Semente de cânhamo (Cannabis sativa L.): propriedades nutricionais e a indústria de alimentos – uma revisão da literatura

Abstract

The Cannabis sativa L. plant with low THC content is called hemp, from which the seeds can be used. They can serve as whole food or have the oil extracted. Cannabis products are a growing market. Hemp seeds have a high nutritional value, containing 25% protein and 30% oil. The seed's amino acid composition is well balanced and contains all 9 essential amino acids. Hemp seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, containing both omega-3 and omega-6. Moreover, it has many bioactive compounds such as tocopherols, the most abundant being γ-tocopherol, sterols, especially β-sitosterol, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity such as lignans. Hemp seed meal has an expressive amount of total phenolics. However, the functionality of the seed needs further studies for it to be properly incorporated into food systems, although processing improves some of its functions. In the food industry, hemp seed is already used in the international market mainly as protein powder, vegetable “milk” and whole seeds, but studies have been conducted to evaluate its incorporation into foods such as bread, energy cereal bars, pasta and cookies. Hemp seed is a nutritionally rich matrix, already available in the food industry, but which can be better used in future studies.