Hemp Milk: Nutrients, Benefits and a Recipe
Hemp milk has a lot of nutritional value because it contains plenty of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. The milk itself has a silky smooth texture and is white. The flavor is reminiscent of nuts and is slightly bitter, but it can be sweetened with sugar or sweeteners.
It’s a great option for people who are lactose intolerant or are vegan.
The Nutritional Value of Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is an excellent supplement for anyone who wants to increase their daily intake of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The milk itself is composed of hemp seeds, which come from the cannabis plant. The sale of seeds are strictly regulated and legal to buy.
Nutrients found in hemp milk include:
- High dosage of essential fatty acids (40%): These fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and need to be consumed from food or supplements. Hemp milk contains an especially high amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid.
- High percentage of vegetable proteins (35%): It contains all of the essential amino acids and in similar percentages to that of animal proteins sources like meat, milk, or eggs.
- Rich in fiber(6%): It’s beneficial for digestive health.
- High vitamin E content: This is a powerful and natural antioxidant.
- Rich in essential minerals: This includes phosphorous, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
On the contrary, it has low amounts of:
- Carbohydrates (10%)
- Vitamin A, B, and C
- Calcium and manganese
The Benefits of Hemp Milk
It Contains Essential Bitamins and Minerals
As we previously, hemp milk is rich in essential nutrients that the body needs. These include phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc. These minerals are important for muscle contraction, the formation of bones, and certain biochemical processes in the nervous system.
Additionally, vitamin E is an important antioxidant for cardiovascular health.
It Regulates the Intestinal Tract and Cholesterol
Since the seeds used to make hemp milk are rich in fiber, it helps regulate the intestinal tract and prevents constipation.
It also regulates cholesterol and blood pressure because the fiber prevents the absorption of LDL (bad cholesterol).
Warnings for Hemp Milk Consumption
The interaction of hemp milk with other compounds can decrease the formation of platelets. Therefore, people who have problems related to coagulation (also known as blood clotting) or who are taking certain drugs should not drink hemp milk without first consulting a professional or doctor.
Additionally, when consumed in excess, it can cause diarrhea, stomach pains, and abdominal distension due to its high fiber content.
Consult your doctor if you have any questions regarding its consumption.
Also read: Vegetable Milk Snack Recipes
A Recipe for Hemp Milk
This vegetable milk is easy to make and can last for up to three days if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The recipe is very similar to any other vegetable drink recipes, like almond or soy milk.
Ingredients
- 150 grams of hemp seeds
- 1 liter of water
- Sugar or natural sweetener: honey, stevia, cinnamon, dates, etc.
- Pinch of salt
Preparation
- Soak the hemp seeds in the liter of water for about two hours.
- Once the two hours are up, put the mixture in a blender. It’s best to not put all the mixture in at once, but rather in parts to make sure that the mixture is smooth.
- Strain the mixture with a sieve or vegetable tissue. The solid remnants of the mixture can be used to make cookies, bread, muesli, or biscuits.
- Add the pinch of salt and sweeten to your liking.
- Place the milk in a bottle and enjoy!
Hemp milk, like other vegetable drinks, is very versatile and can be used to make smoothies, desserts, and sauces. You can also combine it with fruit, low-fat cheese and whole grains for a nutritious and well-balanced breakfast or snack.
