Eating hemp seeds every day provides essential nutrients that balance our diet and provide well-being to our body. Apart from its high nutritional value already mentioned, some scientific studies have described other health properties of hemp seeds. It is the presence of bioactive peptides that promote cardiovascular health in hemp seeds(6). In in vitro studies, some components of hemp seeds have shown antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic properties. However, this is a first trial and there is still room for further research. This fact, together with its richness in Omega 3, fiber, high content of magnesium, niacin (vitamin B3) and potassium, makes hemp seeds a perfect food to take care of the heart and improve cardiovascular health(7). If you want to go deeper into the matter, we invite you to visit our blog post on the benefits of hemp seeds.
- They provide proteins of high biological value(31%): hemp seeds have all the essential amino acids in an optimal balance for health.
- Hemp seeds are one of the best sources of vegetable protein because they provide sulfur amino acids (limiting in legumes), which is an advantage compared to soybeans. They are also rich in lysine, surpassing the protein quality of nuts.
- Hemp seeds constitute an authentic natural Omega 3 supplement with a balanced Omega 6 intake, which favors its anti-inflammatory properties (an excess of Omega 6 blocks the effects of Omega 3).
- They provide a lot of fiber, which has a slight laxative effect and contributes to a lower risk of diabetes, obesity and certain intestinal diseases such as diverticula and colon cancer(5).
- Eating hemp seeds is like a natural phosphorus supplement. Inositol and choline, types of fats (phospholipids) essential in the formation of neurotransmitters in the brain, are found in the germ of hemp seeds. Ideal for students, people with stress and memory or concentration problems.
- Hemp seeds are very rich in magnesium, important in the diet of athletes, bone problems, fatigue and bad rest or insomnia.
- They are rich in iron, so it is perfect to add hemp seeds in vegetarian and vegan diets and when there are increased needs (anemia, pregnancy, lactation).
Peeled hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant(Cannabis sativa ). L.), carefully selected and stripped of their outer shell, very fibrous, to be consumed in a pleasant and nutritious way in human food. When buying hemp seeds it is important that they come from organic farming. In Cannactiva we use organic hemp seeds, in which no toxic pesticides or herbicides have been used.
Hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa L.). Cannactiva hemp seeds are free of cannabinoids (CBD, THC and others) and do not have psychoactive effects. If you want to go deeper into the matter, don't miss our post on differences between hemp and marijuana .
Hemp seeds are consumed in the form of sprouts, a growing trend. However, peeled seeds cannot be germinated. Only whole, unroasted seeds (hemp seeds) germinate, which can be purchased at any bird food store.
Hemp seeds are also called organic hemp seeds (in English, hemp means hemp), or simply raw, peeled, shelled or hulled hemp seeds.
Hemp seeds are only contraindicated for people who are allergic to hemp seeds or to traces of gluten, mustard and lupins. In case of illnesses that require dietary restrictions, consult a physician or dietitian-nutritionist.
Here are some good raw recipes for cooking hemp seeds:
- Hemp energy bars and pellets: mix a good amount of hemp seeds with date or raisin paste, along with other ingredients of your choice, such as fine oat flakes, chia, cocoa and chopped hazelnuts, for example. Mold and cool. It's a very nutritious snack!
- Hemp pesto sauce: grind hemp seeds with oil, basil, grated parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper to taste.
- Muesli: with fine oat flakes, chia, chocolate chips, cinnamon and honey. Toast lightly in the oven and, when slightly warm, add organic hemp seeds, chopped nuts and mix well.
- Guacamole: prepare it with the traditional recipe, and give it the final touch with crushed hemp seeds. You can also use them as topping.
Everyone can benefit from the properties of hemp seeds in their diet, being especially recommended for people:
- Athletes, because they provide complete proteins (with high arginine and BCAA content).
- Stress, anemia and fatigue, as a restorative rich in protein, healthy fats, iron and magnesium.
- Students, due to its high phosphorus content, involved in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain.
- During pregnancy and lactation, when the nutritional requirements of all nutrients increase, especially Omega 3, proteins, iron and zinc, among others.
- Diabetes and obesity, because it provides very few carbohydrates and a good amount of important nutrients for health, which can be lacking if restrictive diets are followed.
- Constipation, where it is recommended to increase the intake of fiber and good quality fats.
- Diets for cardiovascular health and hypertension, organic hemp seeds are ideal in the Mediterranean diet.
- In diets for pain, because they provide Omega 3, vegetable protein rich in arginine and magnesium, nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties and involved in muscle recovery.
Hemp seeds have a neutral flavor reminiscent of nuts. Its texture is quite creamy, since it contains almost 50% fat. This characteristic makes them creamy and makes them combine well with all kinds of preparations.
There is no minimum or maximum amount of hemp seed stipulated. We recommend 3-4 teaspoons of hemp seeds daily (20 grams) to obtain a good supply of Omega 3. Like any healthy food, it can be consumed in the desired amounts, within a balanced and varied diet.
Per daily serving, about 3-4 heaped teaspoons of organic hemp seeds (21 grams) provide:
- 128 calories (Kcal.) (6% of daily energy requirements)
- Fats: 10 g., of which Omega 3: 2 g. and Omega 6: 6 g.
- Carbohydrates: 1 g., of which sugars: 0.5 g.;
- Protein: 6.5 g. (the same amount as 1 egg!)
- Fiber: 1.7 g.
- Iron: 2.1 mg (15% RDA)
- Magnesium: 132.3 mg (35% RDA)
- Phosphorus: 310.8 mg (44% RDA)
- Potassium: 210 mg (11% RDA)