Hemp flour: health benefits and harms

Flour, which is obtained by processing the seeds of such a plant as hemp, has been known since ancient times. The seeds of this culture were used in the manufacture of porridge. This product is currently very popular in different countries. For example, Tatars are accustomed to using such an ingredient for cooking traditional dishes, Asian residents - to get sweets. A negative attitude to hemp is due to the presence in the leaves of narcotic components that have no connection with the seeds.

Composition and calorie content

Flour obtained from hemp seeds is considered a source of valuable dietary fiber, which, when it enters the intestines, improves the functioning of the digestive tract and has a general beneficial effect on the body.

The composition of this product includes about twenty amino acids, some of which are irreplaceable, that is, they are not synthesized by the human body, but can only be replenished due to food intake. These include methionine, arginine, tryptophan, lysine and others. Gluten is absent in hemp flour. For this reason, the product is recommended for people who often have an allergic reaction to this substance.

A lot of vitamins have been found in hemp seeds. We can distinguish among them tocopherol, which refers to antioxidants and promotes the regeneration of skin cells. Vitamin E helps to strengthen the immune system, increases efficiency, makes the walls of blood vessels more durable and elastic, ensures normal functioning of the heart. Also, this flour contains almost all the representatives of vitamin B group, which ensure the normal functioning of the nervous system and the brain. In addition to useful vitamins, the product also contains representatives of fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6. These substances are involved in the work of all organs and systems of the human body. Fatty acids can also eliminate the inflammatory process, relieve stress, they have a general strengthening effect.

In hemp seed flour there is such a substance as phytin, which is necessary for a person if there is not enough protein in his diet.

As part of the hemp processing product, many mineral components have been found that positively affect human health.

What is hemp flour good for?

General benefit

Enriched with useful components and minerals, flour from hemp seeds has a positive effect on the human body, namely, it prevents the occurrence of diabetes mellitus, and regulates the blood glucose index. The product improves metabolism, stimulates intestinal motility, which allows you to clean it of toxins and toxic compounds. Flour has the ability to restore intestinal microflora, as a result of which the problem of chronic constipation is solved. It is also known that this product is used to get rid of helminths.

Hemp flour helps cleanse the liver and protects it from negative influences.In addition, flour cleanses blood vessels of plaques and makes them stronger. The use of hemp flour prevents the occurrence of diseases of the cardiovascular system. Also, thanks to this ingredient in the diet, you can increase hemoglobin in the blood, get rid of extra pounds and protect the body from the development of obesity.

The use of hemp seed flour helps to overcome respiratory diseases of viral and infectious origin. The product has the ability to accelerate the healing process with mechanical damage to the skin, ulcers and burns.

For women

For the female half, hemp flour is valuable in that it helps to reduce centimeters at the waist, prevents the development of obesity. Fiber in the composition of this product suppresses hunger, which allows you to feel full for a long period and not to use additional snacks. The vitamin composition of flour activates the metabolism. This leads to the burning of fat cells.

Also, women appreciate the ability of hemp flour to improve the condition of the dermis, accelerate the treatment of skin diseases, as well as the healing processes in case of mechanical injuries. Omega-3 fatty acids and tocopherol maintain the necessary moisture for the skin. Carotenoids, ascorbic acid, amino acids stimulate the natural synthesis of collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity and youth of the dermis.

For men

Hemp flour improves performance. The vitamin E found in it increases endurance, stimulates muscle gain, which is especially important for athletes.

Also, the inclusion of such a substance in the diet of men leads to the fact that the likelihood of such pathologies of the male reproductive system as infertility and prostatitis is reduced. This is ensured by the presence of selenium and zinc in the product. It is these substances that maintain men's health.

As you know, more often it is men who are faced with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Therefore, in their diet must be present flour from hemp seed. Pectins with magnesium, which are part of this product, contribute to the elimination of "bad" cholesterol. This protects the walls of blood vessels from the occurrence of cholesterol plaques and the development of thrombosis.

During pregnancy

The period of gestation is often characterized by a weakening of the protective function of the body. Therefore, the diet of a pregnant woman should be enriched with various products that have a rich vitamin and mineral composition. One of these products can be hemp flour. It helps to strengthen weakened immunity due to the fact that it contains fibers that are a favorable environment for the growth of beneficial bacteria. The immunostimulating effect is also due to vitamins, antioxidants and various beneficial substances that are present in this product.

Often, pregnant women have a reduced level of hemoglobin. The use of cannabis flour foods will help solve this problem. This property is determined by the content of iron, vitamin C, as well as a number of essential amino acids.

The product restores intestinal microflora. This property will be useful for those women in a position who are faced with the problem of constipation when bearing a baby.

