Nutrition Facts Of Raw Hemp Seed

Hemp seeds are a comprehensive food source. Nearly one-third of hemp seed is essential fatty acids in what may be close to an ideal ratio for optimum health. Another approximate third of hemp seed is dietary fiber, which improves digestion and promotes healthy cardiovascular function. Easily digestible proteins make up about 20 to 25 percent more of hemp seed weight. Additionally, hemp seeds contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals in high concentrations.

Essential Fatty Acids

Approximately 30 percent to 35 percent of a hemp seed's weight is oil, of which only 8 percent is saturated fat. Not only does raw hemp seed have all of the essential fatty acids, but it contains them in approximately a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids, a balanced ratio of EFAs, or essential fatty actids, for optimum health. A 2002 study in "Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy" found that an EFA ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids of between 2:1 and 4:1 may reduce risk of a variety of chronic diseases and disorders, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, arthritis, type II diabetes and other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

Dietary Fiber

Approximately 25 percent to 30 percent of hemp seed weight is dietary fiber in the forms of both soluble and insoluble fiber. As explained by the Colorado State University Extension, water-soluble fiber helps rid the body of cholesterol and may help to lower blood sugar. Insoluble fiber helps to carry waste out of the body by normalizing bowel function. This may help to reduce your risk for and the symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.

Protein & Amino Acids

Approximately 20 to 25 percent of hemp seed weight is protein. Proteins are composed of chains of amino acids bonded together. Raw hemp seed contains all 20 amino acids, including the eight essential amino acids the body cannot produce on its own and the two other amino acids that the body can only produce in limited supply. Sixty-five percent of the amino acids in hemp seed is in the form of globulin proteins, a type of protein that is similar to blood plasma proteins and therefore easy for the body to digest. Globulins are involved in immune system function, with some globulins transporting the raw materials the body requires to replace worn or damaged body tissue and build new tissue. Other globulins act as antibodies to combat the antigens associated with infection and disease.

Vitamins & Minerals

Raw hemp seed is a rich source of several essential vitamins and minerals. According to a 2004 article in the journal "Euphytica," 100 g of hemp seed contains 90 mg of vitamin E and trace amounts of the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. The same amount of hemp seed also contains 1,160 mg, or 1.6 g, of phosphorus, 859 mg of potassium, 483 mg of magnesium, 145 mg of calcium, 14 mg of iron, 12 mg of sodium, 7 mg each of manganese and zinc and 2 mg of copper.