HEMP RESEARCH

The Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids

So omega-3 and omega-6 are essential to health. But why? Omega-3 (LNA) has been shown to protect against certain types of cancers and positively modify immune and inflammatory reactions. It has been demonstrated that renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and dermatological conditions are improved by including omega-3 in the diet. Omega-6 (LA) can help protect against acne, loss of hair, poor blood circulation, and cardiovascular disease as well as liver, kidney and gallbladder problems. EFAs are also necessary for maintaining the structure of cell membranes and the permeability of the skin. Health Canada recommends that pregnant and lactating women increase their omega-3 intake as found in the equivalent of approximately 1 tablespoon of hemp oil per day.

EFAs actually assist in the most basic of bodily operations, such as helping with the transfer of bioelectric currents from cell to cell and contributing to brain function and development. EFAs convert lactic acid (often responsible for aching muscles during heavy exercise) to harmless water and carbon dioxide.

EFAs are important precursors to eicosanoids that are required by energy and oxygen demanding tissues such as the brain, retina, adrenal and testicular tissues.



The metabolism of all these fats occurs in the liver. Fats must be converted into substances the body needs, used as energy, or ejected as waste. Enzymes, found only in raw and mainly unprocessed foods are used to change the structure of fatty-acids.

EFAs, because they become part of the structural components of cell membranes, also play an important role in the transfer of nutrients and wastes to and from the cell. The ability of EFAs to hold oxygen in our cell membranes helps to protect cells from toxins.

Hemp Seed and Your Baby

Omega-3 EFAs are shown to be beneficial to the growth and development of a healthy child. A large part of the baby’s brain growth takes place during the last three months of pregnancy. Babies born too early run the risk of not getting all the omega-3 needed to complete this process. Pregnant mothers, growing teenagers and children with behaviour difficulties will all benefit from a good intake of well-balanced EFAs. Scientists stress the value of breast-feeding as breast milk naturally contains a good supply of omega-3s. Omega-3s play a critical role in the development of brain and visual functions and may help prevent diseases such as Candida albicans, allergies and emotional hyperactivity disorders.



EFAs are so important to baby’s growth that The Health Protection Branch of the Canadian Government, the equivalent of the American FDA, is considering requiring that all infant formulas contain adequate amounts of omega-3.



Despite all these facts, technological developments over the last 100 years have contributed significantly to a shift in our diets from the natural fats to the bad trans-fatty acids. This is due mainly to the increase of processed foods in our diets, especially processed foods that contain hydrogenated fats and oils. Hydrogenated fats are often deceptively labeled on products as ‘fats’ and/or ‘vegetable oil’.



Experts believe that despite the increase in medical technology and sanitation, this shift towards bad, hydrogenated fats has led to the reduction in life span of our civilized society due to their highly damaging effects on our immune systems. Remember to look for hydrogenated on the label of all your foods that contain vegetable oils and avoid them as you would a poison. If you are not sure if your favourite products’ fats are hydrogenated then call the manufacturer.

Hemp Seed as a Healer

The protein in hemp may relieve the symptoms of many diseases, including Parkinson’s and AIDS. Hemp seed can be beneficial to those suffering from liver and kidney disorders because it contains albumin, a protein usually manufactured by the liver. Glutamic acid, a neurotransmitter, is found in good quantities in hemp seed, and may alleviate stress-related symptoms. Hemp seed has also been positively associated with treatment of symptoms caused by Alzheimer’s disease and arteriosclerosis.



I have been using hemp seed for over ten years now. Addition of hemp in my diet has certainly helped eliminate my cravings for negative fatty foods. Recently, since becoming a father many have commented how I look younger than I actually am, when I expected quite the opposite! Adding hemp seed oil, nut or whole seed to my diet has affected me in immeasurable ways. Eating live hemp foods, as found in my Living Foods Recipes book series, I have felt a difference in all areas of my life. I have more energy, think more clearly, need less sleep and find myself more productive during the time that I am awake. Physically, my skin became silky smooth pretty soon after I started ingesting hemp seed products. 10 years later, it still is. I look forward to my advanced years now, with the knowledge that my glowing complexion is likely to stay!



And it is not just me. Along my journey I have introduced many others to the benefits of hemp seed and oil. I continue to be astonished by the reported benefits. Ravi found that hemp oil added to lotions and conditioners gave a deeper moisturizing to the skin, scalp and hair. With repeated use it helped him protect from dry, flaking and cracking skin.



Tanya, a 14 year old from London suffered from eczema, a dry skin condition since she was just a year old. Initially it only affected the skin behind her knees and could be controlled with emollient creams supplied by her doctor. However, when she was 11, Tanya’s eczema suddenly worsened, eventually spreading over her whole body. Despite potent steroid creams and frequent bandaging, her condition did not improve. After being recommended hemp, her skin became less dry and irritated and she stopped scratching as much and was able to get by without most of her bandages. After several weeks Tanya’s skin, which had been flaky and leathery, started to smooth out. This was thanks to hemp seed oil.



Recent clinical trials from Finland also indicate a remarkable reduction in dryness, itching and an overall improvement in the symptoms of the patients while they were using hemp oil.



