What do hemp, pistachio, almond and walnut plants have in common? The goodness, the quality of oil seeds. But let's take it one step at a time. Before extolling the virtues of the properties of seeds in the kitchen and focusing on the specific qualities of hemp seeds, we need to free ourselves from the confusion we often have on the subject: walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pine nuts... are they "dried fruit"? And what are the “seeds”? Well, by dried fruit we must mean the products of drying some fruits, such as figs, grapes and dates. Pistachios, almonds or walnuts are therefore to be classified under the heading "seeds" ( to be precise "oil seeds", vegetable seeds that can produce oil). Seeds are therefore those of amaranth, watermelon, peanut, hemp, safflower, chia, cotton, sunflower, flax, almond, hazelnut, walnut, poppy, pine nut, pistachio, psyllium, quinoa, sesame, tamarind and pumpkin . We will tell you:
- Virtues and varieties of seeds
- Hemp specifically
- Natural supplements
Virtues and varieties of seeds .
Seeds are part of the Mediterranean diet (rich in nutrients) due to the variety of flavors they offer and the nutritional quality they provide. Modern food science has studied the surprising effects of these truly natural food supplements on the health of the human body.
In fact, the seeds contain proteins (arginine is essential for the control of blood pressure), polyunsaturated lipids (with a high content of omega 3), minerals (magnesium, zinc), vitamins (above all A, E, K), essential amino acids . Furthermore, each variety of seeds guarantees specific flavor and properties. A list:
• Peanuts
Let's start with an exception. In truth it is a legume, which has always been considered an oilseed. High content of proteins, vitamin E, vitamin B3, manganese, magnesium . Amino acids for mood control.
• Chia
High content of calcium, non-glycemic carbohydrates, water-soluble dietary fibre, polyunsaturated fatty acids. Presence of phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper . Regulatory virtue of blood sugar levels, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, weight control.
• Sunflower
High magnesium content, proteins (branched acids). Presence of omega3, omega6, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin E, phosphorus, manganese, copper, selenium . Virtue for sporting activity, for good digestion, in the interested state, it prevents heart diseases.
• Linen
High omega3 content. Presence of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper.
To be consumed raw, after having chopped them . Virtues for the prevention of heart disease, hypertension and osteoporosis.
• Almonds
High content of proteins, magnesium, omega3, vitamin E, vitamin B2, copper, manganese. Its oil is highly nourishing for dry skin and parched hair.
• Hazelnuts
High content of vitamins B1, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E. High content of phytosterols, for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidant virtues.
• Walnuts
High omega3 content, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Walnuts replace fish for your daily amount of omega3. High antioxidant power and presence of a particular amino acid ( arginine ).
• Pine nuts
High content of proteins, arginine, for the efficiency of neuronal and sexual activity, for the production of protective nitric oxide of the vascular system, good dose of omega3, vitamin B1, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and manganese.
• Pistachios
High content of vitamin B6, copper , branched chain amino acids for sporting activity. Antioxidant virtues.
• Sesame
High calcium content of calcium, omega3, copper. Presence of iron, magnesium, zinc, vegetable fibres, phosphorus, copper. For the control of cholesterol, blood pressure, osteoporosis, arthritis; antioxidant virtues.
• Pumpkin
High carbohydrate content. Presence of iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc. Antioxidant virtues, prostate health, arthritis, osteoporosis.
Hemp specifically
Let's now examine hemp seeds : they are a good source of proteins, they boast the presence of a notable variety of amino acids, the balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids , they contain a quantity of fiber equal to 40% . Finally, their beneficial phytosterol content should be considered. Hemp oil, cold pressed to keep its properties intact, offers its qualities both on the table and for body and hair care.
Specifically: Amino acids are essential for the production of proteins necessary for the functioning of the human body and for strengthening the immune system. Hemp seeds contain: leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for the health of muscles, nerve receptors and some glands. While fatty acids (omega3 and omega6) offer saving effects for the metabolism. The antioxidant effect is guaranteed by the presence of Vitamin E , the health of the body and mind is supported by the presence of potassium, magnesium and calcium.
In summary, the nutritional intake of hemp seeds is suitable for athletes and vegan diets (due to the high protein content), and for anyone who intends to pay attention to the prevention of inflammatory diseases, cholesterol control, blood pressure control and care of the cardiovascular system, muscles and nervous system.
The seeds, whole or hulled, have an intense flavor that recalls the flavor of hazelnuts and is therefore used both to enrich soups and salads and for desserts. The recommended daily quantity to fully exploit the nutritional virtues is between 20 and 50 grams in hulled seeds.
Natural supplements
In conclusion, in addition to taking care of the muscles and the nervous system, hemp seeds offer us a great contribution for the prevention of high cholesterol, asthma, sinusitis, arthrosis, and all diseases related to cardiovascular problems.
Whole hemp seeds can be used in the kitchen in the most varied ways, just as they are commercially available in organic, whole and hulled varieties. A high nutritional value is offered by the oil obtained from it, which can be organic and cold-pressed hemp seed oil.
If you like, not just hemp: know that a daily portion of 20 grams of the most popular seeds, also used to enrich other foods, offers the quality of the best food supplements on the market. They do well and are good.
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