Hemp has been well known in the western world in the past for its usage as an industrial matter, but in the far east humans have been consuming it for millennia, in recent decades it has become clear as to why. So what can Hemp offer you from a nutritional point of view that other foods and supplements can't? Step right in. You can consume Hemp in a variety of ways including:

• Seeds
• Oil
• Butter/milk
• Flour/protein

The question that rises is – why specifically Hemp? Hemp contains many important ingredients our body needs to stay in optimal health and shape:

EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) There are a total of 20 amino acids the human body needs to survive, 9 of them are considered essential, meaning that our body cannot produce them endogenously (on its own) and must be consumed by an outer source. Hemp seeds contain all 9 of these essential amino acids, and are mainly rich in 2 of them -

• Linoleic Acid (Omega 6)
• Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega 3)

These two are critical for long-term health and nutritional balance. They are easily digested compared to other plant based Proteins. Not only the quantities of Omega 3 and Omega 6 that strike a difference health-wise, but the ratio between them. In the last 30 years the suggested ratio between Omega 3 and Omega 6 is 2/3:1. And is considered as optimal - it is partly based upon the low incidence of heart and blood vessel diseases in Mediterranean and Japanese diets. An imbalance of this ratio promotes the pathogenesis of many illnesses:

• Cancer
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• Inflammatory diseases

Saturated and Unsaturated fats

Hemp oil is low in saturated fats and high in polyunsaturated and does not contain trans fats. Fibers Adding Hemp to your diet may help if you suffer from constipation as it can help increase stool frequency. Hemp contains two types of fibers whose ratio is 20% to 80% respectfully - Soluble fibers that act as a breeding ground for gut bacteria, and Insoluble fibers (that add mass or bulk to your feces thus aiding in constipation), help reduce appetite thus aiding in weight loss and stabilizing sugar levels in your blood. Minerals and Vitamins Your body needs a daily basic consumption of these, vitamins such as:

• Vitamin E
• B1 (Thiamine)
• B2 (Riboflavin)

Minerals and salts such as:

• Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and Phosphorus
• Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu)
• Zinc

Proteins Hemp is an incredible source of protein per mass, its seeds contain 25g of protein for 100 grams, beating ALL other plant-based sources. A popular competitor looks at Soy - factually soy contains more protein per mass at 32%, but it also contains high levels of trypsin inhibitors - that block the function of an enzyme. In layman's terms - it means less protein is broken and digested, compared to Hemp which contains none of these inhibitors - making it far superior to Soy, even though it contains less protein per mass. Even when compared to certain fish and meat types, Hemp is not too shabby, containing two main proteins Edestin and Albumin. The two are considered to be "High-quality proteins", which translates to:

• Easily digested
• Easily stored in your fatty tissues
• Contain high amounts of Essential Amino Acids

Hemp seeds contain small amounts of complex Carbohydrates (about 1 gram per tablespoon), releasing glucose slowly into the bloodstream, slowing or avoiding the high energy boost - and the recurring drop down in energy you may feel routinely in your daily life. Cannabinoids Though as mentioned prior, low quantities of THC and CBD can be found in Hemp oil, usually in larger concentrations than THC (the bar being set for THC content of less than 0.3%). Terpenes The most common Terpenes found in Hemp were Myrcene and Beta–Caryophyllene.

How Hemp can improve your health and well-being?

• Reduces Inflammation and Pain (Digestive or Topical)
• Reduces Lipids and Cholesterol
• Suggested to ease symptoms of PMS and Menopause
• Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome
• Aids in constipation (by insoluble fibers)
• Cognitive performance boost, improving memory, reducing anxiety, and delaying brain degeneration due to aging
• Insomnia, due to high Magnesium content, Magnesium helps your muscle cells relax after contracting (give it a try, consume it a few hours before sleep)
• Improves skin complexion and may aid in skin disorders

Side Effects Adverse Effects Of Hemp

Allergic reaction - some individuals are allergic or sensitive to the compounds of Cannabis Sativa, therefore allergy is possible to Hemp as well. Possible contamination risk – Although it is required by law to uphold a low amount of THC, “contamination”, as in higher concentrations of THC is always a possible scenario.

Hemp Oil Versus Other Vegetable Oils

A 2015 study examining antioxidant activity and correlation to therapeutic potential matched Hemp oil versus the following vegetable oils:

• Rosehip
• Flax
• Thistle
• Safflower
• Camelina

Although Hemp's antioxidant attribute ranked only third (after Flax and Rose Hip), it had the best ratio of 1:3/8 Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio, marking it as "The most promising of them being the Hemp oil" - and not surprisingly. In conclusion, on paper, all of the above marks Hemp as sort of a "Mega Food", but in actuality, there is still a lot of clinical data missing to declare unanimously that Hemp is a must-have in your diet. Seeing as most research focuses on animal and cell findings or human trials of low quality currently, but give it a try, you lose nothing and have plenty to gain!