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I thought you might enjoy this very interesting article from SixWise

Hemp Seed: The Misaligned, Misunderstood Food That is Possibly One of the Healthiest on the Planet
by www.SixWise.com


Try a little hemp seed in your morning smoothie and you're in for a pleasant surprise ... but not one of the mind-altering variety.

Hemp seed, long an overlooked superfood for its misunderstood association with marijuana, is now starting to make a big impact on the health food scene with both consumers and scientists alike.



Hemp seeds contain less than three-tenths of 1 percent of THC, the compound that produces the "high" associated with marijuana (which contains anywhere from 5 percent to 20 percent THC).

Hemp seed has grown in popularity in the United States since the early '90s, but it may surprise many to know that this ancient food can be traced back thousands of years to Chinese, Egyptian, Persian and other cultures, where it was a highly revered food source.

Although it's still illegal to grow hemp in the United States, and has been since the 1950s (though North Dakota and hemp proponents are working to change this), hemp can be imported legally from Canada and other nations, where the growth of industrial hemp is allowed.

Hemp Seed: The World's Forgotten Superfood?

It is clear from its discussions in ancient texts (like China's agricultural treatise, the Xia Xiao Zheng, from the 16th century BC) that hemp was once highly valued. Today, however, the nutritional makeup of hemp, described by some experts as a "superfood," is often overlooked in favor of other plant foods. But hemp seeds are in fact ripe with an impressive nutritional profile, including:

Essential Amino Acids and Fatty Acids: Hemp seed is different from other plants in that it contains all the essential amino acids and the essential fatty acids that humans need. Further, the amino acids are in a highly digestible form, and the fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) are present in an ideal ratio of 3:1, which is very close to the ratio recommended by the World Health Organization.

Adding to the benefit, hemp seed is one of only a few sources of beneficial gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA).



Ground hemp seeds add a nutty flavor and extra protein to baked goods like cookies, breads and muffins.

Protein: Hemp is about 33 percent protein, in an easily digestible form that contains 10 essential amino acids. This high protein content is comparable to that in soy, and higher than is found in nuts, other seeds, dairy products, meat, fish or poultry.

Fiber: Hemp seed flour has a fiber content of 40 percent, which is the highest of all flour grains.

Trace Minerals and Antioxidants: Along with the protein, essential fatty acids and fiber, hemp seed is also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, and minerals, including magnesium, iron and zinc.

Potential Health Benefits

The beneficial components in hemp seed, namely the high content of fatty acids and phytosterols, are known to play a positive role in a host of diseases, and, according to a report by Darrell L. Tanelian, M.D., Ph.D., may help:

Promote heart health

Reduce the risk of cardiac arrest

Maintain normal cholesterol levels

Treat certain cancers, including colon, breast and prostate

Delay the neurologic effects of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Treat rheumatoid arthritis

Prevent and treat osteoporosis

Reduce inflammation

Treat atopic eczema and psoriasis

Hemp Seeds Will NOT Get You High

Hemp Cooking Made Easy
... and Delicious

"The Hemp Nut Cookbook: Ancient Food for a New Millennium" contains over 200 hemp seed recipes that make it easy to incorporate this delicious and beneficial food into your diet.

Learn how to make hemp classics like French toast, apple pie and enchiladas, or try tasty new dishes like Hemp 'N' Rice Croquettes or "Goo Balls."

Find out more about "The Hemp Nut Cookbook: Ancient Food for a New Millennium" Now!

One of the major hurdles that hemp seed has had to overcome is its association with marijuana, the hallucinogenic drug. Though they both belong to the cannabis plant species, hemp and marijuana vary in an important way: their level of THC, the compound that's responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana.

Whereas marijuana contains about 5 percent to 20 percent THC, hemp has a maximum limit of three-tenths of 1 percent, which is not nearly enough to produce any psychotropic effects.

Demand for Hemp Seed Products Skyrocketing

In Canada, where hemp cultivation has been legal since 1998, the hemp industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. In 2006, Canada has 50,000 acres licensed for hemp production, up over 50 percent from the 24,000 licensed in 2005, and an even bigger jump from the 8,750 acres in 2004.

"It's the human health food market which is driving things along at the moment," said Arthur Hanks, executive director of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance. "We're now making things like hemp burgers, hemp bars and hemp waffles, hemp granola. One thing that's really hot right now is hemp protein powders [popular for smoothies and shakes]."

