By Brent Hauver

An unfortunate fact of life is that judgment is not always based on merit but on reputation. Sometimes the best things are brought down by disastrous relations. Such is the story of the hempseed. The health benefits of hempseed are so impressive that some have proclaimed it to be “the most nutritionally complete food source in the world.” That is quite a claim, but recent scientific research is backing it. Hempseeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids (EFAs) necessary to maintain healthy human life. No other single plant source provides such an easily digestible form, nor has oils essential to life in as perfect a ratio for human health and vitality. Hempseed is the richest source in the plant kingdom of fatty acids, but all this is brought down by that fact that it is part of the Hemp family. In North America, hemp seed food products are typically only sold in health food stores or through mail order. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that “the market potential for hemp seed . . . will remain a small market, like those for sesame and poppy seeds.” That seems completely unfair. Hempseeds have so much to offer and yet they are mistrusted. Studies done in 1998, found that hemp foods in the marketplace do not contain detectable levels of THC (or psychoactive drugs). It is only a bad reputation that keeps hemp seed from taking its place as an important food source. It is time to clear the slate, and take a fresh look at a good seed stuck with a bad name.

Hempseeds offer the whole nutritional package. Technically nuts, hempseeds contain over 30% oil, about 25% protein, and 45% carbohydrate. The oils in hempseed are 80% polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) and are exceptionally high in EFAs. EFAs are as vital to human life as vitamins and mineral, and hempseed oils have the best balances of EFA naturally. Yet it is the protein content that really makes hempseeds unique. Hempseed protein is composed of 65% globulins. Globulins are the proteins that carry on the work of life in the body. All enzymes, antibodies, many hormones, hemoglobin, and fibrogens are globular proteins. Since the proteins found in hempseeds are very similar to the proteins found in body structures and blood, they are very easy to digest and use. It makes sense. It is easier for the body to use proteins that are similar to the existing proteins. Hempseeds are also an adequate source of dietary fiber, calcium, and iron, and contain antioxidants and chlorophyll. Whole hempseeds are also a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese.

If all the previous nutritional information does not impress you, pay attention to the other benefits offered by hempseeds. Hempseed oils are used to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels; reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke; and improve cell growth, organ function, vitality, mental state, and enhance thought process with the transportation of oxygen, electrons, and energy throughout the body. Studies confirm that hempseed oil has anti-inflammatory properties; benefits skin damaged by sun, acne-prone, stressed, peeled, or recovering from laser-treatment; relieves symptoms of PMS; reduces symptoms of eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease; and promotes general well-being when taken on a daily basis.

With all the potential good that hempseeds have to offer, it is time to shed the bad rap. If a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, would not a seed by any other name be just as nutritious?

Brent Hauver is a Holistic Health Researcher who owns and operates Sage Health and Empowerment Center in Overton, NV.