Healthy (and legal) Hemp?

Hemp seed butter, to be exact. Welcome to my new favorite spread!

And the answer to your question is no - hemp seed butter and oil are closely related to marijuana but they are not the same. Only trace amounts of THC are found in hemp food products. It's totally legal to eat hemp food products.

Hemp is a complete protein. It contains all essential amino acids and essential fatty acids. Our bodies need healthy fatty acids, and there are two types that we don't produce on our own but that are contained in hemp seed - omega 6 (LA) and omega 3 (LNA). (Fish is usually a recommended source for omega 3's, but for those who want to avoid or minimize fish, this is a healthy alternative.)

For optimal health, it's important that these two essential fatty acids be in proper balance and have the right ratio. According the World Health Organization the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 is 4:1. Hemp has a ratio of 3.75:1, which is almost ideal.

Hemp seed oil or butter help get rid of toxins, fight depression, viruses, bacteria, fungi and PMS symptoms. They also help lower cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular disease, and reduce inflammation. High in both soluble & insoluble fibers which help w/ digestion, they are a good source of vitamins B, A, D and K. Hemp seeds are not genetically modified, have more protein than flax seeds, are highly digestible, and are gluten free. I find hemp seed butter to be extremely filling.

Hemp seed butter is a pretty green because of the chlorophyll content, which is a powerful antioxidant.

I spread hemp seed butter on whole grain toast for a power-packed breakfast or drop a bit in my green smoothies for a healthy dose of protein and antioxidants. Use this as a way healthier (and I think more substantive) alternative to peanut butter.

Some other products that are made from hemp include hemp milk, hemp cereals, hemp seeds, hemp oil, and hemp waffles. All of these provide differing amounts of nutrition so read labels.

To see a fun contest I had to try to guess the mystery food, and for more health information & fun healthy tidbits, please visit me at http://www.facebook.com/waytogohealthy. Happy Hemp!