The seed of the hemp plant is quite possibly the most nutritionally balanced food source within the plant kingdom. Hemp seeds are an ideal source of:

Essential Fatty Acids
Complete protein, containing all eight essential Amino acids
Minerals, vitamins and trace elements.

They contain a perfect balance of the Omega 6 (linoleic acid) and Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid) Essential Fatty Acids. These cannot be synthesized by the body and must be present in our diet. EFAs form the building blocks of our cells and immune system. Most peoples diet in the West is severely lacking in EFAs.

30% of the Hemp seed is fat. 20% of the fat within the seed is unsaturated Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA-Omega3) and 60% is unsaturated Linoleic Acid (LA-Omega6). A perfect balance for humans.

Hemp seeds also contain Gamma-Linolenic Acid, a very rare oil, essential for human development. GLA helps to reduce cholesterol levels. The body converts LA into GLA by means of an enzyme, to protect itself from arthritis, premenstrual syndrome and other conditions.

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of easily digestible protein. The main reason for its digestibilty is the high ratio (65% of total protein) of Edistin. Edistin is a sturdy protein that is pure and highly stable. It is so complete and nutritious that studies done in the early 1900s demonstrated that it could serve as the sole source of protein in the diet of animals.

There are eight proteins that are essential to life; the Amino Acids. These proteins cannot be manufactured by the body and must come from our food. There are two further proteins that the body cannot make in sufficient quantities. These compounds must be consumed in their natural form. The complete protein in Hemp seeds gives the body all the essential amino acids required to maintain health. It provides amino acids in the necessary types and amounts the body needs to make serum albumin and serum globulins, such as the immune-enhancing gamma globulin anti-bodies: the body's first line of defence.

Just a handful of Hemp seeds provides this minimum daily nutrition for adults, and a bag-full of it would provide all the essential protein, oils and dietary fibre necessary for an adult to survive for two weeks.

Hemp seed is delicious eaten on its own, raw or roasted, used in baking or sprinkled on salads. Another effective and delicious use is to make hemp seed milk. Here's how:

Soak a large cup of hemp seeds overnight (or for 12 hours) in water. In the morning drain off the soak water, and add fresh, clean water (approx. 3 times the volume of the seeds. The less water, the more creamy the milk.) Blend the seeds and the water for 1 minute or so in a kitchen blender. A hand blender also works. Then pour the contents through a sieve into a glass, a jug, or a bowl and enjoy a super nutritious drink. You can also try soaking almonds in with the hemp seeds for a nuttier milk, or adding vanilla, cinnamon or anything else that appeals to your taste buds. Experiment.