Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is produced from hemp seeds, and those who have tried it claim that it is the best non-dairy milk product they have come across. It is rich, it is creamy, and even has a slight nutty flavor to it, as it is prepared by grinding hemp seeds soaked in water. Moreover, a lot of brands are available in different flavors such as vanilla and chocolate, to add a dash of flavor to it. Apart from being suitable for vegans, hemp milk is also a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant, or allergic to milk. Let's take a look at the benefits of this wonderful product, and the amount of nutrition it has to provide. A recipe has also been given for those who would like to prepare this milk for themselves.

Benefits

It is hard to believe the amount of nutrition hemp milk is packed with. It is the ultimate source of protein, and healthy fats, that are required by our body. Here's a peek into the benefits of drinking hemp milk.

• Hemp milk is a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, another source of which is fish and fish oil. Omega-3 is extremely helpful in fighting heart disease, while omega-6 helps in keeping inflammatory diseases such as arthritis away. Also, it helps those with Alzheimer's disease, and is another source of heart disease prevention.
• A glass of hemp milk provides 4-5 grams of protein, which is easier to digest as compared to the protein present in soy milk and other soy products. Proteins help in building healthy muscle mass, and they are perfect for those on a weight loss regime.
• Hemp milk is a natural source of zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Some brands contain vitamins A and D, and even calcium, but are free from artificial coloring and preservatives. It is also a natural source of antioxidants such as vitamin E, that is helpful with a lot of problems such as those of the skin and hair.
• You can be free of allergies caused by other products such as soy, gluten, milk, nuts, and fish, and still get all the nutrition that these have to provide from one source: hemp milk.

While some people have already tried it and find it to be safe, doctors are still not open to recommending it for babies and toddlers because it is relatively new in the market.

Recipe

For those of you who are not keen on trying out commercial varieties available in the market, here is a delicious version of hemp milk you can prepare of yourself.

Ingredients

• Shelled Hemp Seeds, 1 cup
• Water, 4 cups, filtered

Procedure

• Simply blend the hemp seeds with the water in a blender. Strain the milk to remove traces of the seeds, or enjoy it as it is.
• To give it a little flavor, you may add to it some cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, a dash of cinnamon or cardamom, or some honey (agave nectar for vegans). You may even add to it fruits such as banana and dates to make it naturally sweet.

Hemp milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and should be shaken well before drinking.

There is some doubt regarding whether hemp milk can be added to other foods and consumed as regular milk. However, those who have tried it claim that it is great to eat with cereal, or blended into smoothies because of its creamy texture. People have also claimed that hemp milk is not good enough to be heated. It tends to separate when boiled, or poured into a boiling hot cup of tea.

A concern regarding hemp milk is its source. Hemp seeds come from the cannabis sativa plant, and is often confused as a source of marijuana. However, so far, there have been no reports of any symptoms associated with the consumption of marijuana, upon drinking hemp milk. It can be enjoyed by everyone, as it provides a lot of benefits to the body, hair, skin and nails. It even aids better brain function. So by drinking hemp milk, you become sharper, look greater, and can lead an overall healthy lifestyle. What more could anyone ask for?

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.