When breastfeeding

The inclusion of hemp product in the menu of a woman during breastfeeding leads to increased lactation. In addition, this flour is characterized by the presence of a large list of vitamins, mineral compounds and other useful components that will help a woman recover quickly after childbirth, strengthen a weakened immune system.

At the first use of this ingredient, it is important to monitor the reaction of the baby. If no negative consequences are found, you can use the product in the future. If the baby has a negative reaction to a new product, it is better to refuse to use it.

For kids

A child’s growing, still immature organism constantly needs nutrients, mineral compounds, which ensure normal growth and development. Hemp flour is characterized by such properties. Therefore, you can include such a component in the children's menu starting from the year. It is better to use such a product in the process of making porridge.

It is important after the child has consumed such porridge to monitor his well-being. Before using such a product, you should first consult with a pediatrician who has a baby.

When losing weight

As mentioned above, hemp milling has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, relieves constipation and restores the microflora in the intestines. Fiber, which is part of the flour, helps cleanse the body of toxic substances and improve metabolic processes.

The product helps to get rid of extra pounds and prevent the development of a disease such as obesity. Due to fiber, hunger is suppressed.

How to take hemp flour

Hemp flour can be used in the preparation of cereals and various flour products. You can use such a product in the form of a useful protein or vitamin supplement to various side dishes and first courses. In cooking at home, it is recommended to use such a component for breadcrumbs of cutlets, to use as a natural thickener when preparing sauces and gravy. You can add this ingredient in milk or coffee, in the dough for making pancakes.

The recommended daily intake of this type of flour is approximately 30 grams, which is equivalent to a couple of tablespoons.

The use of hemp flour in cosmetology

Useful characteristics of hemp flour have been used in the field of cosmetology. The oil of this product is contained in various shampoos and hair rinses. Hemp flour is used to make nutritious masks.

For example, you can prepare a facial cleansing mask with the addition of soda. The recipe includes a teaspoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of flour and half a glass of water. Dry ingredients should be mixed first, and then gradually pour the liquid into the powder mixture. The resulting mass must be thoroughly mixed so that no lumps are formed. Apply the mask to the skin of the face, hold for about ten minutes, then rinse off. This procedure helps cleanse the pores. You can use such a mask only if there are no scratches or other injuries on the face, otherwise drinking soda in the composition can damage the skin.

A moisturizing mask recipe is also known. To prepare it, you need to mix in a deep bowl 20 g of flour, a dessert spoon of honey, 0.5 cup of water and 5 g of cocoa powder. Instead of water, you can use a decoction of lemon balm. The resulting mixture should be applied to the pre-cleaned face for half an hour. After this period, the mask must be washed off and a nourishing cream applied to the skin. This mask is suitable for use in winter, when the skin needs protection against temperature extremes.

Beauticians offer a rejuvenating mask with the addition of hemp product. A mask with such an ingredient can have a rejuvenating effect. To prepare it, you will need 40 g of flour and 100 g of fat cream. The loose component must be diluted with cream to a homogeneous consistency. The resulting mass should be applied to the face for 25-30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Such a mask is an effective tool for smoothing out fine wrinkles and preventing the appearance of new ones. In addition, this composition gives the skin a healthy look and makes it more elastic.

Harm and contraindications

Several years ago, it was believed that the only contraindication to the use of flour from hemp seed is individual intolerance, however, currently there are other restrictions on the use of this substance.

So, if there are chronic pathologies of the digestive tract, especially pancreatitis, you should consult your doctor before using dishes based on hemp flour. Sometimes a product can cause an exacerbation of pathology.

If the daily intake of such flour is exceeded, blood thinning may occur. This leads to prolonged bleeding, and also causes problems with the cardiovascular system.

Hemp flour should not be used for breading if the dish is toasted using vegetable oil. This can lead to destruction of the structure of amino acids. Under certain conditions, these substances can become carcinogenic, and when they accumulate in the body, the risk of developing cancer increases.

If you experience any symptoms after consuming hemp flour, consult a specialist.

How to choose and store

When choosing a product, it is important to study its composition. High-quality flour should be made only with the use of plant seeds, other raw materials and foreign impurities should not be. Currently, unscrupulous manufacturers often replace a certain part of a useful product with various inclusions of unknown origin. If you buy such a product from an unreliable manufacturer, you can harm the body.

Hemp flour is stored in sealed packaging at room temperature. Shelf life should be no more than six months. After the specified period, the flour loses part of its beneficial properties.

What can be prepared from hemp flour: recipes

Hemp seed flour has been widely used in medicine and cosmetology, but most often this component is found in various culinary dishes, especially in Asia.

