The Benefits of Organic Hemp Milk
Photo by GregEh
There are growing concerns as to the benefits and safety of cow’s milk, and people are looking for alternatives. Also, lactose intolerance and allergies to cow’s milk are on the rise, causing people to seek another nutrient-rich beverage. One such alternative is hemp milk.
Hemp milk is made from the tiny seeds/nuts of the hemp plant. Hemp seeds are ground finely with pure water, and sometimes sweetener is added. All but the tiniest particles of hemp seed are filtered out, leaving a smooth, milky beverage.
You can even make your own in a blender, using 1 cup shelled, organic hemp seeds to 5 cups water (add more water if you like it thinner), and natural sweetener such as raw honey or agave nectar. After blending, strain it through cheesecloth.
Hemp milk is high in essential fatty acids, so organic hemp milk is the best choice. Most toxins are fat-soluble, which means that conventionally grown foods that are high in fat – including “good” fat – tend to contain a higher concentration of toxins. Organic hemp milk is made from plants that have not been exposed to synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or other toxic substances, so the “good” fats are purer and even better!
For parents with small children, it is a good thing to note that hemp milk has a higher fat content than other plant-based milks (such as soy and rice milks). Some brands of hemp milk can be high in added sugar, but not all brands add the same amount of sugar. It also comes in unsweetened varieties.
But is hemp milk good for you? In one 8-ounce glass of unfortified hemp milk, you will find Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, at least 4 grams of protein, 1 gram of fiber, and 20% of the US RDA for iron. Fortified versions of organic hemp milk contain 46% of the US RDA for calcium, compared to the 30% found in cow’s milk. These are just some of the valuable nutrients found in this plant-based milk. Fortified hemp milk also contains Vitamins D, E and A, as well as phosphorous, riboflavin, and other nutrients.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are vital to health – that is why they are called essential fatty acids. The body cannot make them, so dietary sources are necessary to meet your nutritional requirement. These healthy fats aid in cognitive function and have anti-inflammatory properties.
If you or your children suffer from allergic and inflammatory reactions from dairy products, hemp milk could be a healing and tasty alternative. And hemp milk is completely free from any growth hormones, antibiotics, or other substances given to dairy cows that often end up in milk.
