Nutrition
Why Choose Hemp Food Products
for Health?
-
Hemp Seed Oil is a rich source of
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Omega 6
(Linoleic Acid), Omega 3 (Alpha Linolenic Acid) and Gamma
Linolenic Acid (GLA) that are important for optimum health in the body.
EFAs cannot be produced by the body itself and are vital for the
structure and functions of all tissues in the body.
-
Essential Fatty Acids can also be obtained from eating
Hemp seeds, which are also a rich source (approx. 25%) of high quality
protein, containing all 20 Amino Acids (including the 9 essential Amino Acids).
-
Omega 3, 6, and 9 in Hemp Oil are present in a
bio chemically optimal ratio of 3:1:1 respectively.
-
Hemp Seed Oil also contains GLA, the active component in
Evening Primrose & Borage Oil.
Why would I take Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp Seed Oil contains a high amount
of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and other essential compounds
What are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
and why do I need them?
Essential Fatty
Acids (EFAs) are necessary fats that humans cannot synthesize and must
be obtained through dietary sources. EFAs are long chain polyunsaturated
fatty acids derived from Linolenic, Linoleic and Oleic Acids. There are
two families of EFAs: Omega 3 (Linolenic Acid or "LNA") and Omega 6 (Linoleic
Acid or "LA"). Omega 9 is necessary yet "non essential" because the body
can manufacture a modest amount on its own, provided other EFAs are
present.
EFAs support the
cardiovascular, reproductive, immune and nervous systems. A primary
function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate
body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting,
fertility, conception and play a role in immune function by regulating
inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. Essential
Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in children, particularly
for neural development and maturation of sensory systems, with male
children having higher needs than females. Fetuses and breast fed
infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's
dietary intake.
The biological
effects of Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids are largely mediated by their
mutual interaction. In the body, Essential Fatty Acids serve multiple
functions. In each of these functions, the balance between Omega 3 and
Omega 6 fatty acids strongly affects their function. The recommended
balanced ratio between Omega 6 and Omega 3 is around 3:1.
How much Hemp Seed Oil do I
need to take to gain health benefits?
Suggested dosages as follows:
-
Adults: 1 to 2
tablespoons a day preferably with food (approximately 1 Tablespoon per
45 Kg of body weight).
-
Babies under
14 months: 1 2 teaspoons a day with food
-
Small children
over 14 months should take 2 4 teaspoons a day.
-
3 6 Capsules Per Day
dependant on body weight (it is not advisable to give the capsules to
children as they may choke).
What is the best way to take Hemp Seed
Oil?
One may take
spoonfuls of the oil directly or sprinkle it over foods like salads etc.
One should never cook with the oil as heat destroys the EFAs in the oil.
Can Hemp products help with my allergies?
Hemp foods have been used for centuries. As Hemp is lactose and gluten free, Hemptons
products will be of particular interest to anyone on a lactose free,
dairy free, vegan, low sugar, low fat, and wheat free diets. Hemptons
advises that anyone suffering from allergies or disease of any kind would
benefit from consulting a registered dietician, qualified nutritionist, a
General Medical Practitioner or a registered naturopath and or homeopath
for advice before embarking on any self medication.
What are the benefits of Hemp
Seed Oil over Flax oil?
The proportions of
EFAs in Hemp matches the ratios that have been determined by
nutritionists to be most beneficial to human nutrition. Hemp Seed Oil
contains Omega 6 and Omega 3 EFAs in an ideal long term ratio of 3:1. It
also provides the derivative Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Its content of
GLA makes it unique among edible seed oils. No other common seed
contains GLA. Hemp seed oil's unusually well balanced profile means that
one could use it for a lifetime without ever suffering an EFA
deficiency.
EFA Content of Hemp Seed
Oil :
|
Omega 3 (Alpha
Linolenic) |
19% |
|
Omega 6 (Alpha
Linoleic) |
57% |
|
Omega 9 (Oleic) |
12% |
|
Palmitic |
6% |
|
Stearic |
2% |
|
Gamma Linolenic |
1.7% |
|
Other |
2.3% |
Hemp Seed Oil also
contains antioxidants in the form of Vitamin E, (antioxidants prevent
the deformation of cells and assist the metabolism. In addition, they
have been linked in research to the prevention of the growth of
cancerous cells), Carotene (pre cursor to Vitamin A) and a number of
minerals including Calcium, magnesium, Sulphur, Potassium and
Phosphorous and a modest amount of Iron and Zinc. Hemp Seed Oil is also
an excellent source of Chlorophyll.