And according to one Canadian health food store employee, hemp products are flying off the shelves like "gangbusters." "The seeds are incredibly popular. People eat them by the handful," he said.

Another plus pushing hemp products forward in the market, both for producers and health-conscious consumers, is that hemp takes little, if any, pesticides to grow (good for growers' profits and consumers' peace of mind).

Hemp Seed in Cooking, and Two Great Recipes

Hemp is used for much more than food (the plant is used to make paper, rope, fabrics and clothing, hair and skin products, bio-fuels, lubricants, paint and building materials) but it does have an incredible versatility when it comes to cooking that's worth noting.

Hemp seeds (you will typically want to look for the shelled variety) taste similar to sunflower seeds and can be added to smoothies, yogurt, breakfast cereal, cottage cheese, soups, salads and more, or it can be substituted for flour in just about any recipe (if you can't find hemp seed flour, you can substitute about 15 percent of the flour in your recipe for hemp seeds). You can also simply roast the seeds and eat them on their own as a snack.

If you want to get really creative with hemp seeds, we highly recommend "The Hemp Nut Cookbook: Ancient Food for a New Millennium." It's packed with over 200 easy-to-prepare recipes including gazpacho, Lemony Hempseed Pound Cake, HempNutty Burgers and apple pie.

In the meantime, you can try your hand at hemp seed cooking using the two delicious recipes below.

Hemp Guacamole

Ingredients:

Several avocados
1 tomato
1/8 cup onion
1/2 cup shelled hempseed
Tamari
Sea salt
Herbs to taste
Lemon or lime juice
Method:

Peel several ripe avocados, remove the seeds, and mash the pulp in a serving bowl.
Add a chopped tomato, 1/8 cup of chopped onions, and 1/2 cup of shelled hempseed.
Mix well, then add tamari, sea salt, and dried herbs to taste.
Lemon or lime juice is optional, to add flavor and help extend the freshness.
Sprinkle some hempseed on top of the guacamole for a neat visual effect, and serve with chips or sliced veggies.
Recipe Source: Nutiva.com

Hemp Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 cup Red Mill 10-Grain Stone-ground or Arrowhead Pancake and Waffle Mix
1/2 cup toasted shelled hempseeds
1 egg (or 1/2 cup yogurt)
1 tablespoon hemp oil
1 cup water (or soy milk)
Method:

Grind seeds and blend with the mix
Add egg or yogurt and oil and mix
Add water or milk for desired consistency and cook
Top with your favorite topping or fill with your favorite filling
Recipe Source: Nutiva.com

Recommended Reading

The Healthiest Grasses You Could Possibly Eat (Hint: Not Your Lawn)

Resisting Our Dangerous Obesogenic Environment: The 5 Key Steps


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources

Hemp: Nature's Forgotten Nutraceutical

WinnipegFreePress.com November 17, 2006

BismarckTribune.com November 16, 2006

North American Industrial Hemp Council

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Healing Foods

Olive Oil:

A key component of the healthy Mediterranean diet.

It is the oil richest in monounsaturated fats, which lower blood cholesterol.

If you don't like olive oil, try canola oil, it is almost as high in monounsaturates, with even less saturated fat. Other oil sources of monounsaturated fats are Peanut oil, Sesame oil, Walnut oil, Soybean oil, Flaxseed oil and Grape seed oil.
A recent study found that you can cut LDL cholesterol by 7 to 10 percent if you substitute olive or canola oil for margarine even more if you're replacing butter.

But do not go overboard on any oil, they all contain 14 grams of fat and 120 calories per tablespoon.

Flaxseed Oil:

Flaxseed oil comes from flax and is an oilseed. It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and also contains lignans. Research has shown that a diet that contains lignans can reduce the risk of several types of cancer as well as heart disease and osteoporosis

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Healing Properties Of Seeds, Nuts, Oils and Fish

Sunflower Seeds:

Similar to nuts in polyunsaturated fat content, but with much more vitamin E the antioxidant that fights cancer, heart disease and cataracts.

Most recently, a large study of over 279,000 male and female health workers found that with the highest daily intake of vitamin E cut the risk of heart disease by about 40 percent.

An intake of at least 100 IU a day was shown to have the greatest benefit. (the RDA is currently 15 IU)

Fish:

The omega 3 fatty acids in fish oils are the fix for lowering blood fats especially triglycerides (high levels of which are thought to be more harmful to women than men).

