Prof. Dr. Roland R. Theimer, University of Wuppertal,Germany

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the few species of the plant kingdom, that was recognised for its numerous virtues thousands of years ago and thus has been cultivated ever since then. Hemp originates from Central Asia but has made its way through mankind into all different climatic areas of the globe: from zones with little sun and short cultivation periods to subtropical-tropical zones with a lot of sun and long cultivation periods. Therefore one will find cultivations of hemp all over the world in form of hundreds of different varieties and species. Hemp has been selected over hundreds of years for its versatile virtues, like its optimal adaptation on different soils, its maximum harvest for the different derived hemp products and other important virtues regarding growth and cultivation.

First of all, hemp is a valuable producer of raw materials both for industry and trade (Fibres, Hurds), but also for foods and cosmetics (Oil, Protein, Carbohydrates, Roughage, Drugs). Some of those products’ great values can be achieved through cultivation on poor or polluted grounds, even with poor harvesting rates. In addition, cultivation of hemp does not need any pesticides and therefore economises on material cost and labour.

In botanic terms hempseeds are fruits, so called “one-seed-nuts”, with the seed locked in a woody, hardy fruit shell. This seed contains an embryo (inactivated sprout), in which two sprouts (cotyledons) are placed aside, one short hypocotyl and the germ root. Stored in the cells of the two sprouts are highly nutritious substances for men and animals: Oil of great value (30-35%), perfectly combined proteins (mainly "Edestin"), carbohydrates (20-30%), as well as all necessary minerals and trace elements, important vitamins, chlorophylls and a few aroma substances. (Table 1)

Hemp seeds do not contain any poisonous or hindering substances, as do cotton-, rape- or soy seeds, and therefore can be consumed raw. Hemp oil and pressed hemp seed cake do not need to be refined or pasteurised. Hemp seeds do not contain the drug Delta-D-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, active substance in Marihuana and Hashish). THC is mainly found on the glands of the leaves in the blossom-/ fruit area of the female plant. It can happen, that during the harvest of hempseeds very little resin gets stuck to the shell of those seeds. The amount is so minimal and conforms to European law so that no problems occur. Even hempseeds of hemp species with high THC content need to undergo highly sensitive measurements during the oil pressing to detect any THC traces in the oil. Therefore hemp seeds do not harm your health and have no drug effect on you! Plus a quick rinse of the hemp seeds or the use of shelled hemp seeds settles all traces of THC.

In the past hempseeds have not only been known as animal (bird-) food, but also known as a perfect supplement to human nutrition; only the nobles ignored those high physiological nutritious values of the substances in hempseeds. The well balanced ratio of poly-unsaturated fatty acids in hemp oil is ideal for the human metabolism, and it also renders hemp into a perfect supplier for human protein synthesis, specially immunoglobulin which is important for the maintaining and strengthening of human body's defences and therefore less prone to illnesses such as pest, cancer, etc. Porridge or butter made of ground hemp seeds contains all

necessary components. In addition you can gain a dark greenish oil from cold pressing of hempseeds, of which the colour contains chlorophylls and carotinoids (Carotid=Vitamin A).

In chemical term, hemp oil is like all other oils a Tricylglycerid, or more precisely a glycerine molecule with three different very long fatty acids, the perfect composition for ideal human nutrition. This provides hemp oil with exceptional biological value. (Table N°2)

Table 1 :

Analysis of hempseeds

Micro nutritients (trace elements) in hempseeds :

Table 2 :

Composition of different vegetable oils

Plants  Amount in % of fatty acids in cold pressed oil

The dominating fatty acid is the unsaturated Linolic acid followed by unsaturated alpha Linolenic acid. Both acids are essential for human nutrition, and therefore need to be part of the daily intake of food. You can also find those unsaturated fatty acids in corn oil or thistle oil. Unique to hemp oil is the ratio of 1/3 of both fatty acids, optimal for the human metabolism. The human body needs both of these fatty acids to support the production of regulating short living hormones,  the maintenance and composition of the immune system, and the continuation of the cell metabolism. The ratio of those fatty acids is especially important for the construction of the cell membrane. The correct well-dosed use of hemp oil in human nutrition does not lead to cholesterol as quickly as the use of saturated vegetable fats or animal fats.

