The Health Benefits of Hemp Seed … and 6 Delicious Hemp Milk Recipes!

By Elisha McFarland N.D.

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

Hemp seeds are a tremendous source of protein, vitamins and minerals. With a wonderful creamy and nutty flavor, this superfood is amazingly versatility; hemp seeds can be used to make butter, milk, protein powder, salad dressings and desserts, they can also be used in smoothies, cereals, yogurt, breads, crackers… well to be honest the list is endless.

One of the main concerns that many people have with hemp seeds is that it may contain THC. But rest assured, they do not. (1)

So why not enjoy the health benefits of hemp seed every day with these 6 delicious hemp milk recipes?

Health Benefits of Hemp Seed

By reading the list below you can see that hemp milk is a great source of protein and is capable of delivering the tough to find amino acid, GLA. Hemp milk also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, B-12 and folic acid, and is rich in magnesium, potassium and iron. (2)

One 8-Ounce glass of hemp milk contains: 900 mg Omega-3 Fatty Acid, 2800 mg Omega-6 Fatty Acid, All 10 Essential Amino Acids, 4 grams of Digestible Protein, 46% of RDA of Calcium, 0% Cholesterol, Potassium, Phosphorous, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc.

Hemp seed is abounding with omega-6 and omega-3 and essential fatty acids that have heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Hemp milk is a wonderful source of magnesium. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 functions in the body. It also has a role in regulating blood glucose and blood pressure. Magnesium is also critical for healthy bones, muscle function and a healthy heart.

Hemp also contains all ten of the essential amino acids, which makes it an excellent source of protein. Hemp protein is more digestible than soy protein because it does not contain oligosaccharides, complex sugars that can cause flatulence if not properly broken down during digestion.

Hemp milk is a wonderful brain food. Hemp is rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, a wonderful food for your brain and heart. The brain is 2/3 fat and omega 3 fats help the brains neurons to communicate properly. (3)

Hemp Milk

For individuals who are allergic or averse to dairy, tree nuts or soy, hemp is an excellent option. Organic hemp milk is a great alternative for anyone who is lactose intolerant, vegan, or for other dietary reasons. Hemp milk is low in saturated fat and supplies a wonderful array of vitamins and minerals including calcium. Hemp milk has a creamier flavor than soy or rice milk. It is also easier and quicker to make than nut milks as hemp does not need to be soaked before use.

While you can buy ready-made hemp milk in stores I prefer to make my own and avoid the added thickeners and sweeteners.

6 Healthy Hemp Milk Recipes

Hemp Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 C. shelled hemp seeds
• 5 C. water
• Sweetener to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place hempseeds and water in high speed blender. Turn blender on high for 2 minutes, or until milk reaches your preferred desired consistency.
2. After blending you can sweeten by adding: organic Agave Nectar, raw honey, coconut sugar or organic vanilla. Blend again to mix sweetener.
3. When you are done blending you can strain the milk in cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, or leave as is.
4. It will stay fresh for 3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed glass container. If you didn’t strain your milk be sure to give it a shake before drinking as it may separate.

Coconut Hemp Milk

I love this milk with granola. I usually make this unsweetened, but you could experiment with sweeteners… perhaps pitted dates or some powdered coconut sugar?

Ingredients:

• 4 C. Filtered Water
• 1/2 C. Organic Coconut Cream Powder
• 3/4 C. Nutiva Hemp Seeds

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in your Vitamix and blend for 1-2 minutes.
2. Store in your refrigerator.
3. Don’t forget to give it a shake before pouring, as it will separate in the fridge.

Chocolate Hemp Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of hemp milk
• 1 ½ tsp. of cacao powder
• ½ tsp of coconut sugar
• sweetener to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend together. Makes 1 Cup.
2. Want to spice it up? Try adding ¼ tsp. of cinnamon.

Chocolate Maca Almond Protein Milk (with Hemp Seed)

• For the recipe, click here.

Blackberry Almond Hemp Protein Frosty

• For the recipe, click here.

Chocolate & Blackberry Almond Hemp Protein Frosty

• For the recipe, click here.

References:

1. www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400584/High-on-Hemp-Milk.html
2. www.collective-evolution.com/2013/05/07/got-hemp-milk-the-benefits-of-hemp-milk
3. www.wellbuzz.com/dr-ozs-advice/dr-oz-hemp-milk-coconut-milk-almond-milk-health-benefits

Further reading from Elisha McFarland ND:

• Are You Washing Your Hands With This Toxic Pesticide?
• Amalgam Fillings Release Mercury Vapor Into Your Body 24/7
• Understanding Food Labels
• How to Create A Healthy Non-Toxic Bedroom
• Toxic Products to Ban From Your Home – Plus Healthier Alternatives to Help You Do It
• The Amazing Health Benefits of Elderberry (includes Elderberry Herb Syrup Recipe!)

About the author:

Elisha McFarland N.D., D. A. Hom., CWR., M.H. is the founder of My Health Maven. Elisha turned her debilitating illness from mercury poisoning into a dedicated passion to helping others. The My Health Maven website covers a wide range of topics including non-toxic living, health tests at home, the healing power of foods, home remedies, food ingredients, dental health and environmental illness. Her goal is to share her experience and knowledge, to help others live life more abundantly.

Elisha’s articles are widely published throughout alternative media such as The Organic Consumer’s Association and Food Matters TV. She is also a contributor to GreenMedInfo, Natural Health 365, The Hearty Soul and Eat Local Grown.

You can connect with Elisha at myhealthmaven.com or Facebook.com/myhealthmaven.