Is Hemp Milk Good for You? Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects, Uses (2024)

• What Is It?
  • What is hemp milk?
• Nutritional Content Chart
  • What are the nutrition facts of hemp milk?
• Health Benefits
  • What are the benefits of hemp milk?
• Potential Side Effects
  • What are the potential risks of hemp milk?
• Uses
  • What are the uses of hemp milk?
• Homemade Recipe
  • How to make hemp milk at home
• Summary
  • Summary
• Comments
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  **OTHERTAGLIST**

Hemp milk is a great alternative for people who avoid dairy or follow a vegan diet.

What is hemp milk?

Water and hemp (Cannabis sativa) seeds are blended to create hemp milk, a non-dairy beverage. It has a creamy texture and an earthy, nutty flavor.

Coffee, tea, cereal, smoothies, and any other recipe that asks for milk can all be made using hemp milk in place of cow's milk. Hemp milk is not only a great substitute for dairy but also a great choice for people who have allergies to tree nuts.

There is some concern that hemp milk causes a "high," which stems from the fact that hemp and marijuana are both derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp has lower cannabinoid concentrations than marijuana strains. Cannabinoids are more commonly detected in the blooms than the seeds. As a result, hemp seeds and thus hemp milk will not get you high.

What are the nutrition facts of hemp milk?

Fortified hemp milk might be a rich source of calcium, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published the following nutritional data for one cup (240 mL) of unsweetened hemp milk:

What are the benefits of hemp milk?

Hemp milk is gluten-free, sugar-free, and cholesterol-free. It contains vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that help with skincare and enhance brain function.

Five hemp milk health benefits include:

1. May help fight vitamin B12 deficiency: Most of the hemp milk sold commercially is fortified with vitamin B12.
   • Getting enough vitamin B12 may help reduce the risk of:
     • Low platelet, white blood cell, and red blood cell counts
     • Megaloblastic anemia (identified by large, abnormally nucleated red blood cells)
     • Glossitis (inflammation) of the tongue
     • Dementia
     • Infertility
     • Palpitations (abnormal heart rate or rhythm)
     • Pale skin
     • Fatigue
   • Consuming enough vitamin B12 may help avoid neurological abnormalities such as pins and needles or numbness in the feet.
2. May improve skin health: Hemp milk's omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids aid in the skin's immunological response.
   • These unsaturated fatty acids are promising as nontoxic supplementary therapy for a variety of skin conditions, including:
     • Atopic dermatitis
     • Psoriasis
     • Acne vulgaris
     • Systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disorder)
     • Melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer
   • In addition, it was discovered that they helped in wound healing. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are actively metabolized in the epidermal layer of the skin. Accordingly, a study reported that a lack of omega-6 fatty acids can result in scaly skin and excessive water loss through the epidermis.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids provide photoprotection and lower the risk of skin conditions brought on by UV radiation.
3. Improves cognition: Hemp milk’s high concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are significant because these nutrients have been associated with improvements in cognition, focus, and memory, making this a popular beverage for elderly people who are more vulnerable to neurodegenerative illnesses.
4. Improves heart health: Nitric oxide produced by arginine in the hemp seeds helps relax the blood vessels and maintain appropriate blood pressure. Studies have suggested that individuals who consume more arginine are less likely to have dangerously high levels of the inflammatory C-reactive protein than those who drink less arginine. Your risk of acquiring heart disease is reduced because of these variables.
5. May enhance bone health: Calcium, a crucial mineral for many body processes, is present in hemp milk in a good amount. A high calcium diet, for instance, enhances blood vessel health and helps strengthen the bones, teeth, and muscles. Additionally, it aids in the release of the hormones and enzymes necessary for practically every body's function.

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What are the potential risks of hemp milk?

Before consuming hemp milk or any other supplement, you should speak with your doctor.

Before drinking hemp milk, think about the following risks:

• Allergies to hemp: Hemp milk, while uncommon, may cause allergic responses. An allergic reaction might cause a skin rash, hives, or anaphylaxis.
• Low potassium levels: Some firms supplement their hemp milk with synthetic B12 (cyanocobalamin). Although uncommon, this type of B12 may result in low potassium levels, often known as hypokalemia.
• Stomach pain: Tannins and saponins are both found in hemp seeds. