The idea of making food from hemp is not a new one. Hemp was cultivated for food in China over 6, 0000 years ago. Hempseeds, which are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamin E, have been found to be one of the super nutritious foods on the planet, by researchers. (Hemp Food). Hempseed contains a balance of all eight essential amino acids, are digestible and pure. Hemp food is so good that it is considered a gold standard plant-based food, which has albumin and smaller-chain edestin (globulinleguminprotein) protein. It also has vitamins, and high amounts of minerals such as magnesium, and iron. We’ll discuss hemp as a food in this article.
The final 2014 Farm Bill agreement included allowing institutions to study hemp. State departments of agriculture will also be allowed to grow or cultivate industrial hemp. However, the sites and agricultural departments of the universities will be required to be certified by and registered with the state’s department of agriculture. (State Industrial Hemp Statutes)
Although some states like Colorado allow growing and selling of Cannabis, 
there are certain restrictions that apply with cultivation and distribution of “marijuana” that you should know.What sets hemp apart from its relative “marijuana” is the amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) in it. Hemp cannot be used as a psychoactive drug because it has very low levels of THC. Industrial hemp has many uses. It’s used for making paper, plastic boards, fiber, clothing, concrete, wallboard and insulating materials for buildings.
Hemp is legally grown for industrial purposes in many countries around the world. Food made from hemp is gaining popularity around the world, including in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, China, Uruguay, and many European countries like Austria, Belgium, France, and Germany. In many countries, laws exist to regulate the sale, cultivation, distribution and consumption of hemp. Although the whole hemp plant can be used as food, the seed of the plant have the most nutritional value.
Hempseeds as food
Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a powder, made into hemp milk, just like soy milk, used in baking and also prepared as tea. Hemp seeds contain approximately 44% edible oil by its weight and 80% of essential fatty acids. Compared to other popular sources of proteins, such as meat, milk, soy and eggs, it has a complete profile of amino acids, with all nutritionally significant amino acids, including the 9 essential ones. Hemp seeds can easily provide all essential amino acids for humans in the right proportion and sufficient quantities, thus fulfill protein requirements sufficiently.
Hemp seed milk
Hemp milk is made by soaking hemp seeds in water and grinding them, to yield a creamy nutty beverage. Hemp milk has been regarded as a “new health food darling” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. According to the article published on May 2, 2007 of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, titled: Hemp milk? It’s healthy and legal as hemp“Part of the health appeal of hemp milk is its naturally occurring omega fatty acids, as well as fiber.” Hemp milk contains 10 essential amino acids, making it perfect vegan source of protein. (Hemp milk – Wikipedia)
Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil can be extracted from hemp seeds. Cold pressed seeds tend to produce rich nutty flavored oil which has a green tint when unrefined. Refining the hemp oil makes it colorless and it also loses most of its flavor and food value. Hemp oil is consumed as a dietary supplement because of its rich fatty acids and protein contents. It is also used as a garnish or dressing to make food tastier and more nutritious. It can also be used for cooking. Hemp oil does not have a long shelf life, and so, should be stored with care in dark bottles and preserved in dark places.
Hemp seed granola
Hemp seed granola could be a perfect nutritious and tasty breakfast for you. Hemp seeds are often regarded as ”gifts of nature” because of the nutritional value in them. Nature’s Path Hemp Plus Granola has a nutty flavor and contains all the essential amino acids in the right amounts and proportion that 
our bodies need. “They have the most concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes combined with a relative absence of sugar, starches and saturated fats.” Pure Healing Foods
Hemp seed protein powder
In addition to the foods mentioned above, you are also able to find hemp seed protein powder, which is great for a quick meal on the go, or a great mix for other foods, to give it the added nutrition value of amino acids and fatty acids of hemp seeds. Just add some water or add it to your glass of milk or any other drink, and enjoy.
You are also able to find other foods made with hemp, such as hemp butter and hemp nuts. All foods that are made with hemp seeds contain a perfect natural blend of essential amino acids and fatty acids, including the rarely found Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), that are easily absorbed by our digestive system. They are also high in antioxidants, vitamins (E, D, B1, B2, B6), and minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, potassium, magnesium, sulfur,phosphorus, and calcium. It has more desirable protein than meat and eggs. It gives you a boost in your metabolism, lowers your LDL cholesterol level, and improves your immune system. People have also found it a healing food, that reduces aches and cramps, and also helps you to recover quicker after a hard workout or after being sick. Hemp seed foods are found in various forms.
We are excited to have Prof. Anndrea Hermann, MSc., the President of Hemp Technologies Global and Chief Development Science Officer, Hemp Division of Creative Edge Nutrition, as our next bi-weekly NTP/CEED Webinar Huddle guest. She is also the adviser for Nutiva Foods, Owner of The Ridge International Cannabis Consulting and is an Instructor at Oregon State University WSE266 Industrial Hemp.
Watch the replay of NTP.CEED Huddle Webinar with Anndrea Hermann.
Source: Nourish the Planet
