Marijuana Station Official Blog

Friday, October 8, 2010

The Health Benefits of Hemp Butter

Peanut, Almond, Cashew, and Macadamia nut butters, are familiar to most Americans. It is safe to say that Peanut butter is the most favored of these, used in traditional ways handed down by generations of caring parents, who were concerned about their children having good protein in their diet. The problem is that some proteins are potential allergens, which include soy, and dairy, as well as peanut proteins. Peanuts may also carry unacceptable amount of a potent carcinogen found on other field crops as well.
They are known as Aflatoxins, and are derived from the presence of mold before they are harvested.
The good news is that hemp butter is made from hemp seeds, and no hemp seed allergies have ever been reported. Although most nut butter users have not heard of Hemp Butter, times are changing, and hemp butter is now available in the marketplace. Not the least important fact about hemp butter is that it is a dark green color due to the rich content of chlorophyll,which is a powerful antioxidant.

However, what makes hemp butter so important is its unusual proteins. They are edestins, and are globular in structure. Biologically active proteins in our bodies are mainly globulins, and include such things as hormones, hemoglobin, immunoglobulins (antibodies), and enzymes. Although the human body can make globular proteins out of any protein, it is much easier to make globulins out of globular starting material.

So then, hemp butter is rich in the globular proteins that are precursors to some of the most vital chemicals in the body:

a)hormones, which regulate body processes

b)hemoglobin, which transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxide

c)enzymes, which catalyze and control biochemical reactions

d)antibodies, which fend off bacterial invasion, many pathogens, as well as toxins or antigens as they enter the body

The total protein content of hemp seed is about 65% edestins. Even more remarkable, the other protein found in hemp seeds is albumin, which is highly digestible because it too has a globular structure. It is a major free radical scavenger, and the industry standard for protein quality evaluation. As the hemp seeds are ground adding hemp oil to create a smooth butter-like spread, there is nothing lost in the process. There is more good news.

Hemp protein contains all twenty-one known amino acids, including the nine essential ones adult bodies cannot produce. Proteins are considered complete when they contain all the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities and ratios to meet the body's needs. The following are the 21 most common amino acids.

• alanine
• arginine
• aspargine
• aspartic acid
• cysteine
• glutamic acid
• glutamine
• glycine
• histidine
• isoleucine
• leucine
• lysine
• methionine
• phenylalanine
• proline
• serine
• taurine
• threonine
• tryptophan
• tyrosine
• valine
• taurine (considered essential for premature babies)
• histidine (considered essential for children, but not for adults)

Before we talk about recipes, and how to use hemp butter, and it is good in every recipe where other nut butters are indicated, it is important to mention what is missing.

The hemp butter products most found in this country come from Manitoba, Canada, and do not contain Trans Fats, hydrogenated oils, cholesterol, added sugar, gluten, preservatives, or artificial colors or flavors. The hemp is grown from non-FMO hemp seed, without any pesticides, or herbicides.

So then, a small amount of hemp butter, about two tablespoons, will deliver about eleven grams of protein, of the highest quality protein available. It is a bit more liquid than peanut butter and will easily mix into smoothies, as well as spread onto toast or crackers. Here is a recipe for a salad dressing using hemp butter as one ingredient.

Hemp Seed Oil Salad Dressing
1/3 cup Hemp Seed Oil
2 Tablespoon Hemp Butter
1/2 Teaspoon fresh diced garlic
1/2 Teaspoon fresh minced ginger
2 - 4 Tablespoons Lemon Juice, or favorite vinegar to taste
Dash of stevia (natural herbal sweetener)
Dash of salt and pepper

As a spread, hemp butter can be used right from the little green jar. It is especially delicious when used in combination with raw honey, and a dash of cinnamon. It does tend to be a bit more liquid than other butters, so a sandwich made the night before a school lunch is packed would be just fine.
The quality of the protein in hemp seed butter in unequalled. It may take a bit of getting used to, as any new food might, but it may be one of the most important pro health decisions you will ever make.

- Article from Helium.

1 comment:

ozweeder said...

Hemp butter is the bomb on a sandwich.
I love it as a dip with celery!! Yummm!!!
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