This Is the Healthiest Milk You Never Knew About
People who love milk but can't have dairy
products have plenty of options to choose from these days. Soy milk and
almond milk, for example, are two of the most popular alternatives.
However, in recent times, another wonderful plant-based milk beverage
has emerged – hemp seed milk. This dairy alternative is said to be the
greenest one yet, and it offers plenty of health benefits. Let’s find
out more.
What is Hemp Milk?
As you might have guessed from the name,
hemp seed milk, commonly called hemp milk, is made by blending water and
the seeds of the hemp (Cannabis sativa) plant. The milk has an earthy,
nutty flavor with a creamy consistency and tastes delicious in coffee,
tea, hot chocolate, and even oatmeal. What's more, it's lactose-, soy-
and gluten-free!
Curiously, Cannabis sativa is the same plant used to produce marijuana.
This has led to a misconception that hemp milk causes mind-altering
effects. However, the plant’s leaves contain virtually no
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that causes the psychotropic
effect. Moreover, the seeds don’t contain THC at all. So, no, drinking
hemp milk won’t cause or produce the effects that marijuana can.
So what are the benefits of hemp seed milk? Read on to find out.
Health Benefits of Hemp Milk
It is highly nutritious
Hemp milk is nutrient-dense and naturally
rich in healthy fats and plant proteins. According to the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), a one-cup serving (240 ml) of hemp
non-dairy milk contains:
Calories: 60
Fat: 4.5 g
Sodium: 110 mg
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugars: 0 g
Protein: 3 g.
Hemp milk has fewer calories, protein, and carbohydrates compared to
cow’s milk. Another important fact about this beverage is that most of
the fat in it consists of unsaturated essential fatty acids, including
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These acids are vital for developing
new tissues and membranes in your body.
Hemp milk is also a great source of:
Vitamin A
Calcium
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Iron
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Zinc.
Note: Commercially made hemp milk may also contain added sugars and
thickeners. So always make sure that you check the nutrition labels
carefully before purchasing.
Can be good for the skin
The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in hemp milk can support your skin’s
reaction to inflammation. A study in people with eczema found that
after the participants consumed 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of hemp oil a day,
they showed a considerable improvement in skin dryness and itchiness.
Another study in over 4,000 women found that the participants with more
omega-6 fatty acids in their diets had less dry and thin skin than those
who ate less of those fatty acids. Since hemp milk does contain these
fatty acids, it’s expected to provide similar benefits.
Should be good for brain health
Many recent studies have revealed that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
can help in the early prevention of inflammatory neurodegenerative
diseases like Alzheimer’s. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to add
hemp milk to your daily diet to boost your brain health, particularly if
you are over the age of 65, as your risk for Alzheimer's goes up as you
get older.
May help support heart health
Limited evidence suggests that hemp seeds
might have the potential to protect against heart diseases. These seeds
contain essential amino acids, such as arginine, which promote blood
vessel relaxation and allow you to maintain healthy blood pressure.
Studies have shown that people who consume more arginine have 30% lesser
chances of having dangerous levels of the inflammatory C-reactive
protein (CRP) than those who consume less of these amino acids. High
levels of CRP are linked with a greater risk of heart disease, research
has suggested.
Further studies indicate that taking arginine-rich hemp products like
hemp seed milk might help maintain ideal levels of CRP and lower your
risk of developing heart disease.
Can help prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency
One unique aspect of hemp milk is its vitamin B12 content. Vitamin B12
deficiency may cause various issues: anemia, fatigue, nerve problems,
constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, problems with balance, and
even jaundice. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that a
deficit in this vitamin can also cause nerve damage.
There are very few plant sources of vitamin B12. Since hemp milk offers
it in good amounts, you can boost its intake and maintain overall health
by adding it to your diet.
How to Make Hemp Milk At Home
Different brands of hemp milk are available
on the market today. However, most of them tend to contain unwanted
ingredients, such as added sugars, thickeners, and other preservatives.
Luckily, you can make this milk easily at home. Just follow the steps
below:
1. Combine 1/2 to 1 cup (68–136 grams) of hemp seeds with 3–4 cups
(710–946 ml) of filtered water in a blender.
2. Blend for at least 2 minutes to achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Strain the milk with a filter or cheesecloth and enjoy.
4. Add sea salt, vanilla extract, maple syrup, or honey to enhance the
taste.
Hemp milk has a nutty flavor and makes a great addition to coffee, oats,
baked goods, and many savory dishes. You can also use it as a creamy
topping in soups, or simply chug a glass in the morning or evening. The
main point is that adding this highly nutritious beverage to your daily
diet will certainly be good for your overall health.