In constant struggle for the regulation of cannabis, mainly in the medicinal field.
24-03-2023 09:00:46 - Updated: 24 March, 2023
The Hemp seeds are a highly nutritious and healthy food that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Besides of being an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids, these seeds also contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If you are interested in the oil produced from hemp seeds I recommend you read this other post, because in this article, we will explain the nutritional benefits of hemp seeds and how they can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet. We will also see what are hemp seeds and the many health benefits that this superfood can offer us, but as with everything, there are also some contraindications that we have to know, and we will also include them in this post that I am sure you will enjoy reading.
⭐ What are The hemp seeds?
The Industrial hemp seeds are small eatable seeds of the hemp plant, also known as Cannabis sativa. They are often used in the food industry due to their high content of nutrients, protein and essential fatty acids. The hemp seeds are a small nutritional treasure found within the Cannabis sativa plant. These seeds have a smooth, creamy texture, and their flavor resembles a roasted nut or sunflower seed
⛳ Properties of shelled and unshelled hemp seeds
The hemp seeds are an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids necessary for optimal nutrition. In addition, they are also rich in essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and the immune system.
The hemp seeds are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc. Magnesium is important for muscle and nerve function, while the iron is essential for the production of red blood cells in the blood. Calcium and zinc are necessary for bone health and immunity, and all the compounds together make hemp seeds one of the most interesting superfoods on the planet.
| Shelled seeds | Unshelled seeds | |
|---|---|---|
| Oil | 36% | 44% |
| Proteins | 25 | 33 |
| Carbohydrates | 28 | 12 |
| Humidity | 6 | 5 |
| Ashes | 5 | 6 |
| Energy (Kj/100 grams) | 2200 | 2093 |
| Total dietary fiber | 28% | 7% |
| Digestible fiber | 6 | 6 |
| Non-digestible fiber | 22 | 1 |
✨ The nutritional values of hemp seeds
| Vitamin E | 90 |
|---|---|
| Thiamine (B1) | 0,4 |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0,1 |
| Phosphorus | 1160 |
| Potassium | 859 |
| Magnesium | 483 |
| Calcium | 145 |
| Iron | 14 |
| Sodium | 12 |
| Manganese | 7 |
| Zinc | 7 |
| Copper | 2 |
👌 Benefits of hemp seeds
The most beneficial thing that hemp seeds provide us with besides proteins are fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (EFA) are essential for the proper functioning of the human body, and a good source of them is the oil obtained from hemp seeds. This oil contains a considerable amount of omega-6 linoleic acid, which represents about 55%, and also contains omega-3 alpha linolenic acid, which is found in a proportion of about 20%.
In more detail, this oil has been shown to contain significant amounts of their respective metabolic products, such as gamma linolenic acid (18:3n-6, GLA) in the range of 1-4%, and stearidonic acid (18:4n-3, SDA) which occurs in amounts ranging from 0.5% to 2%. Although most vegetable oils contain at least one of the EFAs, it is uncommon to find such high amounts of both in the same product. Likewise, it is rare to find them in an adequate 3:1 ratio of omega-6/omega-3, which is the recommended ratio for human intake. Therefore, the hemp seed oil is an excellent source of essential fatty acids for maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
It also contains tocopherols that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and age-related macular degeneration. It also possesses antioxidant activity and contains a higher amount of total phenols compared to other vegetable oils, such as sunflower or soybean oil. Tocopherols are important antioxidants that benefit the oxidative stability of oils. The γ-tocopherol is the dominant tocopherol in The hemp seeds, followed by α-, β- and δ-tocopherol. The same composition of tocopherols is found in the oil.
On the other hand, this oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and contains low concentrations of saturated fatty acids. This is particularly interesting from a nutritional point of view, since the current diet is increasingly rich in saturated fatty acids and the aim is to reduce their consumption due to their relationship with the increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and therefore, with the risk of coronary heart disease. It is important to note that both hemp seeds and oils do not contain gluten.
The hemp seed flour is an excellent source of easily digestible protein. The recent interest in hemp protein has increased due to its exceptional content of sulfur-containing amino acids, that is, methionine and cysteine, and its surprisingly high amount of arginine. This makes it an ideal nutritional supplement for protein diets and for increasing muscle mass.
