Hemp Seeds
History and Curiosities
Hemp has always been a plant used in ancient times as a raw material for producing textiles and later also used for paper production. Native to Asia, and belonging to the Cannabaceae or Cannabinaceae family, "oily" (for lighting and energy) and "food" (farinaceous and animal fodder) substances, as well as "fibrous" (textile fibers, clothing, paper, ropes) were also produced from this plant.
At India, according to tradition, sacred texts spoke of the hemp plant as a plant that could "free one from anxiety." Indians used to use these seeds during religious ceremonies and also in the pharmaceutical field.
In Italy contrast, hemp was especially widespread in Milanese territory. In fact, Milan represents the main location where several researches and experiments of this new medicine were made.
The use of hemp later spread to the industrial level as well. Because of the narcotic properties of some varieties of hemp seeds, particularly Indian hemp (hemp sativa), cultivation and marketing are still banned in many countries.
Always considered a "poor" product, hemp seeds have recently been reevaluated, especially in the vegan diet, to the point that today, by virtue of their nutritional properties, they are considered to be on a par with a real food supplement.
Properties and Benefits
Hemp seeds are among the so-called protein foods, and as we shall see, they provide numerous benefits to our health.
Considered a natural medicine due to the presence of essential amino acids, hemp seeds are rich in omega 3 and omega 6, which are very important for regulating the body's metabolic activities.
Hemp seeds do not contain THC, the culprit responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis, so their consumption is permitted and, indeed, they have an excellent vitamin content. Indeed, we can see that B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium are abundant. While the sodium content is definitely moderate (5 mg per 100 g of product).
Hemp seeds are also regarded as a suitable food to protect glands, muscles and nervous system.
In fact, as mentioned above, hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids for protein synthesis. Amino acids represent the elements from which our body is able to produce the proteins necessary for its own functioning.
- Hemp seeds for weight loss
Due to the presence of fiber, fatty acids and protein, hemp seeds help you feel full longer and reduce sugar cravings. The soluble fibers form a gelatinous substance in the intestines. In fact, these seeds are recommended for breakfast as they help curb hunger, thus contributing to weight loss.
- Hemp seeds for our beauty
In the field of cosmetics, hemp seeds are excellent allies for hair, skin and nails. They excellently nourish and strengthen our hair and nails and are suitable for dry, inflamed skin and especially for those suffering from acne and psoriasis.
Recipes
Hemp seeds can be taken whole, sprinkled raw as a condiment on all your dishes, or ground into smoothies or yogurt. The properties of hemp seeds and those of dried or dehydrated fruits make for a nutritious mix that tantalizes the palate.
Few people know that from hemp seeds it is possible to obtain a vEGETABLE MILK rich in nutrients. Let us now see together the brief process.
We take whole or hulled seeds (250g), blend them in 1.3 l of water. We will get a creamy, thick drink. The slightly sweet taste allows us to reduce or eliminate sweeteners altogether, but nothing prevents us from flavoring our drink with some spices or cocoa powder.
Hemp seeds are also often used in the kitchen as a substitute for heavy breadcrumbs that are not recommended for our bodies. In fact, hemp seeds can be crushed into breadcrumbs or flour to make lightly toasted breadcrumbs that are great to munch on and, above all, much healthier than fried breadcrumbs.
Using hemp seeds in cooking means adding a tasty food to one's dishes that can provide irreplaceable nutrients.
Hemp seed oil
Varying in color between light and deep green, with an odor and taste reminiscent of hazelnuts, hemp oil has chemical-physical and nutritional characteristics. Hemp seed oil is rich in mineral salts such asiron, calcium, magnesium and potassium and amino acids that are ideal for the proper functioning of the body. It is ideal for seasoning foods, as a food supplement but also as an impregnating agent for chalk and as an ingredient in personal hygiene cleansers such as soaps and shampoos.
Contraindications
Possible contraindications may come from taking hemp seeds in excessive amounts, but like all seeds, if taken in moderation they have no contraindications.
How to store hemp seeds
Hemp seeds are sensitive to heat and light, so there is no need to soak them. It is best to store them in a dark, cool and dry place or in the refrigerator.