Are you one of those people having a dairy allergy or just staying away from animal products? You may be looking at a few dairy alternatives to fulfill your needs. Although almond and soy milk are popular options, here’s something more on the list: hemp milk. But what is it, and how can it benefit your health? Keep reading to have a close look at its various aspects.
Hemp Milk 101: What’s in Your Cup?
The first question that may come to your mind is: What is hemp milk?” It refers to a non-dairy beverage with a creamy consistency and an earthy flavor.
You can use this milk as an alternative for making smoothies, tea, cereal, or coffee. Whether you are lactose intolerant or have tree nut allergies, it becomes a worthy alternative.
Blend It Up: Making Your Own Hemp Milk
You can make hemp milk by mixing seeds from the hemp plant with water. You only need four cups of water and one cup of hemp seeds. Now, combine them in a blender and blend until you get a smooth consistency. Add sweeteners like dates or honey and a pinch of salt will enhance its flavor. You may use a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to strain the mixture. This step makes its consistency even smoother.
Hemp Milk and the “High” Misconception
What if it leads to a “high?” We know the concern. Hence, we wanted to answer this question. The cannabinoid concentration in hemp is lower than that in marijuana strains. Moreover, you will mainly find these cannabinoids in the flowers, not the seeds. That’s why hemp seeds and milk won’t lead to that “high.”
Sipping on Nutrition: What’s Waiting Inside?
One cup of hemp milk will give you 130 calories with 20 grams of carbs and 4 grams of protein. It also contains 3 grams of fat, 15 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of fiber.
Compare its healthy fats and protein content with other non-dairy alternatives and it will dominate the numbers. Moreover, it is a complete source of protein due to the presence of all essential amino acids.
Hemp milk is a rich source of iron, calcium, Vitamin A, Zinc, Vitamin D, Phosphorus, and Vitamin B12.
Untapped Hemp Milk Benefits
Heartfelt Support: Positive Effects on Your Heart
Hemp seeds are rich in arginine. This compound produces nitric oxide that helps relax your blood vessels and maintains optimum blood pressure. Studies reveal that higher arginine consumption may reduce C-reactive protein levels. That’s good news for your heart health.
Glow On: Healthy Skin and Hemp Milk Connection
It is a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These omegas help your skin fight against inflammation. Many studies have shown that hemp milk may have a positive effect in lowering itching and skin dryness.
Mind Matters: The Much-Needed Brain Nourishment
It can have a beneficial impact on brain health because of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. A few studies have found a connection between a lower risk of neurodegenerative disorders and these fatty acids.
Stronger Shield of Immunity
As hemp seeds consist of fatty acids, they may positively affect your immune system. However, we need more research to prove its immunity-boosting benefits.
Being Aware of the Risky Possibilities of Hemp Milk
It is always wise to consult with your healthcare professional before using hemp products. The possible risks of its consumption include lower potassium levels, hemp allergies, or diabetes. However, you can overcome these downsides by choosing high-quality hemp milk without additional thickeners or sugars.
Summarizing the Effect
Hemp milk is a great non-dairy alternative because of its nutritional value and benefits. However, you must consider the quality, doctor’s recommendations, and your gut instincts.