They also help in reducing blood pressure and may even ease arthritis symptoms.
Mackerel, lake trout, herring, anchovies, blue fish, salmon and sardines have the most fatty acids, eat fish two or three times a week. and you're covered. (do not take fish oil supplements except on the advice of your doctor)

Nuts:

They are a surprising help for your heart.

A study at Loma Linda University in California found that adults on a low fat diet who ate 2 ounces of walnuts five or more times a week lowered their total cholesterol levels by 12 percent.

A controlled group followed the same diet, minus the nuts, and showed just 6 percent drop.

Apparently replacing saturated fat in your diet with polyunsaturated fat in nuts pays off.

Nuts listed in order of the highest to lowest in monounsaturated fatty acids:

Macadamias
Hazelnuts
Pecans
Almonds
Cashews
Pistachios
Brazil nuts
Peanuts
Pine nuts
Walnuts


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Seeds, Nuts, Oils and Fish

There are healthy fats as well as unhealthy fats. The healthy fats are monounsaturated fatty acids, which can be found in vegetable oils. Seeds, nuts and some plants and omega-3 fatty acids which are found mostly in the deep-water fatty fish. Monounsaturated fatty acids are known to play a beneficial role in a healthy heart and other chronic illnesses. Omega-3 fatty acids are a natural anti-inflammatory and can be helpful in the treatment of other illnesses as well.

The research has shown that including monounsaturated fatty acids in your diet can help prevent and treat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory conditions and musculo-skeletal pain.

Some fish are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which are helpful in the prevention and treatment of inflammation, mental health disorders, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, digestive disorders, autoimmune disease, and cancer

And if that weren't enough, small amounts of healthy fats help the body absorb nutrients from vegetables and fruits.

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Continuing from the previous article.......


Healing Properties Of Vegetables

Broccoli

Broccoli, "The best prescription"

Broccoli is bursting with the cancer fighting fiber, beta carotene and vitamin C, plus folic acid (which helps prevent neural tube birth defects), bone building calcium and boron.

There's more potassium. (Which helps lower blood sugar)
Researchers have also found in broccoli a hidden cancer-fighting chemical, sulforaphane, which stimulates the activity of detoxifying enzymes in the body.

Brown Rice:

It contains a substance called oryzanol, which reduces LDL levels by as much as 20 percent, (the high fiber rice bran found in brown rice may help lower cholesterol too) bonus, brown rice shines in vitamin B6 and magnesium, while also providing thiamine, (important for the functioning of nerves) niacin, copper and zinc.

And it also has vitamin E, which, studies show, strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of heart disease and cataracts.


Cabbage:

An important member of the cruciferous family of cancer fighting is vegetable.

It's anticancer key may be the presence of a substance called indoles.
Scientists think that one indole in particular may help prevent breast cancer by decreasing the activity of the chemical estradiol, which is a precursor to the hormone estrogen. (Estrogen fuels the growth of certain tumors)






Carrots:

Best for their sky-high beta carotene content.

A recent study of 87,000 female nurses found that those who eat five or more servings a week were 68 percent less likely to suffer a stroke than those eating one or fewer carrots a month.

Other studies have suggested that eating one carrot a day may reduce the risk of lung cancer among ex smokers.

Kale:

Another boon against heart disease, this under appreciated cruciferous vegetable is especially rich in beta carotene and vitamin C, both of which may reduce the harmful effects of LDL cholesterol.

Kale is also packed with fiber, vitamin B6. calcium, copper, manganese and potassium.

Pumpkin:

This fall favorite is very high in carotene content, just like its winter squash cousins, butternut and hubbard.

All are fiber rich too.

Harvard researchers recently found that women who ate of fruits and vegetables high in carotenes including beta carotene had a 39 percent lower risk of cataracts requiring surgery than women who had the lowest carotene intake.

Winter squash was one of the strongest protectors.

Red Bell Peppers:

A better anticancer pick than green peppers because they contain extra carotenes.

They also supply more potassium and vitamin C which, aside from its antioxidant properties, also helps fight cancer by inhibiting the formation in your body of carcinogenic nitrosamines. (nitrosamines form when you eat foods containing nitrites, such as bacon.)

Spinach:

A powerhouse of antioxidants and virtually every nutrient you can think of.

It is a particularly rich source of folic acid, which may not only reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects but also protect against cervical dysplasia, a condition that precedes cervical cancer.

