Since I consume hemp seeds almost every day either in my oatmeal or sprinkled over a salad, let me tell you why this superfood is so powerful.
Introduction
Hemp seeds are indeed the seeds of the hemp plant – Cannabis sativa. Hemp should not be mistaken with its cousin cannabis – also a Cannabis plant – which is used as a medicine and recreational drug.
Since antiquity, hemp has been recognised for its textile and medicinal uses. Hemp seed is deemed as one of the world’s healthiest foods and one of the best-balanced sources of proteins nature has to offer.
Proteins are important not only as a constructive element for the body cells, but also as neurotransmitters which allow the cells to receive and transmit signals. This is of vital importance for the proper functioning of all body systems and organs.
Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Hemp protein has the largest concentration of globulin Edestin – 65% – in the plant kingdom. Edestin protein is of essential significance for the immune system and is only found in the seeds of the hemp. Edestin is said to be the spine of the cell’s DNA and to repair DNA damage, although that is debatable.
Our bodies need around 25-30 gr. (1 oz.) of pure protein daily. The problem here is whether we get it and, more importantly, if we get the daily dose – whether we fully absorb it.
It has been established that heat treatment (for instance, cooking) destroys around 50% of the proteins’ amount. It is also known that animal proteins are difficult to absorb.
Therefore, consuming around 100 gr. (3,58 oz.) raw hemp seeds with around 35% pure fully digestible protein provide our daily dose of healthy food.
Not only hemp seeds contain all essential amino acids, but they have copious amounts of fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and insoluble fibre.
Hemp seeds are an amazing ingredient for bread, biscuits, pastries, oatmeal. Besides, sprinkle some peeled hemp seeds over your salad to make it really mouth-watering (and healthy too).
The unpeeled hemp seeds (see featured image) are mainly used for sprouting and for making hemp milk and sprouts. The whole seeds can be ground to hemp flour.
The main advantage of the unpeeled hemp seeds is that they are with a higher mineral and insoluble dietary fibre content. One should not underestimate the cheaper price and the longer durability.
How to prepare hemp milk at home?
Soak 1 cup of hemp seeds in water for around 8 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly. Put in a blender with 2 cups of water and mix for 2-3 minutes. The water’s quantity may vary according to the desired thickness. Drain in a cheesecloth. Garnish with honey, dried nuts or fresh fruit which should be put in the blender with the hemp seeds.
The other “leftovers” from the blended mix can be used as a cosmetic body peeling or as a nourishing face mask.
Have you tried hemp seeds before? Do you have any other tips in regards to their consumption? I would love to read them in the comments.