Hemp has a 12,000 year history of cultivation and use.
A legendary article in Popular Mechanics 1938 proclaimed that hemp could be manufactured into more than 25,000 environmentally friendly products... here are some of them.
Protein power
Hemp has the highest percentage of complete, high quality, easy to absorb protein of any plant, nut or seed (except spirulina)
The seed contains 35-47% protein made up of 66% Edestin a type of plant protein similar to protein found in the human body. It augments cellular function and DNA repair.
The other 33% of hemp’s protein is Albumin, another high quality protein also found in egg whites.
Since much of hemp’s protein structure resembles that found in human blood, hemp protein is very easily digested and utilized.
Hemp is a superfood and a wholefood with numerous nutritional benefits.
The seeds contain about 34% oil, with the best nutrient balance of any oil, plus antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre.
The oil is deep olive green, thick and has a delicious, rich nutty taste.
GOOD FATS
Hemp contains 80% polyunsaturated fat, one of the highest of any plant and provide a balanced 3:1 ratio of omega-6 (linoleic acid) to omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) fatty acids Other primary fatty acids present include gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA) as well as palmitic, steric, and oleic acids.
Known to be helpful for lowering the "bad" cholesterol and reducing inflammation in the body, Omega-3 means hemp is considered a heart healthy fat source that can help to reduce inflammation, blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure associated with cardiovascular disease.
Amino acids
The 9 "essential" amino acids cannot be synthesised by the body; they must be provided by the diet. The other amino acids may be synthesised by the body if there is a full balanced diet.
Amino acids are essential for immune system function, fighting risk of infection and gut mucosal function, which affects absorption and vulnerability to systemic disease, and kidney function*
Essential Amino | Acids | Other Amino | Acids |
Histidine Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine Phenylalanine Threonine Tryptophan Tyrosine | 1.20 g 1.10 g 2.52 g 1.54 g 0.89 g 1.77 g 1.51 g 0.32 g 1.41 g | Alanine Arginine Aspartic Acid Cystine Glutamic Acid Glycine Proline Serine Valine | 1.85 g 5.10 g 4.52 g 0.81 g 7.66 g 2.05 g 1.70 g 2.12 g 1.48 g |
J. Agric. Food Chem., | 2010, 58 (22) | pp 11801–11807 |
*Source: Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements, published by the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board.
FASHION DESIGNERS:
Giorgio Armani started using hemp in an Emporio Armani collection in 1995, while Ralph Lauren makes hemp floor rugs. In 2010, Burberry designed a suit for actor Woody Harrelson out of hemp.
CARS
For BMW’s new electric car, the i3, Bloomberg reports that the car maker will line the door panels with hemp (pictured right)
Motive Industries of Canada have updated the concept with "Kestrel" their new electric supercar... made of hemp