The most important component of hemp oil is the unsaturated gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in a ratio of 1,5-6% for the metabolism depending on the hemp species, otherwise only found in plants like Borage (Borage officinalis L.), Primrose (Oenothera biennia L.) or Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.). The gamma-linolenic acid and the recently discovered Omega-3-Stearidon acid are important factors for the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, necessary factors for the functioning of hormones, nerves, muscles and blood pressure.  Under normal conditions the human body has sufficient essential alpha linolenic fatty acids to produce prostaglandins, but under conditions of stress, bad nourishment or genetic faults signs of under nourishment or infectious diseases appear. Gamma linolenic fatty acid has proven to be perfect in prevention of illnesses such as arteriosclerosis, and for heeling or easing symptoms of neurodermatitis or other allergies. 

Another important aspect of the high content of over 70% unsaturated fatty acids are their perfect composition for the human diet. Most fats and oils with saturated fatty acids are broken down, partly turned into energy by the human body and partly stored in the fat cells (cholesterol). Thus the unsaturated fatty acids play a vital role in the synthesis of important hormones, in supporting the immune system and maintaining vigorous cells by improving the metabolism of all cells. With the absence of both cholesterols and trans fatty acids, a well balanced intake of hemp oil regulates blood lipids and thus prevents arteriosclerosis, heart attack, and strokes.

Already in the Middle Ages farmers praised hemp foods. In those days hemp seeds were used for making porridge or hemp butter. The nobles disregarded hemp as a valuable food and therefore ignored it as a healthy additive to the human nutrition. The protein in hemp strengthens the body's defences, due to its chemical resemblance of the immunoglobulin

and therefore improves the immune system. The oil component in the seed is vital too due to its composition of unsaturated fatty acids and the gamma-linolenic acid. The composition of the hemp protein is 65% of the globulin Edestin and of some other albumins resembling the human blood plasma.

The composition of the amino acids in hemp seeds are similar to those of human protein, and are therefore valuable for our metabolism, although further studies still need to be undertaken in that field (biosynthesis). Not only does the protein in hemp seed provide the body with all amino acids, but also in the perfect ratio for the human body. Easily absorbed by the human body they help building up stock of human proteins, for example immunoglobulin, which is vital in fighting diseases such as AIDS, Cancer, and others. A perfectly healthy immune system can locate cancer cells, fight their formation and strengthen the body against ill turning tumours.

Table 3 :

Composition of amino acids in the proteins of a hemp seed (in mg/g hemp seeds)

Due to its assets for a proper nutrition the protein in food hemp seed is the perfect additive for baking, soups and other forms of food, and therefore does not meet its full value in the form of animal- or bird food. The protein is extracted in the process of pressing and grinding the hemp seeds or in the process of grinding the cake left after the process of cold pressed hemp oil (hemp cake still contain 10% oil, seed shells and other substances of the hemp seeds). Hemp flour is gained after sieving the pressed substance in order to eliminate any outstanding shells.

Conclusion:

The rediscovery of hemp as a food is not only an essential, proven progress to a healthy whole foods' nutrition, but also a tasty additive to modern cooking. Growing hemp in large quantities in future will increase the amount of healthy tasty hemp foods. Such a healthy nutrition with all essential amino- and fatty acids, free from cholesterol, BSE-, GMO, Hormones and destructive antibiotics is the perfect reason to step back and reflect on an thousand year old human tradition of growing hemp improved by modern technologies in both seed breeding and plant physiologies, and to throw any outstanding fears of Cannabis as a drug monster over board.

Hulled hemp seed has « Under the umbrella of safety » all the elements and aspects of what we call « chief »: convenience, health, indulgence, excitement and freshness.

Paramount to the Yorkshire Hemp food brand will be the respect for our customers by generating credibility and trust for the products’ safety, quality, taste and all the other elements of           « chief ».

In embracing the elements of « chief » Yorkshire Hemp food will truly be the

 « Food Of The Future ».

In keeping with our high product standards our relations with investors and suppliers will be based on earned trust enlightened by safe environmental care and quality moral standards.