Many different recipes are known using hemp flour. It is used for making porridge, soup, baking, as well as an additive to side dishes and drinks. This component is also used as a thickener to make sauce.

It is not recommended to use the product when frying fish and meat, as during the chemical reaction amino acids are destroyed and dangerous compounds are released that can cause oncology.

Biscuit

Cookies with hemp flour are crumbly and soft, acquiring a chocolate-nutty flavor. You can use any nuts for such baking, but walnuts or hazelnuts are best for these purposes. So, you will need 50 g of hemp seed flour, 100 g of nuts, a tablespoon of cocoa, one banana, a couple of drops of vanilla syrup and two or three tablespoons of Jerusalem artichoke syrup. Chop nuts with a blender or coffee grinder. Mash a banana with a fork until smooth. In the resulting puree, you need to add the remaining ingredients, knead the dough, which should turn out sticky. Using a spoon, put the dough in parts on a silicone mat. Next, with wet hands, form cookies and make a pattern with a fork. To bake such cookies you need only 15 minutes in the oven, preheated to 190 degrees.

Porridge

Probably the easiest and most common dish with the addition of hemp flour is porridge. To get such a good treat you will need water, half a glass of flour, salt with pepper and herbs if desired. The water must be brought to a boil, and then add the flour from the seeds of the hemp plant to it. The mass should be mixed until a creamy consistency is formed. The finished porridge can only be seasoned with spices and sprinkled with finely chopped herbs. The dish should be infused for 20 minutes.

Pancakes

To make pancakes using hemp flour, you need 400 ml of milk, a glass of flour, 2-3 eggs, sugar to taste, a pinch of salt and vegetable oil to lubricate the pan. First you need to mix and beat eggs, sugar and salt a little. Then pour milk, which was at room temperature for some time, and mix with the egg mixture. After that add hemp seed flour, while the dough should remain the same liquid. Then add plain wheat flour until the desired consistency is obtained. The dough is ready, it remains to bake pancakes in the usual way for everyone, pouring a small amount of dough into a greased frying pan and frying on both sides.

Syrniki

To test the cottage cheese pancakes, you will need two eggs, a tablespoon of sugar, three tablespoons of sour cream, 250 g of cottage cheese, two tablespoons of hemp flour, two tablespoons of melted butter and salt to taste. The oven should be heated to a temperature of 200 degrees. During this time, you need to beat the eggs, and then add to them all the other ingredients. Form cheese cakes from the finished dough, place them on a baking sheet laid out with special baking paper, and bake for 20 minutes.

Soup

Two servings of soup will require one onion, 200 g of cabbage, two carrots, a tablespoon of hemp plant flour and the same amount of oat bran.

Hemp flour and bran should be added to the pre-cooked broth from these vegetables. The mass must be mixed, seasoned with spices and bring to a boil. The dish is ready, it can be served with sour cream and finely chopped herbs.

How to make hemp flour

To obtain such flour, you first need to choose high-quality raw materials. Pre-washed seeds of whole parts of the culture must be dried at a temperature of 90 degrees to obtain a product with a moisture content of not more than eight percent. Next, cool and grind the raw materials to a powdery consistency. Pack the resulting powder in a bag without husk separation. As a result of such processing of hemp seed, flour is obtained, enriched with mineral elements, various vitamins and fatty acids.

Interesting facts about hemp

1. Today, in some countries it is considered legal to have up to 0.5 kg of hemp. Doctors prescribe cannabis in half of the US states; in the best clinics, this substance is used for medicinal purposes.
2. Hemp is used for a variety of purposes. Some parts of the plant are used in the treatment of various diseases, the culinary field, and cosmetology. Certain parts of this culture are used in the manufacture of fabrics and paper. In addition, attempts were made to use the plant as fuel for a diesel engine. This was done so that the exhaust gases had a characteristic aroma of the plant.
3. Hemp oil is characterized by the ability to reduce neoplasms. With internal use, as well as use for applying compresses, such a tool will help get rid of skin cancer.
4. In the study of this plant by scientists, it was found that hemp contains a cannabinoid in its composition, which relieves stress, eliminates a sense of anxiety. However, with prolonged use of such substances, side effects are possible, which can manifest as hallucinations and bouts of paranoia.
5. According to research, over a year, more than two million people used weed for smoking, with the majority being young people aged 16–30 years.
6. Those who often use cannabis receive irreparable brain damage in return, which leads to the development of various mental illnesses and a disorder of the nervous system.
7. Today there are many Starbuck coffee houses. It seems that five minutes do not pass before another such institution appears in front of my eyes. So, for comparison, scientific centers that are engaged in the study of hemp, there is much more.

Photo of hemp flour