🚀 Hemp seeds, contraindications to be taken into account
The hemp seeds can cause problems if not stored properly. The hemp seeds are high in unsaturated fatty acids, which makes them prone to oxidation if stored under improper conditions. If stale hemp seeds are consumed, they can cause nausea, diarrhea and stomach upset. Because of this, it is important to store hemp seeds in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent oxidation.
Another contraindication to consider is allergy to nuts or soy. The hemp seeds belong to the same family as nuts and almonds, and some people may have an allergic reaction to them. In addition, The hemp seeds may contain traces of soybeans due to the way they are processed and stored. So, if you are allergic to nuts or soy, you should be cautious about consuming hemp seeds and consult with your doctor before doing so. In general, hemp seeds are a safe and nutritious food for most people. However, it is important to be aware of these contraindications and potential side effects to ensure that we consume hemp seeds safely and responsibly.
✅ Conclusi0n
The hemp seeds are an excellent choice for those seeking to improve their diet and overall health. Their high content of essential nutrients, healthy fatty acids and antioxidants make them a very complete and beneficial food for our organism. In addition, thanks to their versatility, they can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from smoothies and salads to desserts and snacks. So, if you haven’t tried them yet, go ahead and incorporate hemp seeds into your diet and enjoy their health benefits!
🎯 Frequently Asked Questions
What are hemp seeds used for?
What are hemp seeds for? We are often asked this question, and there are still many people who do not know the properties of these seeds and their multiple uses. Below you can see the most important ones :
-
- Food: The hemp seeds are used as a nutritious and versatile food. They can be consumed raw, roasted, in salads, smoothies, granola, energy bars, among others. In addition, they can also be ground to make hemp seed flour for use in breads, cookies, tortillas and other baked goods.
- Cosmetics: The hemp seeds are also used in the cosmetics industry. Its oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, making it ideal for moisturizing and softening skin and hair. They can be found in products such as moisturizers, body lotions, shampoos, conditioners and other personal care products.
- Production of oils and supplements: The hemp seeds are used to produce hemp seed oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. They are also used to produce food supplements in the form of capsules or tablets.
- Agriculture and gardening: The hemp seeds can be used as feed for poultry, farm animals and pets. In addition, they can also be used in gardening to enrich the soil and to repel insects and other pests: Les graines de chanvre peuvent être utilisées comme aliments pour la volaille, les animaux de ferme et les animaux de compagnie. De plus, elles peuvent également être utilisées dans le jardinage pour enrichir le sol et repousser les insectes et autres nuisibles
These are just some examples, but if you want to go deeper into this topic I recommend you to read this other article of our blog which is a guide about hemp and we talk about the many uses it has, do not miss it.
What diseases does hemp seed cure?
The hemp seeds do not cure specific diseases. While they have potential health benefits, they should not be considered a cure for diseases or medical conditions. It is important to remember that any medical treatment should be supervised and prescribed by a trained health professional. If you are experiencing symptoms of a disease or medical condition, you should seek appropriate medical attention and treatment. That said, hemp seeds have been shown to have beneficial nutritional and medicinal properties, and may help improve overall health. Some of the potential health benefits associated with hemp seeds include:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved digestion and bowel regularity
- Immune system support
- Protection of the brain and central nervous system
How to take The hemp seeds?
The hemp seed is a small, soft seed that can be eaten raw or cooked. Here are the 5 most common ways to consume hemp seeds:
- Raw: The raw hemp seeds have a mild, slightly nutty flavor. They can be eaten alone as a snack, or added to smoothies, yogurts, salads, oatmeal, and other dishes.
- Toasted: You can also toast hemp seeds to give them a more intense, crunchy flavor. To toast them, place them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Hemp milk: Hemp milk is an alternative to cow’s milk, and is made by soaking hemp seeds in water, then blending with fresh water. Hemp milk can be used in recipes for shakes, smoothies, or simply drunk on its own.
- Hemp flour: The hemp seeds can also be ground into a fine flour that can be used to make breads, cookies, tortillas, and other baked goods.
- Hemp oil: Hemp oil is extracted from cold-pressed hemp seeds, and can be used in salads, dressings, and other dishes.
