Cooking With Hemp

Cooking with hemp products like seeds and oil is gaining popularity because of the various health benefits hemp has. This guideline explains what hemp is, various ways of cooking with hemp, and the benefits of cooking with hemp.

You've probably heard of cooking with CBD (cannabidiol) oil if you are not new to the cannabis industry. However, are you aware that cooking with hemp is also possible? Cooking with hemp is the latest trend nowadays; more people love its results. Adding hemp to your favorite food will add to its flavor and provide you with various health benefits since it is a powerful antioxidant agent. Hemp products are derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant and are high in fiber. Hemp products are available in various formulations, including but not limited to; oil, seed, and powder. Hemp products do not have tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the compound responsible for the high effect-hence. It is non-psychoactive, making it a safe product for both pets and children consumption.

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is similar to the Cannabis Sativa plant since they are both species of the cannabis plant. However, unlike cannabis, its THC contents are not more than 0.3 percent; hence it does not cause any mind-altering effects. Also, it has other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidivarin (CBV), and more. When the 2018 farm Bill was passed, it legalized the use of hemp products whose THC levels are less than 0.3 percent. Its seeds are rich in fats and other chemicals. It is also used for various health conditions such as constipation, eczema, arthritis, and high cholesterol; however, more research is needed to support its medical claims. CBD, Canadian Hemp, cannabis, and hemp agrimony differ. Since hemp products are federally legal in the US, selling them is safe and legal.

Various Ways of Cooking With Hemp

Below are some popular forms you can cook with hemp:

Sowing the Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are used similarly to coconut, sunflower, and sesame seeds. Sprinkle raw or light toasted hemp seeds onto a salad. It enhances its flavor and also adds a crunchy component to it. You can also add them to your humus and avocado toast for the same purpose. They are a good addition to drinks like smoothies and can also be used in baked goods.

Hearts and Flours

Hemp flour is denser than other flour since it is produced by extracting oil from its seeds and then ground into a fine texture. This is why it is a good addition to either all-purpose or self-rising flour. It is a good option for baking products like bread and cakes. You get to enjoy both its flavor and the health benefits it contains.

Using Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is a good choice for salad dressing because of its nutty flavor. You can also drizzle it on your roasted vegetables and for cooking. It is a perfect choice for stir-fries and sautés since its a low smoke point.

Cream of the Crop

Hemp milk is a good substitute for almond or soy milk. It is mostly flavored with either vanilla or chocolate and is rich in some omega-fatty acids. It is a good choice for vegans. You can try it in a latte, over your cereals, or when baking too. You can consume it with cookies if you are into the old-fashioned way. Learn more about home recipe ideas

Benefits of Cooking With Hemp

Hemp Is Highly Nutritious

Hemp products like hemp seeds are highly nutritious. They normally have a nutty flavor hence why most individuals love them. Komarnytsky et al. (2021) noted that hemp has over thirty percent of fat and is rich in two fatty acids, namely, omega-3 and omega-6. It also has gamma-linoleic acid, which provides several health benefits. Its products are a good source of proteins since almost twenty percent of their calories contain high-quality proteins higher than other seeds like chia. It contains other nutrients like vitamin E and minerals, which are good for the body.

It Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Minodora et al. (2020) suggested that consuming hemp products may reduce your risk of heart disease. It is because it is rich in amino acid arginine, which provides the body with nitric oxide. Nitric oxide enables the blood vessels to relax, lowering the blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. Due to the presence of gamma-linolenic acid, hemp products help alleviate anxiety and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Benefit Skin Disorders

Fatty acids affect the immune of the body. The body's immune system depends on omega 3 and 6 for balance. Kowalska et al. (2015) noted that hemp products are rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which help people with eczema to improve their blood levels. Hemp oil also helps in relieving dry skin and reducing skin itchiness too.

Help Aid Digestion

Fiber is one of the nutrients important to the body since it leads to better digestive health. According to Rehman et al. (2021), hemp seeds are rich in soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber is an important nutrient source that is beneficial to digestive bacteria, reduces blood sugar spikes, and maintains one's cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber helps food pass through the gut since it adds bulk to your stool. It is also known for reducing diabetes risk. Learn more about cooking with cbd for beginners

Summary

Cooking with hemp is gaining popularity since not only does it add flavor to your dishes but also, it provides you with various health benefits. Hemp is in the same species as cannabis Sativa, and the good thing about it is that it does not have mind-altering effects like that of THC. You can use hemp in various ways, such as sprinkling hemp seeds into your favorite salad to give you that extra crunch and nutty flavor. Hemp oil is also used for cooking purposes. Since it has a low smoke point, it is a good option for stir-fries and sautés. Hemp flour is also perfect for baking various gods like cookies and cakes. However, if you are vegan or dislike soy or almond milk, you can use hemp milk for your cereals or even take it with your cookies. The good thing about it is that it comes in various flavors, such as vanilla. Several benefits of hemp include; it reduces the risk of heart disease and aids digestion since it is rich in fiber.

References

Rehman, M., Fahad, S., Du, G., Cheng, X., Yang, Y., Tang, K., ... & Deng, G. (2021). Evaluation Of Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) As An Industrial Crop: A Review. Environmental Science And Pollution Research, 28(38), 52832-52843.

Komarnytsky, S., Rathinasabapathy, T., Wagner, C., Metzger, B., Carlisle, C., Panda, C., ... & Varadharaj, S. (2021). Endocannabinoid System And Its Regulation By Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Full Spectrum Hemp Oils. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 22(11), 5479.

Kowalska, M., Ziomek, M., & Żbikowska, A. (2015). Stability Of Cosmetic Emulsion Containing Different Amounts Of Hemp Oil. International Journal Of Cosmetic Science, 37(4), 408-416.

MINODORA, S. V., CRISTIAN, C., & NICOLETA, M. S. (2020). HEMP–IMPORTANT ASPECTS AND BENEFITS FOR HUMANS. Agricultural Management/Lucrari Stiintifice Seria I, Management Agricol, 22(3).