Doris Triber, an active 84 year old from Essex, heard about the benefits of hemp seed in her local health food store. She was determined to try hemp for her health, but her teeth were not like they used to be. Hemp seed oil was not available to her at the time, but a high hemp content snack bar was. She consumed one snack bar every day, which was a feat alone for her dentures! Doris contacted me via her daughter who was astounded at the difference. “Doris has always been an active soul, but since regularly eating these snack bars she bounds with energy like she was half her age!”says her daughter, Jackie.



Doris, who has been eating hemp food products for over one year now has not had a cold or any other illness all winter. Hemp seeds’ essential fatty acid content helped boost her immune system, and provided her with extra energy, whilst the quality protein and calcium content of the snack bar assisted in keeping her bones healthy.



Matthew had been diagnosed hypoglycemic, a blood sugar level imbalance, for 1½ years. He had notable allergies to various foods, including all wheat products. He found himself having to eat a lot of meat to rid himself of his cravings. One day a friend suggested trying hempseed. He used hempseed every day for one full week. The meat cravings disappeared! Two months later he became so used to not having cravings any more that he left hempseed out of his diet, and the cravings came back. Now hempseed is a regular part of his diet.



Michelle, mother of 2 took hemp seed oil for the full term of her pregnancy. The essential fats from hemp seed are said to aid in the growth of the child’s brain during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Michelle continued to take hemp seed oil and hemp products regularly now as the essential fats are transferred to the child through breast milk and may prevent the child from acquiring Candida, a wide-spread condition.



US State Representative Cynthia Thielen sponsored legislation that established the Hawaii Industrial Hemp Research Project. Hemp has the potential to replace sugar cane as a major crop, once federal restrictions are changed. Representative Thielen stated: “On a personal note, I have benefited greatly from the use of hemp oil as a treatment for sun-damaged skin. After having a cancerous basel cell removed, I started ingesting one tablespoon of hemp oil daily. My dermatologist credits the hemp oil for the rapid and cosmetically successful healing of my incision.

Hemp Seed vs High Cholesterol

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol,” are a major contributor to arterial plaque, the fatty deposits on the interior walls of blood vessels. Over time this can lead to arteriosclerosis, a common cardiovascular disease. In a recent study, patients who increased their daily dose of LA and GLA, equivalent to five teaspoons of hemp oil per day, were shown to rapidly decrease their elevated blood levels of LDL cholesterol. They also reduced their risk of thrombosis due to the relatively high phytosterol content of hemp seed (438 milligrams of phytosterol per 100 grams of seed). Increasing intake of natural fibre, such as that found in whole hemp seed, also helps to control cholesterol.

Hemp Seed and Your Immune System

Another major benefit of hemp oil is a strengthening of the immune system. It inhibits tumor growth, kills bacteria (including Staphylococcus), and heals wounds.

Hemp Seed and Attention Defecit Disorder

A recently discovered benefit of EFAs is their positive role in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Many hyperactive children show signs of EFA deficiency including severe thirst, dry skin, and atopic allergies. Such persons can benefit from supplementing their diets with foods that contain EFAs, such as hemp rather than taking prescription psychiatric drugs such as Ritalin. The inability to metabolize essential fats correctly has also been linked to other diseases including multiple sclerosis, adult depression and dyslexia. The use of various hemp seed based products may contribute to alleviating these symptoms.

Hemp Seed and Arthritis

A daily dose of approximately three tablespoons of GLA, taken orally over a period of twelve weeks, was found to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, without any side effects. Supplementation of GLA and vitamin D has been shown to increase calcium absorption, improve bone strength and help to prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.

Hemp oil contains between two to four percent GLA and 100iu/100g of vitamin D. Using an oil that contains naturally occurring GLA and vitamins in conservative quantities is recommended over using a tablet form of supplementation. Recently Motherhemp Ltd, a company in the UK, announced clinical trial results showing that hemp seed oil caused a dramatic increase in blood level GLA. Increased serum levels of GLA might help explain some of the numerous anecdotal reports of seemingly miraculous cures from people taking hemp seed oil, particularly those suffering from chronic health problems such as allergies, dry skin, slow wound healing, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Hemp Seed and Tuberculosis

In a Czechoslovakia during and after World War II, hemp protein was used to treat tuberculosis. At institutions for children with tuberculosis, doctors had no medicine and very little food so they decided to treat the children with hemp seeds, because of the edestin it contains. Edestin has the appropriate amino acids (including arginine, essential for formation and growth of new tissue) useful for a wealth of healthy enzymes. Twenty-six children were treated with a diet of hemp seed, oats, and cottage cheese. All were cured, or significantly improved, and grew to be healthy young adults.

Hypertension

With increased dietary intake of EFAs, hypertension is relieved and the risk of heart attack and stroke is reduced. The chances of succumbing to any heart related disease in general is significantly reduced with the consumption of the right balance of EFAs, and accompanying vitamins and minerals.

Numerous human and animal studies have shown that substitution of non-hydrogenated polyunsaturated fats for saturated fats can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest and fatal cardiac arrhythmia. In 2000, the American Heart Association issued a recommendation that Americans consume foods with higher levels of omega 3. Hemp fits the bill perfectly.