[Sativa]

Is hemp something you write on, wear, smoke . . . or eat. Hemp has a long history in our country, having been grown by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. They were farmers, after all. Industrial hemp has many markets including clothing, plastics and ethanol.

Now, back to nutrition. Hemp is a complete fiber-rich plant protein similar to soy. It has low allergenicity and is gluten-free. Edible hemp oil is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids. Reducing the clotting tendency of blood and lowering triglyceride levels are two prime functions of omega-3 fatty acids. Other possible benefits are reduced symptoms of attention deficit disorder, depression and joint pain. We definitely want more of these fatty acids in our daily intake. Versatile hemp oil is used to make tofu, butter, cheese, energy bars and salad oils.

Hemp is a distant cousin to the marijuana plant but it contains little psychoactive THC and will not cause a positive drug test. Hemp oil can be imported for use in other foods, but since 1958 it has been illegal to grow hemp in this country. Federal legislation introduced last month would make it legal to grow industrial hemp. If this law changes, you might see more hemp oil food products on shelves, but you don't need to wait for domestically grown hemp to increase your omega-3 fatty acids.

Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Ground flax seed and flax seed oil, walnuts, sesame seeds, canola oil and eggs are good vegetarian choices. Many foods, including peanut butter and margarine are fortified with these healthy fats. Read the labels and you'll find them.


Newshawk: CoZmO - 420Magazine.com
Source: The Miami Herald (FL)
Author: Sheah Rarback
Contact: srarback@hotmail.com
Copyright: 2007 Miami Herald Media Co.
Website: MiamiHerald.com - Miami & Ft. Lauderdale News