Another benefit, the Ongoing Harvard Nurse's Health Study found that women who ate spinach daily were 43 percent less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate spinach once a month or less.

Sweet Potatoes:

These pack almost twice as much fiber and significantly more beta carotene than white or red potatoes.

In the Harvard Nurse's Health Study, women who took 15 to 20 milligrams of beta carotene a day (1/2 cup of mashed sweet potatoes has 13 milligrams) had a 39 percent lower risk for heart attack than women who consumed less than 6 milligrams of beta carotene a day.

Tomatoes:

Contain lycopene, a chemical also found in red grapefruit, which is thought to help prevent some cancers.

Tomatoes also supply respectable amounts of vitamin A and C, as well as fiber and potassium.


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I am starting a new series of articles, and you will find part 1 following.

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Do you remember, as a child, being told by your mother to eat all your carrots because they are good for your eyes? Later on in life, you may have been told that this was just an "old wives tale". Guess what, recent studies have shown that Mom was right! Foods can prevent eye disease, heart disease, arthritis and more.

Some Basic Science:

In recent years scientists have discovered that foods contain "phytochemicals", a fancy name for naturally occurring chemicals. This is not the same as nutrients, which we all know are the substances necessary for sustaining life.

Phytochemicals are substances that have properties that can aid in disease prevention and even cures. Scientists have identified thousands of these chemicals in the foods we eat and a single serving of fruits or vegetables can contain as many as one hundred different phytochemicals.

The most commonly known phytochemicals are the antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage from toxic substances and from free radicals, a by-product produced by our bodies converting oxygen into energy. Free radicals can damage cells in our bodies and lead to disease. Antioxidants protect the body from oxidation and reduce the risk of acquiring many of our common ailments.

















Fruits and Vegetables

In fruits and vegetables you can tell which of the main phytochemicals they contain by their color.

Fruits and vegetables that are orange in color, such as carrots, cantaloupes and mangoes contain beta carotene.

Those that are red in color, such as tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit contain lycopene.

Yellow fruits and vegetables such as pineapples, oranges, & peaches contain beta cryptothanxin.

Indoles can be found in the green vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, and kale.

Purple fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, grapes, and eggplant contain anthocyanins.

Allicin can be found in garlic, onions, and chives.




















Healing Properties Of Fruits

Amaranth:

This is technically a fruit, but can be used as a grain in breads, muffins and other flour based foods.

The seeds are higher in muscle building protein than other grains and are full of immune boosting Magnesium, Copper and Zinc.

Apricots:

A super source of the antioxidants beta carotene and vitamin C. Studies suggest beta carotene may help protect against lung cancer.

Apricots are also full of fiber, and are more nutritious fresh than canned.



Bananas:

This fruit may help lower blood pressure.

The Magic ingredient? Potassium.

Bananas are rich in Vitamin B6, which research at Tuffs University found is essential to maintaining a strong immune system.

Cantaloupe:

Brimming with beta carotene and vitamin C, plus fiber, potassium, folate and vitamin B6.

Though studies show that beta carotene's anticancer effect is against lung tumors, it may also protect against oral cancers and cancers of the stomach, cervix and uterus.

The evidence that vitamin C reduces the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach and pancreas is compelling, says Gladis Block, Ph.D, professor of public health nutrition and epidemiology at the University of California at Berkeley.

Figs:

Figure on getting vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and fiber from figs, fresh or dried.

A recent Harvard School of Public Health study of more than 30,000 men found that only fruit fiber, like that found in figs, was linked to reduced systolic blood pressure (the upper number, which represents pressure during the heart's contractions).

All fiber is associated with reduced diastolic blood pressure (the lower number, which represents the pressure when the heart is at rest between contractions).

Grapes:

All grapes are a great source of boron, a mineral that may help ward off osteoporosis.

Red grape juice is another healthy pick, besides boron, it contains reservatrol, a chemical that could prevent heart disease by inhibiting the clumping of blood cells.

Kiwifruit:

Its fuzzy brown exterior hides a bright green interior chock full of cancer fighting fiber and vitamin C.

Vitamin C may also play a role in the prevention of cataracts.

Mango:

Brimming with beta carotene and vitamin C, the anticancer antioxidants, plus vitamin B6 and copper.

USDA research, has found still another health benefit of vitamin C, it helps lower blood pressure.




