Benefits of Hemp Seed

30th September 2013

By Dr. Edward F. Group

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

Hemp is a plant so versatile in its uses, it’s hard to believe there are some fools among us who stifle its

uses. It’s a shame, because around the globe, hemp has been used for centuries to make rope, wax, paper,

cloth, fuel and as a food source. Nutritionally, the seeds of the plant are one of the most complete sources

of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and potent antioxidant activity.

Excellent Plant-Based Source of Protein and Essential Fatty Acids

Hemp seed offers a high quality protein source with an amino acid profile that exceeds many meat and

dairy-based protein sources; this can be extremely attractive to vegetarians and vegans. A recent Chinese

study examined hemp seed to evaluate its physiochemical and chemical composition. The results revealed

a protein content higher than most grains and nuts and concentrations of unsaturated fats in excess of

90%, much more than most vegetable oils. [1] The polyunsaturated fatty acids were primarily comprised

of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids. High concentrations of vitamin E were also observed. [2]

The results of this study set the bar for hemp seed and indicated it is truly one of the most nutritious foods

available. Let’s start by taking a look at how linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids have been identified

as essential to health…

The Benefits of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) as found in hemp seed has been associated with…

Balanced lipid levels

Reduced redness and swelling in the body

Stable blood pressure

Smoother, healthier skin

Healthy brain function

Immune system support

Reduced problems associated with blood clotting

Studies have also demonstrated that people with low levels of ALA may suffer from metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome can be a problem as it increases the risk for type II diabetes and cardiovascular

disease. [3]

Linoleic Acid: Good for Skin and Hair, Great for Organs

Studies have shown linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) occurs naturally, in hefty amount, in hemp seed.

[4] Appropriate proportions of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids must be maintained for health — and

hemp seed offers an almost perfect balance. Linoleic acid contributes to radiant skin, liver and kidney

function, hair growth, proper immune function and cardiovascular health.

Hemp Seed Has Powerful Antioxidant Activity

Researchers have determined hemp seed contains high phenolic content and powerful antioxidant

properties. In one test, hemp seed antioxidants outperformed flaxseed, soybean, and grapeseed extracts in

total antioxidant activity. It also provided greater protection against LDL oxidation, a common factor in

cardiovascular problems. [5] Additional antioxidant activity was observed in its amino acid profile. [6]

Hemp Seed for Complete Cardiovascular and Brain Support

Hemp seed also contains vitamin E, an essential vitamin for cardiovascular and brain health. Without

vitamin E, brain function suffers and voluntary muscle control can be lost — big problem. Vitamin E

provides important antioxidant effects for polyunsaturated fatty acids (the omega-3s and -6s) as it protects

them from oxidation and supports cardiovascular health. [7]

Another added bonus with hemp seed is that hemp seed provides an ideal medium for vitamin E

absorption because vitamin E is fat-soluble, ensuring greater vitamin E bioavailability.

There are a lot of ways to consume hemp seed, what’s your favorite? Please leave a comment below and

share it with us!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Article References:

1. House JD, Neufeld J, Leson G. Evaluating the quality of protein from hemp seed (Cannabis sativa

L.) products through the use of the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score method. J Agric

Food Chem. 2010 Nov 24;58(22):11801-7. doi: 10.1021/jf102636b. Epub 2010 Oct 26.

2. Chen T, He J, Zhang J, Zhang H, Qian P, Hao J, Li L. Analytical characterization of Hempseed

(seed of Cannabis sativa L.) oil from eight regions in China. J Diet Suppl. 2010 Jun;7(2):117-29.

doi: 10.3109/19390211003781669.

3. Robinson LE, Mazurak VC. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: relationship to inflammation in

healthy adults and adults exhibiting features of metabolic syndrome. Lipids. 2013 Apr;48(4):319-

32. doi: 10.1007/s11745-013-3774-6. Epub 2013 Mar 1.

4. Kuhnt K, Degen C, Jaudszus A, Jahreis G. Searching for health beneficial n-3 and n-6 fatty acids

in plant seeds. Eur J Lipid Sci Technol. 2012 Feb;114(2):153-160.

5. Chen T, He J, Zhang J, Li X, Zhang H, Hao J, Li L. The isolation and identification of two

compounds with predominant radical scavenging activity in hempseed (seed of Cannabis sativa

L.). Food Chem. 2012 Sep 15;134(2):1030-7. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.03.009. Epub 2012

Mar 12.

6. Girgih AT, Udenigwe CC, Aluko RE. Reverse-phase HPLC separation of hemp seed (Cannabis

sativa L.) protein hydrolysate produced peptide fractions with enhanced antioxidant capacity. Plant

Foods Hum Nutr. 2013 Mar;68(1):39-46. doi: 10.1007/s11130-013-0340-6.

7. Niki E, Traber MG. A history of vitamin E. Ann Nutr Metab. 2012;61(3):207-12. doi:

10.1159/000343106. Epub 2012 Nov 26.

About the Author

Dr. Edward F. Group founded Global Healing Center in 1998 and is currently the Chief Executive

Officer. Heading up the research and development team, Dr. Group assumes a hands-on approach in

producing new and advanced degenerative disease products and information.

Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now teaches individuals and

practitioners all around the world. He no longer sees patients but solely concentrates on spreading the

word of health and wellness to the global community. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center, Inc.

has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the

Internet.