Hemp Seeds

hemp seeds 

History and Curiosities

Hemp has always been a plant used in ancient times as a raw material to produce fabrics and later also used for the production of paper. Native to Asia, and belonging to the Cannabaceous or Cannabinaceous family, from this plant were also produced "oily" (for lighting and energy) and "food" (flour and feed for animals), as well as "fibrous" (textile fibers, clothes, paper, ropes).

In India, according to tradition, the sacred texts spoke of the hemp plant as a plant capable of "freeing from anxiety". The Indians used to use these seeds during religious ceremonies and also in the pharmaceutical field. 

In Italy , on the other hand, hemp was widespread especially in Milan. In fact, Milan is the main venue where several researches and experiments of this new medicine were carried out. 

The use of hemp then spread to the industrial level. Due to the amazing properties of some varieties of hemp seeds, in particular the Indian one (hemp sativa), cultivation and marketing are still prohibited in many countries. 

Always considered a "poor" product, hemp seeds have recently been re-evaluated, especially in the vegan diet, to the point that today, by virtue of their nutritional properties, they are considered as a real food supplement.

Properties and Benefits 

Hemp seeds are among the so-called protein foods and as we will see, they bring numerous benefits to our health.

Considered a natural medicine for the presence of essential amino acids, hemp seeds are rich in omega 3 and omega 6, very important for the regulation of the body's metabolic activities. 

Hemp seeds do not contain THC, the person responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis, therefore their consumption is authorized and, indeed, have an excellent vitamin content. In fact, we can see that B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium are abundant. While the sodium content is decidedly moderate (5 mg per 100 gr of product). 

Hemp seeds are also considered as a suitable food to protect glands, muscles and nervous system. 

As already mentioned, hemp seeds contain all the amino acids essential for protein synthesis. Amino acids represent the elements from which our body is able to produce the proteins necessary for its functioning. 

- Hemp seeds for weight loss 

Thanks to the presence of fiber, fatty acids and proteins, hemp seeds help to feel full for longer and reduce the craving for sugars. Soluble fiber forms a gelatinous substance in the intestine. These seeds are in fact 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 who suffer from acne and psoriasis. 

Recipes 

Hemp seeds can be taken whole, spread raw as a condiment on all your dishes, or ground in smoothies or yogurt. The properties of hemp seeds and those of dried or dehydrated fruit allow you to create 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's see together now the short procedure. 

We take the whole seeds or the peeled ones (250g), blend them in 1.3 l of water. We will get a creamy and dense drink. The slightly sweet taste allows us to reduce or completely eliminate sweeteners, but nothing prevents us from scenting our drink with some spice or cocoa powder.

Hemp seeds are often used in the kitchen also as a replacement for heavy breading and not recommended for our body. In fact, hemp seeds can be chopped in breadcrumbs or flour to obtain slightly toasted breading, excellent for munching on and above all much healthier than fried breading.

Using hemp seeds in the kitchen means adding to your dishes a tasty food that can provide irreplaceable nutrients.

hemp seed oil 

With a variable color between light green and intense green, a smell and taste reminiscent of hazelnuts, hemp oil has chemical-physical and nutritional characteristics. Hemp seed oil is rich in mineral salts such as ferro, calcium, magnesium and potassium and amino acids ideal for the proper functioning of the body. Ideal for seasoning foods, as a food supplement but also as an impregnating agent for chalk and as an ingredient in detergents for personal hygiene such as soaps and shampoos. 

Contraindications

Any contraindications may come from the intake of hemp seeds in excessive quantities, but like all seeds, if taken in moderation they do not present any contraindications. 

How to store hemp seeds

Hemp seeds are sensitive to heat and light, so there is no need to soak them. It is better to store them in a dark, cool and dry place or in the refrigerator.