What does it look and taste like?
Hemp oil is a dark emerald green colour and has a
characteristic nutty taste and smell.
What about nut allergies?
The Hemp Seed is a fruit and not a nut. The
Anaphylaxis society has no reported cases of Hemp seed or Hemp Seed Oil causing reactions to people with nut allergies. However, Hemptons advises
people with nut allergies who want to try Hemp Seed Oil, to try small
amounts initially, testing reaction.
Can Hemp cause
other allergies/reactions?
As with some foods, some people have
developed an intolerance to Hemp Seed Oil. Others find it to cause their hair, skin
and nails to become too oily. After all, Hemp Seed Oil is an oil. (The
amount of Oil consumed also plays a role in this though).
The key to using Hemp
Seed Oil either internally or externally is to take your time and evaluate
the results that you experience over time. Some bodies can't handle the
richness of this oil.
Is Hemp Seed safe to take for babies?
Yes. Hemp Seed and Hemp Seed Oil is safe for babies.
Dosages will be smaller for children and babies than for adults. (see
dosage information above).
You cannot overdose on Hemp
.
Can Hemptons food products make you high?
No. Hemp seed
products will not make you high. Typically Hemp
seeds contain less than 0.03% Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the
psychoactive substance found in the Hemp plant's distant relative
"marijuana". Hemptons Foods, Oils and Capsules contain 0% THC due to a
recently improved seed cleaning process (SGS International tested).
Is Hemp and Marijuana the same
thing?
No. Industrial Hemp
and Marijuana are not the same thing. Hemp is an agricultural crop
presently being grown in the USA, Canada, England, France, Belgium,
Spain, Germany and China to name only a few. Botanically, the genus
Cannabis is composed of several variants (much like broccoli and
cauliflower are both classified under the genus Brasica and may look
similar, but anyone who has eaten them will know they are vastly
different). Although there has been a long standing debate among
taxonomists about how to classify these variants into species, applied
plant breeders generally embrace a biochemical method to classify
variants along utilitarian lines. Cannabis is the only plant genus that
contains the unique class of molecular compounds called cannabinoids.
Many cannabinoids have been identified, but two preponderate: Delta9
tetrahydroncannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient of
Cannabis, and CBD, which is an anti psychoactive ingredient. One type of
Cannabis –Cannabis Indica (Marijuana), is high in the psychoactive
cannabinoid THC, and low in the anti psychoactive
cannabinoid, CBD. Another type of Cannabis – Cannabis Sativa
(Hemp/Industrial Hemp) is high in CBD and low in THC.
How should Hemp Seed Oil be stored?
Essential Fatty Acids are damaged by
exposure to light, heat and air, which is why Hemptons' products are
rigorously produced by cold pressing in a oxygen free environment and
nitrogen capped. We recommend that Hemp oil should be stored in the fridge
once opened. It can also be frozen for longer periods of storage.
-
An unopened container can be stored
indefinitely in the deep freezer and 6 to 9 months in the refrigerator.
-
An opened container will last for ten to twelve weeks in
the refrigerator but should optimally be used within one to two weeks.
-
An unopened container can last four to six weeks if stored
below temperatures of 20° Celsius
and
away from direct sunlight, but again, should optimally be used within
one to two weeks.
How do I use Hemp Seed Oil and
Seed in cooking?
It is a delicious alternative to
Olive
Oil. Hemp Seed Oil can be used in salad dressings, poured on pasta, baked
potatoes and vegetables.
Should Hemp Seed
Oil be used for frying?
No! Hemp Seed
Oil should never be used
for frying. It can be heated at low temperatures of not more than 20˚C for
no more than 10 minutes. Gentle stir frying is preferable. At high
temperatures unhealthy by products acids are formed known as trans fatty
acids.
Other points of interest:
|
Saponification Value: |
193 |
| Melting Point: |
8 C |
|
Chlorophyll: |
6ppm |
| Iodine Value: |
166.5 |
| Specific Gravity: |
0.9295@200 C |
| Smoke Point: |
1650 C |
Body Products
Why is Hemp Seed Oil and/or Butter good in Body Care Products?
Hemp Seed Oil
comes closest to matching the exact EFA profile of skin sebum than any
other botanical in the plant kingdom. In fact, Hemp Seed Oil contains
the highest concentration of PUFAs among all natural and vegetable oils.
It also contains Oleic Acid (OA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), both
critical to healthy skin. Hemp Seed Oil can be used to nourish the skin
and hair with both internal and external applications.
