What are the benefits of hemp?
Due to a lack of awareness, hemp is often associated with cannabis alone in the popular imagination. Hemp, at least its seeds and the oil extracted from them, are excellent nutrients. The psychotropic substance of cannabis is mainly found in the leaves of the plant. Hemp seed is free of psychoactive substances.
On the other hand, hemp seed is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (30%, including omega 3 and omega 6), which are essential for the body. This contribution is appreciated for its cholesterol regulating action and for its preventive action in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.
Hemp seed is popular with vegetarians because it has a high protein content (25%, second only to soya). In addition, like quinoa, it provides the essential amino acids required for our diet. The protein it provides is also better digested than that from other plant sources. A complementary food for vegetarians looking for something new.
Hemp seed is also rich in soluble and insoluble fibre. Insoluble fibres are interesting for the regulation of intestinal transit. Soluble fibre helps to manage blood sugar levels, making it a good preventive measure against type 2 diabetes.
The nutritional value of hemp seeds has led the food industry to take an interest in them, so that today you can find various hemp seed products on the market, such as cereal bars, cheese substitutes, butter, herbal teas and coffee.
The other component of hemp is the oil extracted from the hemp seed. Best known for its use in the cosmetic industry, hemp oil is appreciated for its moisturising, nourishing and regenerating properties. It is a perfect remedy for skin burns, whether it be to soothe razor burn or the effects of sunburn. Some oncology units use it to soothe the skin under the effects of radiotherapy.