One of the most nutritious and easily digested foods on the earth is the hemp seed. Hemp seeds contain all of the following: protein, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids. Hemp is truly a food that can sustain all of man's dietary needs. Hemp seed has many health benefits, which can be easily obtained by adding hemp seed to the diet.

Benefits

One of the most important features of hemp seed is that it is a superior source of protein. It also contains a wide variety of minerals and vitamins, but its most distinctive property is that it provides both omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids, or EFAs. These acids are known as linoleic and alpha-linolenic, respectively. What makes these essential oils crucial is that they are not manufactured in the human body, and must be consumed as food. Hemp has an optimal ratio of these two fats at 3:1. According to a Greek research study, a health-promoting ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is no higher than 4:1.
Function

Essential fatty acids are critical for keeping the heart healthy. Substituting healthy fats which are polyunsaturated like hemp oil for fats that are saturated can dramatically reduce the chance of having a sudden heart attack or even fatal cardiac arrhythmia. These healthful fats also help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and remove cellular buildup in the arteries that is often paired with atherosclerosis.

Hemp seed also contains something called phytosterols, which can help to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Types

Hemp seeds can be pressed into a high quality polyunsaturated oil, and are also made into a seed cake. Hemp seed oil can be eaten plain or mixed into other food items such as salads and breads. Hemp seed cakes can be ground and made into hemp flour to be used for baking.

Hulled hemp seeds, or nuts, can be widely used in recipes.
Hemp Oil

Hemp seed oil is highly emollient and can be used directly on the skin to nourish and regenerate. Hemp seed oil is capable of deeply penetrating the skin, rather than just sitting on top of the skin. This action works to prevent the aging of the skin, by allowing the essential fatty acids to fully penetrate the outer layer of skin, and encouraging a healthy moisture balance.
Effects

Hemp contains more of the beneficial amino acids than proteins such as milk, eggs or meat.

Hemp is a complete source of protein and is easily digestible.

Hemp seed contains almost seven times more omega-3 fatty acids than fish. It also provides an option for those unable to eat gluten, meat, sugar and milk. It is a good addition to a diet for those concerned about avoiding carbohydrates.