Orange Juice:

The classic source of vitamin C with a kick, folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects and may protect against cervical cancer.

Other citrus fruits and juices also contain limonoids, substances that animal studies show can activate detoxifying enzymes in the body, possibly cutting cancer risk.

Smokers may want a double dose of O.J. Their vitamin C requirement is twice that of nonsmokers.

Pears:

A super source of fiber.

In addition to all its other benefits, fiber (when combined with a low fat diet) can lessen the risk of developing polyps in the colon, which may be a precursor to cancer.

Pears also provide some vitamin C, potassium and boron.

Prunes:

The classic source for relief for constipation, because they contain sorbitol (a natural sugar) and lots of fiber.

Prunes are also a bone saving source of boron and of the antioxidant vitamins A and E.

Strawberries:

More vitamin C and fiber than you will find in most fruits, including oranges.

In fact, any berries are an excellent source of fiber.

Strawberries also contain ellagic acid, a natural cancer-fighting chemical.

Researchers have found that this compound is a potent inhibitor of such carcinogens as tobacco smoke and nitrosamines.

Food

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Click Here to learn how to Protect, Improve & Restore your health naturally by eating the right kind of foods.

Do you know what is in your food? Did you ever think about what could be there and not there? How about what it is doing to you or your loved ones? Is there something good in your food other then making you not hungry? Yes there is! Your food is consisting of several awesome parts. Try looking at your food differently now. Try looking at it as a challenge and a conquest for better health and life. We laugh at vegetarians, but why? They are very healthy and happy. Vegetarians are getting more of the daily recommend dose of vegetables and fruits then the meat eating population. They are also getting more of the phytochemicals that help fight off the viruses that are in society today.
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes are all words you may think to yourself what is that? Well they are the support system of your body. Fruits and vegetables have lots of phytochemicals in them and you can get about 100 different phytochemicals per serving of fruits and vegetables. What are phytochemicals? Well the most commonly known phytochemical is the antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect our cells from toxic substances and free radicals. You want to keep your cells strong for the long haul of life ahead.
Cholesterol. Yes we all have it and no we don’t want to have to worry about it. Well unfortunately we all must in this day and age worry about our cholesterol. A good way to lower your cholesterol is with oats. Just by eating three grams of soluble fiber a day, the same amount found in a large bowl of one hundred percent oat bran or three packages of instant oatmeal, can lower your LDL cholesterol by at least five point six percent in six weeks. That is an awesome decrease in LDL cholesterol and can save your life.
Still worried about your cholesterol and hate the thought of oatmeal three times a day? Try cooking with olive oil. If you are unhappy with the flavor of olive oil the try canola oil. Both are a great source of monounsaturated fat; A great reducer of cholesterol. Other sources of monounsaturated oils are Peanut oil, Walnut oil, Sesame Oil, and Soybean oil. What ever you do though do not, I repeat, do not go overboard with any oil. They all have fourteen grams of saturated fat and one hundred twenty calories per tablespoon. Lets face it we are an obese society; we need all the help we can get to not add extra fat to our bodies.
Did you know the benefits of Nuts? They are surprisingly good for your heart. Macadamia nuts are the best for you as far as monounsaturated fats go. Walnuts are the lowest on the scale for monounsaturated fats. Apparently replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated fats found in nuts reduces your risk of heart disease.
Omega three fatty acids found in fish oils are superb at lowering blood fats such as triglycerides. Omega three fatty acids also help reduce blood pressure and may ease the symptoms of arthritis. You should eat fresh fish two to three times a week, however do not take fish oil supplements with out talking to your doctor first.
Vitamin E, is the great protector. Vitamin E helps to fight cancer, heart disease, and cataracts. Now that is one tough antioxidant! Spinach! I know why Popeye ate his spinach, because it is a powerhouse in the antioxidant family. Not to mention it has every nutrient out there. It is a great source of folic acid, which can reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects. It also protects against cervical displaysia which is a condition that precedes cervical cancer. Women! You must eat your spinach. Women who eat spinach daily are forty three percent less likely to suffer from a stroke, then those women who only ate spinach once a month or less. Now I don’t care those numbers are hard to beat. Eat your spinach ladies and live long happy lives. Women you also need to eat your squashes, which are high in beta carotene. Those of us who eat fruits and vegetables high in carotene reduce our risk of cataracts by thirty nine percent.

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