Hemp seeds: a nutritional powerhouse for the health conscious
Are you interested in adding more healthy, nutritious foods to your diet? If so, you should definitely consider adding hemp seeds to your list of options. Hemp seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, and they offer a variety of health benefits that you can’t get from other types of food. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of hemp seeds and find out why they should be a part of your regular diet.
What are Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds are the small, dark brown seeds of the hemp plant. They have a nutty flavour and can be eaten whole, or they can be used to make hemp milk, hemp oil, or protein powder.
Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.). Hemp seeds can be added to a variety of different dishes or eaten on their own as a snack.
Nutritional facts about Hemp Seed:
Hemp seeds are a good source of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Here is a closer look at some of the nutrients that hemp seeds offer:
Protein: Hemp seeds are a great source of plant-based protein. They contain all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own.
Essential Fatty Acids: Hemp seeds are an excellent source of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Vitamins and Minerals: Hemp seeds are also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus.
The history of hemp and its medical uses:
Hemp has been used for centuries to make a variety of different products, including rope, paper, and clothing. The seeds of the plant were also used as a food source.
Hemp seeds were once thought to be a “superfood” because of their high nutrient content. They were even included in the first-ever U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food pyramid.
However, hemp was later removed from the food pyramid because it contains trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Despite this, hemp seeds are still considered to be a nutritious food and are often added to granola, cereal, or smoothies.
Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds offer a variety of health benefits thanks to their nutrient-rich content. Here are some of the most impressive health benefits of hemp seeds:
Heart Health:
Hemp seeds are a good source of fatty acids, which can help to improve heart health. The two main types of fatty acids in hemp seeds are linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). These fatty acids can help to decrease the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood vessel function.
Skin Health:
The fatty acids in hemp seeds can also be beneficial for skin health. These nutrients can help to keep the skin hydrated and improve conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Weight Loss:
Hemp seeds are a high-protein, low-carbohydrate food that can be helpful for weight loss. The protein in hemp seeds can help to decrease appetite and promote fullness, while the lack of carbohydrates means that they won’t contribute to weight gain.
Cancer Prevention:
Hemp seeds contain compounds that may help to protect against cancer. One study found that hemp seed extract was able to kill human breast cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
Improved Digestion:
Hemp seeds are a good source of fiber, which is important for digestion. Fiber can help to bulk up the stool and promote regularity.
Reduced Inflammation:
The fatty acids in hemp seeds can also help to reduce inflammation. This can be beneficial for conditions like Crohn’s disease, joint pain, and asthma.
Boost brain function:
Hemp seeds are a good source of magnesium, which is important for brain function. Magnesium can help to improve memory and cognitive function.
Relief from symptoms of PMS :
Hemp seeds are a good source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an essential fatty acid that can help to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
How to sprout hemp seeds:
Hemp seeds can be sprouted and added to salads or used as a garnish on other dishes. Sprouting hemp seeds is easy to do and only takes a few days.
Simply place the seeds in a bowl or jar and cover them with water. Let them soak for 8-12 hours, then drain the water and rinse the seeds.
After rinsing, place the seeds in a sprouting tray or on a clean cloth. Cover them with another cloth or piece of cheesecloth and place them in a dark, warm place.
Rinse the seeds once or twice a day and remove any that have started to mould. After 3-5 days, the seeds should start to sprout. Once they have sprouted, you can eat them raw or cook them as you would any other type of seed.
How to incorporate hemp seeds into your diet:
Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, sprouted, or cooked. They can also be added to a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, smoothies, and baked goods.
If you’re looking for a way to add more protein to your diet, hemp seeds are a great option. They can be used as a topping on oatmeal or yogurt, mixed into a stir-fry, or blended into a smoothie.
Hemp seeds can also be used to make homemade hemp milk. To do this, simply blend the seeds with water and strain the mixture through a cheesecloth. Hemp milk can be used in place of cow’s milk in many recipes.
Finally, hemp seeds can be used to make hemp oil. This oil can be used for cooking or added to salad dressings and other recipes.
Hemp seeds are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of ways. By incorporating them into your diet, you can enjoy all of the impressive health benefits they have to offer.
Hemp Hearts vs Hemp Seeds:
Hemp hearts and hemp seeds are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different things. Hemp hearts are the innermost part of the hemp seed, while hemp seeds are the whole seed.
Hemp hearts are sometimes also called shelled hemp seeds. They are nutrient-rich food that can be eaten raw, cooked, or sprouted.
Hemp hearts are a great source of protein and essential fatty acids, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Hemp seeds also offer these nutrients but in smaller amounts.
In terms of taste, hemp hearts have a mild, nutty flavour that is similar to sunflower seeds. Hemp seeds have a slightly grassier taste that some people find to be unpleasant.
If you’re looking for a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, hemp hearts are a good option.
The disadvantage of Hemp Seeds:
Although hemp seeds offer a variety of health benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider.
Hemp seeds contain phytic acid, which is an anti-nutrient that can reduce the absorption of certain minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc. Soaking or sprouting hemp seeds can help to reduce the levels of phytic acid and make the nutrients more bioavailable.
Hemp seeds are also a high-fat food. Although the fat content is mostly healthy unsaturated fats, it’s important to eat them in moderation. Eating too much fat can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Finally, it’s important to note that hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant is also used to make marijuana, so there is a small risk that consuming hemp seeds could cause you to fail a drug test. To avoid this, make sure to buy hemp seeds that have been tested for THC and other cannabinoids. These products will be clearly labelled as “THC-free” or “broad-spectrum.”
While hemp seeds are generally safe for most people, it’s important to speak with your doctor before adding them to your diet if you have any concerns.
The future of hemp in the food industry:
The popularity of hemp seeds has been on the rise in recent years, as more people are becoming aware of their health benefits. As a result, the demand for hemp-based products is also on the rise.
Hemp seeds are used in a variety of food and beverage products, including milk, cheese, yogurt, granola, and protein powder. They can also be used to make hemp oil, which is popular in both cooking and cosmetics.
Hemp seeds are also being used as an alternative to soy in some vegan products. Hemp tofu, for example, is a type of tofu that is made with hemp milk instead of soy milk.
As the demand for hemp-based products continues to grow, it’s likely that we will see more innovative uses for hemp seeds in the food industry.