Clinical studies
have shown that PUFAs, specifically the EFAs Linoleic Acid (LA) and
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), when topically applied, can alleviate or
even remedy skin problems such as neurodermatitis, dry skin, atopic
eczema and psoriasis. These studies have specifically shown that the
cracking or scaling associated with these conditions can be reversed by
skin care products containing these Omega 6 fatty acids. Additionally,
the proven anti inflammatory properties of LA and GLA can aid in wound
healing and improving the appearance of sun damaged, aged and chemically
and laser treated skin.
Linoleic acid (LA)
is particularly crucial for the formation and maintenance of skin and
hair barrier lipids. LA contains certain ceramides, specifically
Ceramide 1, which strengthen the links between skin lipids and
corneocytes, the outermost skin cells of the skin. In addition, LA is
the starting material for the biosynthesis of certain prostaglandins
(PG), which have important immunoregulatory functions and influence
epidermal keratinization.
An important
factor in healthy skin is proper metabolism of keratinocytes to generate
a healthy corneum layer. Keratinization and protein synthesis are also
vital for proper hair growth.
Topically, Hemp Seed Oil:
Helps
improve the condition of damaged and aging skin by boosting the cell's
nourishing environment, thus increasing the rate of cellular reproductive
activity
-
Acts as a natural barrier against moisture loss, reducing TEWL
(trans epidermal water loss) and promoting skin smoothness and
elasticity
-
Works in conjunction with skin sebum, acting as 'cement' to
retain cells in the corneum layer
-
Repairs and revives skin barrier function either by replacing
epidermal lipids that have been removed, allowing lipids to remain
despite adverse environments, or renewing the skin's ability to retain
moisture
-
Is an excellent carrier oil for transporting actives or other
valuable substances to the skin
-
Contains excellent lubricating and moisturizing properties
-
Functions as an excellent super fatting agent for hair care
systems, replacing important barrier lipids removed by traditional
surfactants
-
Supports immune function of the skin by attracting oxygen, which
acts as a barrier to viruses, bacteria, fungi and other foreign
organisms that can't thrive in oxygen
-
Forms protein associations easily and is irreplaceable for the
regeneration of skin cells
-
Protects skin from dehydration, cracking and environmental
factors
-
Offers superior emolliency with a minimum of greasiness
-
Partially supplements skin related symptoms of dietary essential
fatty acid deficiency
-
Has clinically proven anti inflammatory properties, beneficial
for sensitive, irritated and damaged skin
You say your Body Care Products are more natural, what do you mean by that
and what are the benefits of more natural products?
Your skin absorbs
approximately 95% of what it comes into contact with and absorb live
plant nutrients far more effectively than products that contain just
chemical ingredients. (Many medications are now administered
successfully through absorbent patches or creams that are applied
directly on the skin).
This is why we
have opted to produce a product range that is safe to use at all time as
well as Eco Friendly. Our products are made with care, with your
enjoyment and health in mind. We want you to enjoy our products and not
have to worry about the affects it may have on your or your family’s
bodies .. or the environment.
Hemptons’ Shampoos
and Shower Gels do not contain any Sodium Sulphates i.e. Sodium Lauryl
Sulphate and Sodium Laurent Sulphate and none of our products contains
Petroleum based products i.e. mineral oil or formaldehyde forming
Parabens as preservatives.
Researchers from
the Department of Biology and Biochemistry of Brunel University in the
UK have conducted a study and found that alkyl hydroxy benzoate
preservatives (methyl , ethyl , propyl , and butylparaben) are weakly
estrogenic. In other words, these preservatives have the ability to
mimic oestrogen in the body (estrogenic), with butylparaben being the
most potent.
If the human
exposures are significant as far as being oestrogenic, these
findings could help explain why sperm counts in men have fallen by half
over the past 50 years and breast cancer in women is an increasing
threat.
Sodium Lauryl &
Laurenth Sulfates are used as detergents in all types of foaming
personal care products from liquid soap and shampoo to toothpaste.
Sulphates are used in testing labs as the standard ingredient to irritate skin.
Industrial uses of
Sulphates include garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and car wash
soaps. Medical studies show Sulphates is absorbed into the body and is
retained in the eyes, brain, heart, liver and other organs with
potentially harmful long term effects. Sulphates may retard healing. Exposure
to Sulphates when released from a cleaning agent may cause eye tissue
malformation and possibly cause damage to the protein formation in the
eyes of young children and infants.
|
