun-damaged and aging skin. Hemptons’ Nutritional & Food Products Hemptons Hemp Seeds and Oil originates in Canada and are organically grown from non-GMO seeds and totally without the use of any pesticides or herbicides. The oil and seeds are totally unrefined but the seeds are carefully and thoroughly cleaned at harvest to remove any trace THC that may contaminate the seed coat. Our products are batch tested following processing for THC according to the Health Canada protocol for THC analysis found in the Industrial Hemp Technical Manual. Hemp is grown in Canada both conventionally (sometimes referred to as "transitional organic" without the use of pesticides or herbicides, but with the use of chemical fertilisers to prepare the seed bed) and also as "Certified Organic" in strict compliance with the organic certification standards of the certifying body. Hemptons’ grower and processor is a certified organic processor with OCPP/Pro-Cert Organic Systems, who have reciprocal accreditation with most major organic certifying bodies worldwide. As we have seen, Hemp seeds or oil contain important nutrients that are vital to human health and well being and the plant provides many materials for clothing, shelter and fuels. Consequently, it is important to support the use of Hemp products; it is highly beneficial for health, the environment and the economy. Hemp is truly an amazing plant! Hemptons’ Body Care Products Our bodies absorb live plant nutrients far more effectively than products that contain artificial and chemical-based ingredients. Hemptons body care products therefore include, where possible only natural cold pressed oils and skin and environmentally friendly ingredients. Your skin absorbs approximately 95% of what it comes in contact with, much like a sponge absorbs liquids. (Many medications are now administered successfully through absorbent patches that are placed directly on the skin). Many chemicals found in cosmetics don’t cause obvious immediate signs of toxicity, but slowly poison us through repeated use.  This is why Hemptons has opted to produce a product range that is safe to use at all time. Our products are made with your health in mind. We want you to enjoy our products and not have to worry about the affects it may have on your body ... or the environment. We therefore do not use Ammonium/Sodium Lauryl & Laurenth Sulphates in our Shampoos or Shower Gels and none of our products contain Parabens, Mineral or Petroleum based Oils and waxes or other undesirable substances. The whole range is based on Hemp Oil & -Butter as a base. Body care products containing Hemp Oil can help reduce skin discomfort by soothing & restoring dry skin and increasing the natural moisture retention capacity. With regular use, body care products containing Hemp seed oil can help slow down the effects of skin aging and leave the skin smooth, soft and moisturized. In hair care products, Hemp Seed Oil imparts gloss and manageability to hair, bringing relief from dry scalp or help hair recover from damage created by blow-dryer heat, chemical perms, colouring or sunlight. We have developed a body care range that pampers while it nourishes, soothes and protects and have, where possible used only natural ingredients. Our products have undergone extensive stability testing to ensure that the unique qualities of the ingredients stay viable over time. Hemptons Manufacturing & Distribution PO Box 1540 Parklands 2121 www.hemptons.co.za Telephone: (011) 704-7135

 

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