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Phytofood Research Initiative
Our food should be
Our food should be
our path to health.
The Phytofood Research Initiative (PFRI) by the Global Cannabinoid Research Center studies how hemp seed nutrition and a phyto food enriched diet can support prevention, especially for people whose work exposes them to carcinogens.
PlanningActive studiesReporting
Purpose
Prevention, one plate at a time.
The initiative has a dual goal.
Everyday people
Provide research based information on how to live a more proactive, preventative life through plant based nutrition.
People at elevated risk
Aim research at populations whose jobs put their health at risk every day, such as firefighters exposed to carcinogens.
Hemp can help us save ourselves, and our planet.
Research plan. The initiative is in its planning stage. Studies described on this page are planned research, not completed findings. Results will be published here as studies are completed.
Research objectives
The questions being explored.
Phyto food science
How a diet built around specific plant foods may support the body's own defenses.
Hemp seed and plant nutrition
The proteins, amino acids and fiber in hemp seed, and how they compare with other plant proteins.
Target populations
People with daily exposure to carcinogens, starting with firefighters.
Survey research
A very intensive diet of specific foods, studied through structured surveys of participating groups.
Academic collaboration
Studies conducted together with universities and other research entities to gather the most data possible.
Future studies
Research updates and supporting publications, added here as the work progresses.
The proteins of life
What makes hemp seed different.
The background behind the initiative, preserved from GCRC's original research notes.
Edestin
A protein found only in hemp seed
Edestin is easy to digest and relatively low in phosphorus. It closely resembles the globular proteins found in human blood plasma, which are involved in producing antibodies for a healthy immune system. That compatibility with the human gut may be one reason allergies to hemp seed are rarely reported.
Albumin
35 percent albumin
Hemp seed protein contains about 35 percent albumin, a high quality protein similar to that found in egg whites. Albumin is also the health industry's standard measure of protein in blood serum. Both edestin and albumin are highly digestible and are a source of free radical scavengers.
Amino acids
All 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential
Digestion turns hemp protein into amino acids, the building blocks for growing and maintaining body tissue. Hemp protein contains all 20 known amino acids, including the 9 essential ones the body cannot make on its own. Hemp protein is also a source of glutamic acid, which plays a role in how the body handles stress.
Hemp and soy
A cleaner plant protein
Hemp is second only to soy in protein content. Unlike soy, it contains no trypsin inhibitors, which interfere with an enzyme essential to nutrition, and no oligosaccharides, which can cause stomach upset. Hemp seed oil is cold pressed, while most soy protein is processed with hexane solvent and high heat.
Fiber and balance
Restoring alkalinity
One research goal is to find ways to restore the intestinal tract's alkalinity through a high fiber, plant protein diet, moving the body toward an alkaline, anabolic state that the initiative views as highly preventative.
Under scientific review. These statements come from GCRC's original initiative material and are being reviewed, with references, as part of the next content phase. They describe research direction and are not medical advice or claims that any food prevents or treats disease.
Phyto food formulation services
From research to real food.
GCRC offers a unique phyto food science and formulation service. Please get in touch with us with your needs.
The same science behind this initiative, from hemp seed proteins to whole plant nutrition, guides the phyto food concepts GCRC develops with brands and food companies.
Who it serves
Built for the people who protect us.
Firefighters and other workers face carcinogen exposure as part of the job. The initiative asks whether a phyto food enriched diet can help lower that risk, and shares what it learns with everyone.
- Firefighters and first responders
- Workers with regular carcinogen exposure
- Anyone interested in a preventative, plant based diet
Enrollment not open yet
Participation
Participant enrollment opens once study materials, the consent process and the study destination are ready. Organizations that want their members to take part can register interest now.
Sponsorship and collaboration
Help build the evidence.
The initiative will be conducted with universities and other research entities. GCRC welcomes partners at every stage.
Research updates
Initiative updates and articles.
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Questions
The initiative, answered.
What is the Phytofood Research Initiative?
It is a GCRC research initiative studying hemp seed nutrition and phyto food enriched diets as a preventative approach, with a focus on people at elevated risk of carcinogen exposure such as firefighters.
What is edestin?
Edestin is a protein found only in hemp seed. It is easy to digest and closely resembles globular proteins in human blood plasma.
Has the initiative published results?
Not yet. The initiative is in its planning stage, and results will be published on this page as studies are completed.
How can my organization take part?
Universities, sponsors and fire service organizations can contact GCRC to collaborate, sponsor research or register interest for when enrollment opens.
Work with GCRC
Bring your project to the research table.
Partners, clients and research collaborators, tell us what you are building.