Hemp flour: properties and uses

The properties of hemp flour were known long before our era and played an important role for healers in China and India. Later, this flour gained popularity in European countries, but over time, other cereals have replaced it from everyday life. Not so long ago, interest in this product has increased again, but the controversial attitude towards the plant from the seeds of which it is produced, make you wonder what the benefits and harms of hemp flour are.

The composition and calorie content of hemp flour

Due to its chemical composition, hemp flour has a variety of beneficial properties. So, it contains pectins and coarse dietary fiber - fiber, which have a positive effect on the general condition of a person and remove toxins and other harmful substances. It also contains various useful micro and macro elements necessary for the normal development of the body: magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, sulfur, chlorine.

Hemp flour is a rich source of vitamins B, E, PP, D and K. It also contains carotenoids, which are the prototype of vitamin A.

In addition, hemp seeds contain two dozen amino acids, half of which are not synthesized in the human body and can only be obtained from food.

The product also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the correct proportion (1: 3). Their benefits lie in a pronounced beneficial effect on almost all areas of the body's life, including the nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, endocrine and reproductive systems.

At the same time, flour is low in fat. 100 g of this substance have the following energy value:

The daily consumption rate is 2 - 3 tbsp. l. (about 30 g).

The beneficial properties of hemp flour

The benefits of hemp flour have been noticed by people since ancient times, and therefore this product is still an important component of dishes in the cuisines of many nations of the world. Hemp flour has a complex health-improving effect on humans. In particular, she:

1. It has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, helps to cope with constipation and normalizes the balance of intestinal microflora. Due to the high fiber content, the body is cleansed of harmful toxins and the metabolism is accelerated.
2. It prevents the development of type II diabetes mellitus, as it regulates blood sugar levels and suppresses the excessive production of insulin.
3. Promotes weight loss and prevents the development of obesity. Fiber dampens the feeling of hunger, which is why a person feels full for a long time and no longer needs additional snacks, and B vitamins activate metabolic processes. As a result, fat cells are burned, which makes hemp flour an effective weight loss aid.
4. It inhibits the development of liver and biliary tract diseases, since magnesium, which is found in large quantities in hemp seed flour, has choleretic properties. It also prevents gallstones from forming.
5. Improves the work of the cardiovascular system and prevents the development of thrombosis. The pectins in the flour in combination with magnesium bind harmful cholesterol and safely remove it from the body, thereby preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
6. Reduces the risk of developing diseases of the male genitourinary system, such as infertility, prostatitis and others, thanks to the reserves of magnesium, selenium and zinc, the benefits of which for male health have been confirmed by the medical community.
7. Enhances lactation in women during breastfeeding.
8. Increases the body's defenses. Hemp flour fibers serve as a breeding ground for beneficial bifidobacteria, which strengthen the immune system.
9. Enhances mental alertness. A rich source of amino acids, hemp flour has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system, improves memory and improves concentration, as well as eliminates insomnia and helps fight stress.
10. Improves physical performance. The presence of vitamin E in hemp flour increases endurance and muscle mass, which is very beneficial for athletes.
11. Restores blood composition. Hemp seed meal contains globulin and albumin, which normalize the level of hemoglobin in human blood and, therefore, help to prevent anemia.

The numerous beneficial properties of the product make it suitable for use by people of all ages and health conditions. It can be eaten without harm by both children and elderly people. It is also safe for women during pregnancy.

Ways to Eat Hemp Flour

Hemp seed flour has a fairly wide range of uses. It is actively used in traditional medicine in the complex treatment and prevention of many ailments, and is a popular ingredient in homemade cosmetics. But she gained the greatest recognition in cooking, especially in Asian countries.

Hemp flour dishes

There are many recipes based on hemp flour. It can be used in the preparation of self-sufficient dishes such as cereals, soups, all kinds of pastries, or used as a vitamin and mineral supplement to side dishes, first courses and even drinks. It also makes an excellent thickener for sauces.

