Nutritionally Beneficial Hemp Milk

The search for palatable and sustainable alternatives to cow's milk has been going on for years, with more people becoming conscious of how their food is produced and what effect it has on their bodies. In the US the market has shown a move toward alternatives, with almond milk sales soaring to $700 million in 2015, up 40% over 2014. For the sake of good health we can replace cow’s milk with healthy natural substitutes including Hemp, brown rice, almond, or even raw goat’s milk. 

Hemp milk is an incredibly nutritious and tasty alternative to cow’s milk which supplies the body with essential nutrients without causing harm to the body, like cow's milk does. Whatever the reason you are considering abstaining from cow’s milk, Hemp milk is probably the best alternative to consider. Hemp milk is a blend of Hemp seeds and purified water which produces a creamy textured nut-milk, with a delicious, nutty taste. And unlike cow’s milk, Hemp milk is easy for the body to digest.

A study published in 2014 in the British Medical Journal revealed cow's milk contributes to a greater risk of mortality in men and women as well as bone fractures in women. A 2013 paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Paediatrics found bone fracture rates tend to be lower in countries that do not consume cow's milk compared to those that do, noting there are many other, better sources of calcium. However, calcium isn’t as bone protective as was once thought. Multiple studies on calcium supplementation have shown no benefit in reducing bone fracture risk. In fact, a 2003 study showed Vitamin D to be more effective, concluding, "an adequate Vitamin D intake is associated with a lower risk of osteoporotic hip fractures in post-menopausal women. Neither milk nor a high-calcium diet appears to reduce risk". And, a 2005 study, among others, suggested dairy products might increase male risk of developing prostate cancer by 30-50%.

Around 65-75% of the total human population have a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, evidence enough we are not doing what is natural, in accordance with our bodies. Lactose intolerance is an impaired ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk/dairy products, normally broken down by an enzyme called lactase, which is produced by cells in the lining of the small intestine. Every other mammalian species weans and never drinks milk again for the rest of their lives, due to that, they don’t have an enzyme to break down the sugar in milk. But during human evolution, some humans experienced a mutation in the LTC gene, the lactase gene, mutations allow us to process lactose as adults.

Produced from the seeds of the Hemp plant, some are concerned that Hemp milk might contain some of the psychoactive cannabinoid, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), found in Cannabis. These concerns are totally unfounded as none is present in Hemp milk. Some US Hemp milk producers have to rely on obtaining Hemp seeds from farmers in Canada or Europe, where the growth of Hemp plants for oil or milk is perfectly legal. In Australia, Hemp is still illegal for human consumption, but can be grown and sold for external use only (labels must be affixed to any imported or local product clearly stating same in both Australia and New Zealand). Law enforcement in both countries are showing their combined ignorance by banning this nutritionally supercharged food. Hemp milk contains no sugar, no cholesterol and is free of soy, gluten and lactose. For many these factors make it the perfect, healthier choice. An abundant source of vital nutrients, essential fatty acids, and vitamins all in a single 225g (8oz) glass of organic Hemp milk, including the following:

• 900mg Omega-3 Fatty Acid
• 2800mg Omega-6 Fatty Acid
• All 10 Essential Amino Acids
• 4 grams of Digestible Protein
• 46% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Calcium
• 0% Cholesterol
• Potassium
• Phosphorous
• Riboflavin Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B12
• Folate (Folic Acid)
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Zinc
• And more …

Hemp milk benefits include:

• Strengthened immune system
• Clear, healthy skin, hair and nails
• Strong, healthy heart
• Increased mental capacity
• Excellent anti-inflammatory
• Improved circulation.

Make your own organic Hemp milk with the following ingredients:

• 1 cup Hemp seeds (shelled)
• 5-6 cups purified water
• Natural sweetener such as Agave nectar, raw Honey, organic Vanilla essence
• Nut-milk bag or cheesecloth (for straining)

Combine water and Hemp seeds in a blender. Use more water to achieve a skim milk consistency and less water to produce a heavier, creamier consistency. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes, or until you reach desired consistency. Strain the milk through a nut-milk bag or cheesecloth and sweeten by adding your choice of organic sweetener. As Hemp milk tastes better cold, chill before use. This recipe makes: 6-7 cups which will stay fresh for 3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed glass container. Shake well before each use. The seed pulp can be used as an excellent body scrub, facial mask or compost.

Resources:

Milk Does Not Do A Body Good, Milk Intake and Risk of Mortality and Fractures in Women and Men, The Dangers of Drinking Cows Milk, Milk - A Staple For Many, Health Benefits of Hemp Milk, Hemp Milk, What are the Benefits of Hemp Milk