Hemp milk is a non-dairy beverage made from a mixture of water and seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). It has an earthy, nutty flavor and a creamy consistency. You can use hemp milk to supplement cow’s milk with coffee, tea, cereals, smoothies, and any other recipe that requires milk. Hemp milk is a great option not only for those who avoid milk but also for those with drug allergies.
There is another concern that hemp milk causes a “high,” stemming from the fact that hemp and marijuana both come from the Cannabis sativa plant. However, hemp contains fewer cannabinoid concentrations than cannabis varieties. In addition, cannabinoids live mainly on flowers rather than seeds. Thus, hemp seeds, and therefore hemp milk, will not make you high. Hemp milk contains a lot of essential nutrients and can provide a few important health benefits. It contains healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Health Benefits of Hemp Milk
Research on hemp seeds and hemp seed oil shows that seeds can provide a few important health benefits. For example, hemp seeds contain arginine, which produces nitric acid in your body. This acid can help improve your heart health. Hemp seeds also contain the right amount of fiber, which can aid in healthy digestion and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Studies in hemp milk, however, are very limited. However, some evidence points to hemp milk that offers potential health benefits:
Heart Health
The arginine-produced nitric oxide found in hemp seed resources in relaxing the arteries and helps you maintain healthy blood pressure. Studies also show that people who consume more arginine are less likely to have dangerous levels of C-inflammatory protein than those who consume less arginine. These reduce the risk of heart disease.
Skin Health
Like hemp seeds, hemp milk contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Getting balanced omegas in the diet can support your skin’s response to the rebellion. One study found that people with eczema who took hemp seed oil daily experienced skin rashes and slight shrinkage.
One study found that women with more omega-6 fatty acids in their diet had less dry, thinner skin than women who ate less of those fatty acids. While these studies may refer to hemp milk directly, non-dairy beverages contain fatty acids. Therefore, it can provide similar benefits.
Brain Health
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp milk can enhance your brain health. Other studies have found an association between these fatty acids and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Physical Strengthening System
The fatty acids in hemp seeds can boost your immune system, which can help your body fight various diseases.
It Can Help Improve Bone Density
Calcium is rich in hemp milk that can help keep bones strong, and healthy and can help prevent osteoporosis — weakening bones that can cause fractures. According to the National Institutes of Health, a low-calcium diet for life is associated with lower bone density and higher fracture rates. A national study of healthy eating has shown that most people do not get the calcium they need to grow and maintain healthy bones.
Vitamin D is needed for the body to absorb calcium. So vitamin D in some hemp milk products with important defenses is also important for bone health. You can increase your vitamin D levels by exposing yourself to the sun. But since sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, getting it in the diet is better.
May It Help Help Prevent Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Some people may have low levels of vitamin B12 because they do not absorb it properly or because their diet does not include nutritious foods. Older people, vegetarians, vegetarians, gastrointestinal surgeons, and those with digestive problems, (such as celiac or Crohn’s disease) are advised to take a vitamin B12 supplement or to fortify their diet.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, emotional problems, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, and balance problems, According to the NIH, deficiency can also cause emotional damage, so it is important to treat deficiency very quickly.
Helps Prevent Calcium Deficiency
In addition to contributing to bone health, calcium plays a key role in the body’s immune system. It helps maintain healthy blood circulation and is essential for the release of various hormones and enzymes. It also helps to facilitate communication between nerves and muscles.
Some people, such as postmenopausal women, are at risk of calcium deficiency. The National Institutes of Health also states that boys between the ages of 9 and 13, girls between the ages of 9 and 18, and men over the age of 70 often do not get enough calcium.
Allergies
You may have been exposed to Cannabis sativa but most of the reported cases have been linked to smoking exposure and direct contact with the plant.11 The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) reports that marijuana symptoms occur after hempseed ingestion. But reports of allergies to hemp milk are not available.
Symptoms of marijuana allergy include rash, chest tightness, or swelling. Severe symptoms such as shortness of breath and shortness of breath may also occur. AAAAI states that people with allergies to tomatoes, peaches, and hazelnut can also develop allergies to C. Sativa. If you experience symptoms after consuming hemp milk, especially if you know of allergies, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Nutrition Information
One cup of original hemp milk contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Sugar: 15 grams
Compared to whole cow’s milk, hemp milk has fewer calories, protein, and carbohydrates. It has more protein and healthy fats than other plant-based dairy products. Unlike other non-dairy dairy options, hemp milk contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
Most hemp milk fat is not stored, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These acids are essential for biological functions, and you can get them only through food as your body does not produce them.
Hemp milk is also a good source of:
- Vitamin A
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
Some of these nutrients are added by hemp milk producers. Hemp milk for sale can contain extra sugar and thickeners, so you should always read the nutrition labels carefully.
How to Prepare
Many people prefer to make hemp milk at home. It is a simple and quick process that requires only a few ingredients. But remember that homemade hemp milk will not provide the nutrients found in the rich hemp milk you buy in stores.
To make your hemp milk, mix about 1/2 cup hemp seeds with about 4 cups of water in a quick blender. You can add flavor to your preferences. Many chefs add a little salt to enhance the flavor. But some prefer to add sweetness and prefer to add vanilla or dates.
Stir the mixture until smooth. At this point, you can choose whether to press it or not. Some people like strong consistency and keep the milk as it is. Some filter it using a cheesecloth. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Use your hemp milk as you would milk or any other form of milk. Drink it in a glass, grind it into coffee, or use it to make smoothies. You can use it to make oats at night using oats, milk, and your favorite toss-ins (like nuts or berries). Or use it to make chia seed parfait for dessert.
Remember that hemp milk tends to have a nuttier flavor than other types of milk. It can be used in the recipes of baked goods, but many people also like it in nutritious cooking.
FAQ
Is hemp milk good for you?
Hemp milk is highly nutritious and loaded with proteins and healthy fats. In fact, it has more protein and healthy fats than other popular plant-based types of milk, including rice and almond milk.
Is hemp milk anti inflammatory?
Like hemp seeds, hemp milk contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Getting balanced omegas from food can support your skin's response to inflammation. One study found that people with eczema who took hemp seed oil daily experienced less skin dryness and itching.
What is better hemp milk or almond milk?
Unflavored hemp beverages are also low in calories and protein compared with cow's milk. There is, however, more protein in hemp beverages than in almond milk. Hemp seeds are also high in polyunsaturated fats, similar to almond milk.
Is hemp milk good for your heart?
Hemp milk is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, especially heart-healthy alpha-linolenic acid. It's also a good source of calcium and magnesium, both of which are essential for heart health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Can hemp milk make you sleepy?
The non-dairy beverage is one of the few plant sources of omega 3s. Getting more of these fatty acids in your diet could score you up to an extra hour of snooze time per night, shows research in the Journal of Sleep Research.