Hemp Milk And Its Nutritional Value And A Recipe
Hemp milk has a high nutritional value, because it contains many vitamins, amino acids and minerals. The milk itself has a silky texture and is white.
The taste is reminiscent of nuts and is slightly bitter, but it can be sweetened with sugar or sweeteners. It’s a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
The nutritional value of hemp milk
Hemp milk consists of hemp seeds, which come from the cannabis plant. The sale of seeds is strictly regulated and legal to buy.
Hemp milk is an excellent supplement for anyone who wants to increase their daily intake of proteins, vitamins and minerals. The nutrients and nutritional content in hemp milk include:
- a high dose of essential fatty acids (40%): these fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained from food or supplements. Hemp milk contains a particularly large amount of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid.
- a high percentage of vegetable protein (35%): it contains all essential amino acids and in similar percentages as in animal protein sources such as meat, milk or eggs.
- high in fiber (6%): it is beneficial for digestion.
- high vitamin E content: this is a powerful and natural antioxidant.
- many essential minerals: this includes phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc and magnesium.
- a small amount of carbohydrates (10%), vitamins A, B and C, calcium and manganese.
The benefits of hemp milk
It contains essential vitamins and minerals
As we have seen before, hemp milk is rich in essential nutrients that the body needs. These include:
- phosphorus
- magnesium
- potassium
- iron
- zinc
These minerals are important for muscle contraction, bone formation and certain biochemical processes in the nervous system. In addition, vitamin E is an important antioxidant for cardiovascular health.
It activates the intestines
Since the seeds used to make hemp milk are rich in fiber, drinking hemp milk can help regulate the intestinal tract. In this way it can help to reduce complaints such as constipation.
It can also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. This is due to the fiber it contains that prevent the absorption of LDL (bad cholesterol).
Warnings when consuming hemp milk
The interaction of hemp milk with other compounds can reduce platelet formation. Therefore, people who have problems with clotting (also known as blood clotting) or who are taking certain medications should not drink hemp milk without first consulting a professional or doctor.
In addition, due to its high fiber content, when consumed in excess, it can cause diarrhea, stomach pain and abdominal distention. So consult your doctor if you have any questions about its use.
A recipe for hemp milk
The production of this milk is comparable to the preparation of other vegetable milks. Hemp milk is easy to make and can last up to three days if stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight . The recipe is very similar to other plant-based drink recipes, such as almond or soy milk.
Ingredients
- 150 grams of hemp seeds
- 1 liter of water
- Sugar or natural sweetener: honey, stevia, cinnamon, dates, etc.
- Pinch of salt
Preparation
- First soak the hemp seeds for about two hours in the liter of water.
- Once the two hours are up, put the mixture in a blender. It’s best not to do the whole mixture at once, but in batches to make sure the mixture is completely smooth when you’re done mixing.
- Then strain the mixture with a sieve or cloth. The solid remains of the mixture can be used to make biscuits, bread, muesli or biscuits.
- Add a pinch of salt and sweeten the hemp milk to your liking.
- Then put the milk in a bottle and enjoy!
Hemp milk, like other plant-based drinks, is very versatile and can be used to make smoothies, desserts and sauces. You can also combine it with fruit, low-fat cheese or whole grains for a nutritious and balanced breakfast or snack.
