One thing has become very clear over the past couple of years regarding the value of cow’s milk, particularly pasteurized, in our diets. And unfortunately, it’s not good news. A very seizable study came out late last year in the British Medical Journal which revealed a truth many of us had been speculating about (and perhaps fearing) for decades: Milk does not do a body good, and in fact contributes to a greater risk of mortality in men and women as well as bone fracture in women.
The search for palatable and sustainable alternatives to milk has been going on for years now, with more people becoming conscious of how their food is produced and what effect it has on their bodies. As we learn more about the practices involved in the unnatural mass production of milk, the choice to step away from purchasing cow’s milk is increasingly becoming an ethical one. The market shows this sentiment as well, as almond milk sales have soared to $700 million in 2015, up 40% over 2014.
Hemp milk is another incredibly nutritious and tasty alternative to cow’s milk which supplies the body with essential nutrients without causing harm to the body like dairy milk does. Whatever the reason you are considering abstaining from from cow’s milk, hemp milk is one option you should consider. Here’s why.
What Is It Made of?
Hemp milk is a vegan product made of a blend of hemp seeds and water. The mixture provides a creamy texture with a delicious, nutty taste. And unlike cow’s milk, hemp milk is easy for the body to digest.
Question number one for some of us might be: is hemp milk made from marijuana? The answer is, no. Hemp milk is made from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is legal to grow in various countries around the world. In fact, the United States is one of the only countries where you are not allowed to grow hemp. Possible concern some may have about hemp milk surrounds its levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Fortunately for those looking to drink this milk alternative, the hemp plant does not contain enough THCto have psychoactive affects. Further, the hemp plant has many incredible uses that can apply to various areas of our society. This is why there is such a great deal of controversy around the reasons behind hemp farming’s illegality in the USA.
Nutrition
The hemp plant, including its seeds, offers a powerful punch when it comes to nutrition. In a single 8-ounce glass of hemp milk you can find the following nutrients:
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From that stacked list we can see that hemp milk is a great source of nutritious protein and is capable of delivering the tough-to-find amino acid GLA. Hemp milk is rich in protein and contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, folic acid, and vitamins A, E, and B-12. It is also rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, and magnesium — all essential nutrients for a healthy diet and immune system.
Notable Benefits
- Strengthened Immune System
- Clear, Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails
- Strong, Healthy Heart
- Increased Mental Capacity
- Hemp has anti-inflammatory agents and improves circulation.
Try Making Your Own
While hemp milk can be found in stores, mainly health food stores, if you are feeling adventurous, you can try making your own hemp milk. This will also allow you to try out the milk in small quantities if you are not sure if you will like it. To make the hemp milk you will need 1/2 cup of raw, organic, shelled hemp seeds and 2 cups of purified water. To finish you will need a piece of cheesecloth or a nut-milk bag.Blend the water and hemp seeds in a blender for about 3 minutes or until they are well blended. Once you are done blending, strain the milk through the cheesecloth and enjoy. Of course, it always tastes better cold so you might want to chill it first. This mixture should store in the fridge for about 3 days.
Final thoughts
If you are looking for a milk alternative and are tired of rice, almond, oat, or coconut milk, try giving hemp milk a shot. It is packed with nutrients and tastes great (at least in my opinion). Also, don’t forget that even if the milk does not fit your palate, the seeds are worth a try as well. They are a super food that you should definitely consider including in your diet whether you are vegan/vegetarian or not.
Sources
http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/196789/2/Dharmasena_Capps_Kosub_Almond_milk_SAEA_2015%20%28paper%29.pdf
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