Hemp porridge

Perhaps the most popular and quickest hemp flour dish is porridge. To prepare it you will need:

• flour - 0.5 tbsp.;
• salt and pepper to taste;
• onions and herbs to taste.

Cooking procedure:

• The water is brought to a boil.
• Pour hemp flour into it.
• Stir until a creamy mass is obtained.
• Season the prepared porridge with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle with chopped onions or herbs.
• Let it brew for 15 - 20 minutes.

Hemp soup

For 2 servings of the dish you will need:

• onion 1 pc.;
• white cabbage 150 g;
• carrots 2 pcs.;
• hemp flour 1 tbsp l .;
• oat bran 1 tbsp. l.

Cooking steps:

• Bran and flour are added to the pre-cooked vegetable broth made from onions, carrots and cauliflower.
• Stir, add salt and pepper to taste, bring to a boil.
• Season the soup with sour cream and finely chopped herbs.

Cheese croquettes with hemp flour

This simple and healthy recipe includes the following ingredients:

• Adyghe cheese 200 g;
• linseed or sunflower oil 1 tsp;
• hemp flour 4 tsp;
• oat or wheat bran 2 tsp

How to cook:

• The cheese is cut into small cubes.
• Vegetable oil, flour and bran are added to it.
• Mix well.
• The mixture is formed into balls, which are then placed in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Hemp flour based mask recipes

The beneficial properties of hemp raw materials have proven themselves well in the preparation of home cosmetics. So, from the oil of this plant, various compositions and rinses for hair are obtained, it is added to balms, shampoos. Hemp flour is most often used to make various kinds of nutritious masks.

Purifying Soda Mask

To prepare a cleansing mask you will need:

• hemp flour 2 tbsp l .;
• soda 1 tsp;
• water 0.5 tbsp.
• Water is gradually poured into a mixture of soda and hemp flour.
• Mix the contents thoroughly until a lump-free mass is obtained.
• The mass is applied to the face for 10 minutes, avoiding the area around the eyes and mouth, then washed off.

This procedure has a beneficial effect on problem skin and deeply cleanses facial pores.

Moisturizing mask with honey

Hemp flour in combination with honey is a very effective means of maintaining water balance in the cells of the epidermis. To prepare a moisturizing mask, you must:

• flour 15 g;
• honey 1 dec. l .;
• water or lemon balm decoction 0.5 tbsp.;
• cocoa butter 5 g.
• The ingredients are combined in a deep bowl, mixing them until a homogeneous gruel.
• Spread the mixture evenly over the face and leave for 30 minutes.
• After the expiration date, wash off and apply a nourishing cream to the face.

The mask is also suitable for protecting the skin from temperature extremes in winter and corrects the facial contour by restoring cell elasticity.

Anti-aging cream mask

Cosmetologists have noted the rejuvenating properties of hemp flour. A mask based on it works well as an alternative to anti-aging beauty products from stores. For this you need:

• flour 40 g;
• heavy cream 100 g.
• Hemp flour is diluted with cream with a high percentage of fat to the consistency of sour cream.
• The finished mixture is applied for 20 - 30 minutes.
• Then they wash themselves with warm water.

This highly effective remedy smoothes out existing wrinkles and prevents the appearance of new ones, gives the skin a healthy color and restores its elasticity.

The harm of hemp flour and contraindications

Despite the undeniable benefits of hemp seed flour, in some cases this product can be harmful to human health. When using it, you should pay attention to the following contraindications:

1. Individual intolerance... For all its unique properties, the product is a rather strong irritant. In this regard, after its first introduction into the diet, it is necessary to wait 24 hours to detect allergic reactions.
2. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract... Unlimited use of hemp flour dishes can lead to exacerbation of certain diseases of the digestive system.

When buying a product, you shouldn't ignore its composition. A quality product is made only from hemp seeds and must not contain other plant materials or impurities. By purchasing a product from unverified manufacturers, you can cause a lot of harm to the body.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of hemp flour directly depend on the dosage and the ability to choose the right product. If all the recommendations for use are followed, the possible harmful effects of the substance will be minimized, and the beneficial effect will not be long in coming.

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