Hemp seeds - the superfood from home

Chia seeds have triggered a real superfood hype in recent years and have long since made it into supermarkets. Nevertheless, when looking for superfoods, it's worth looking outside your own front door first. Are flax or hemp seeds possibly the better chia seeds?

Origin

Chia seeds are usually imported from Latin America, where they were already used as a staple food by the Maya and Aztecs. However, importing them across the Atlantic pollutes the waters and increases the price due to transportation costs, meaning that chia seeds are comparatively expensive despite being grown cheaply in low-wage countries. Conventionally grown chia seeds are often contaminated with herbicides such as glyphosate. Although there are many local organic farmers, their fields are often located near or between conventionally cultivated fields, which is why partial contamination cannot be ruled out.

Hemp or linseed can be grown regionally in Germany. Organic hemp seeds such as those from HANS Brainfood also do not require artificial fertilizers or pesticides. In addition, sustainable and environmentally friendly farming on site ensures that hemp seeds and linseeds are far superior to chia seeds in terms of environmental impact.

Use

All three seeds are very suitable for refining mueslis, smoothies, yogurts and salads. They are also popular as an ingredient for breads and cakes and can be used in a similarly versatile way. The mucilage-forming polysaccharide layer of linseed and chia seeds also ensures that their consistency becomes gel-like when combined with liquid - ideal as a vegan egg substitute, for example. When using linseed, however, it is important to note that it can only be processed by the body if it is ground.

Nutritional values

Linseed, chia and hemp seeds have a high fiber content thanks to their shells. If you want to do without them, hulled hemp seeds are suitable.

- Chia seeds contain around 23% unsaturated fatty acids. Potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamins A and E, iron and zinc are also present in relevant quantities. The protein content is just under 20%. They also contain a high proportion of antioxidants.

- Linseeds contain 29% more unsaturated fatty acids than chia seeds. They contain hardly any vitamin A, but significantly more potassium and vitamin E than the seeds from Latin America. The protein content is similar to that of linseed.

- At 50%, hemp seeds contain a high proportion of high-quality, polyunsaturated fatty acids. Hemp seeds also contain large amounts of iron, magnesium, zinc and vitamin E. Vitamins C, A, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 as well as potassium, selenium and manganese are present in smaller quantities. With a protein content of 30%, hemp seeds are an excellent source of vegan protein.