Benefits of Hemp Milk & Six Hemp Recipes

One of the main concerns that people have with hempseeds is that it may contain THC. But rest assured, it does not. (1)  Hemp seeds have a wonderful creamy and nutty flavor.  This superfood is a tremendous source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Due to its amazing versatility it can be used to make butter, milk, protein powder, salad dressings and desserts, they can also be used in smoothies, cereals, yogurt, breads, crackers…..well to be honest the list is endless.

 

Nutrition

By reading the chart below you can see that hemp milk is a great source of protein and is capable of delivering the tough to find amino acid, GLA. Hemp milk is also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, B-12 and folic acid, and is rich in magnesium, potassium and iron. (2)

One 8-Ounce glass of hemp milk contains:

·    900 mg. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

·    All 10 Essential Amino Acids

·    46% of RDA Calcium

·    Potassium

·    Riboflavin

·    Folic Acid

·    Magnesium

·    Zinc

·    2800 mg Omega-6 Fatty Acid

·    4 grams of Digestible Protein

·    0% Cholesterol

·    Phosphorous

·    Vitamin A, B12, D, E

·    Iron

 

Health benefits of hemp seed

Hemp seed is abounding with omega-6 and omega-3 and essential fatty acids that have heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Hemp milk is a wonderful source of magnesium. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 functions in the body. It also has a role in regulating blood glucose and blood pressure. Magnesium is also critical for healthy bones, muscle function and a healthy heart.

Hemp also contains all ten of the essential amino acids, which makes it an excellent source of protein. Hemp protein is more digestible than soy protein because it does not contain oligosaccharides, complex sugars that can cause flatulence if not properly broken down during digestion.

Hemp milk is a wonderful brain food. Hemp is rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, a wonderful food for your brain and heart. The brain is 2/3 fat and omega 3 fats help the brains neurons to communicate properly. (3)

 

coconut hemp milkHemp Milk

For individuals who are allergic to dairy, tree nuts or soy, hemp is an excellent option. Organic hemp milk is a great alternative for anyone who is lactose intolerant, vegan or for other dietary reasons. Hemp milk is low in saturated fat and supplies a wonderful array of vitamins and minerals including calcium. Hemp milk has a creamier flavor than soy or rice milk. It is also easier and quicker to make than nut milks as hemp does not need to be soaked before use. While you can buy ready-made hemp milk in stores I prefer to make my own and avoid the added thickeners and sweeteners.

 

Hemp Milk Recipes

Hemp Milk

1 C. shelled hemp seeds

5 C. water

Sweetener to taste (optional)

1.  Place hempseeds and water in high speed blender. Turn blender on high for 2 minutes, or until milk reaches your preferred desired consistency.

2. After blending you can sweeten by adding: organic Agave Nectar, raw honey, coconut sugar or organic vanilla. Blend again to mix sweetener.

3. When you are done blending you can strain the milk in cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, or leave as is.

4. It will stay fresh for 3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed glass container. If you didn’t strain your milk be sure to give it a shake before drinking as it may separate.

 

Coconut Hemp Milk

I love this milk with granola. I usually make this unsweetened, but you could experiment with sweeteners…perhaps pitted dates or some powdered coconut sugar?

4 C. Filtered Water

1/2 C. Organic Coconut Cream Powder

3/4 C. Nutiva Hemp Seeds

Put all ingredients in your Vitamix and blend for 1-2 minutes. Store in your refrigerator and don’t forget to give it a shake before pouring, it will separate in the fridge.

 

Chocolate Hemp Milk-Makes 1 Cup

Simply blend 1 cup of hemp milk with 1 ½ tsp. of cacao powder,  ½ tsp of coconut sugar or other sweetener to taste. Want to spice it up? Try adding ¼ tsp. of cinnamon.

 

            

 

 Three Additional Recipes

Chocolate Maca Almond Protein Milk

Chocolate & Blackberry Almond Hemp Protein Frosty

Chocolate Coconut Snowballs

chocolate coconut snowballs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

  1. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400584/High-on-Hemp-Milk.html
  2. http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/05/07/got-hemp-milk-the-benefits-of-hemp-milk/
  3. http://www.wellbuzz.com/dr-ozs-advice/dr-oz-hemp-milk-coconut-milk-almond-milk-health-benefits/

 

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My Health Maven offers information on a wholistic approach to healthy lifestyle choices.