Hemp seeds: uses and nutritional benefits

• Anti-atherogenic (omega-3, vitamin E, phytonutrient): Hemp seeds are full of omega-3. Omega-3 is truly essential in cardiovascular protection: it promotes blood fluidity, while limiting inflammation of the arteries. The whole makes it possible to act preventively and curatively on atherosclerotic plaques. Remember that the omega-6/omega-3 ratio is excellent in hemp seeds, an important index to ensure good health. Finally, the antioxidants in Hemp seeds prevent cholesterol oxidation.

• Regulator of intestinal transit (fiber): in the intestines, the fibers of Hemp seeds absorb water, which increases the mass of stools and accelerates intestinal transit.

• Lipid-lowering (lipid, fiber, phytosterol): Hemp seeds have a perfect lipid profile: a high content of omega-3, which is hypotriglyceridemic and cardiovascular protective; a moderate intake of omega-6, having hypocholesterolemic power. In addition, the fibers and phytosterols found in Hemp seeds reduce the absorption of dietary cholesterol.

• Antioxidant (vitamin E, phytonutrient): Hemp seeds are a source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant: it neutralizes the activity of free radicals. In addition, studies note high levels of total polyphenols, flavonoids, flavonols and carotenoids in hemp seeds. These compounds are known for their antioxidant effects.

• Immunomodulating (iron, edestin): Hemp seeds are vectors of iron and edestin. Adequate iron intake supports the immune response. Edestin is a precursor of immunoglobulins (antibodies): it is the first line of defense of the adaptive immune system, they detect and neutralize pathogens.

• Appetite regulator (fiber, lipid, protein, low sugar content): Hemp seeds have a low glycemic index, which encourages the feeling of satiety. In fact, fibers, lipids and proteins represent more than 90% of Hemp seeds. The latter reduce the bioavailability of carbohydrates. Thanks to Hemp seeds, the increase in postprandial blood sugar is gentle and will not induce a sudden drop in blood sugar.

• Control blood sugar (fiber, lipid, protein, low sugar content): Hemp seeds reduce the glycemic load of the meal thanks to their low glycemic index.

• Contributing to energy metabolism (lipid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus): Hemp seeds provide the body with something to produce energy: iron, magnesium and phosphorus contribute to the functioning of energy metabolism enzymes. Furthermore, the majority of their macronutrients are lipids. Lipids have a high energy density: 9 kcal per 1 g of lipid.

• Participating in muscular functioning (protein, magnesium, potassium): through their protein intake, hemp seeds participate in muscle contraction and synthesis. Additionally, they are rich in magnesium and potassium which contribute to muscle function.

• Anti-fatigue (iron, magnesium): Hemp seeds contribute to the magnesium and ferric intake. A sufficient intake of iron and magnesium helps reduce fatigue.

• Regulator of the nervous system (magnesium, potassium): propagation of the nervous message is possible thanks to ion movements. Hemp seeds contribute to the supply of its ions, explaining its participation in the functioning of the nervous system.

• Skin regenerating (iron, magnesium, phosphorus): Hemp seeds contribute to the process of cell division by providing iron and magnesium. In addition, they provide phosphorus, which is part of the composition of phospholipids. Phospholipids form the membranes of cells, including the skin.

• Relaxer (magnesium, potassium): although hemp seeds are devoid of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc.), they will nevertheless promote relaxation of the body. The seeds are extremely rich in magnesium: 60 g of seed completely meets the daily magnesium requirement. Magnesium reduces muscle tone, thus limiting muscle tension. In addition, potassium confers a hypotensive effect on hemp seeds.

• Remineralizing (magnesium, phosphorus): Hemp seeds are extremely rich in phosphorus and magnesium. These two minerals are stored in bones and teeth, which contributes to their mineralization.

Hemp is an angiosperm plant belonging to the Cannabinaceae family. This annual plant is generally 1 to 2 m high. It likes bright environments and soil with a basic pH. Its culture is estimated to be among the oldest of humanity. Its exact origin is difficult to identify. Archaeobotanical studies find the first traces of Hemp in Central Asia. Subsequently, Hemp was introduced into Europe, as an agricultural plant, during the Bronze Age (from the 22nd to the 16th century BC).

Everything is good in Hemp! Indeed, all parts of the plant are used and make it possible to obtain paper, fabric, rope, biocompounds with strong insulating power, fuel, biodegradable plastic, antibacterial detergents and more recently food products, such as oil, flour, beer, etc.

Hemp seeds are technically achenes. Recently, Hemp has seen its food interest explode, France is benefiting from this craze since it is the largest producer of Hemp in Europe. From an international point of view, it is China which stands out as the world leader in Hemp. Concerning the inflorescences, the latter are not authorized for harvest in France, due to the presence of molecules from the cannabinoid class.

The reputation of Hemp is very often linked to its relaxing and even hallucinogenic powers. But, it is important to distinguish between Hemp grown in France for industrial use (food, construction, textiles, etc.) and cannabis, also called recreational Hemp. Industrial Hemp contains no or very little (less than 0.2%) psychotropic substance: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in comparison with cannabis. The latter is very rich in resin in which this famous molecule is found, and is mainly exploited for its medicinal and psychotropic properties. No worries therefore since the plots of producers of Hemp used in food are subject to particularly strict controls in order to verify that the crops come from varieties low in THC (< 0.2%). Your Hemp seeds may therefore contain traces of THC, but these traces are tiny. So tiny that to absorb 5 mg of THC, you would have to eat more than 2 kg of Hemp seeds per day. While knowing that 5 mg does not cause psychoactive effects on a 68 kg individual... You will have a stomach ache before feeling any hallucinatory effects.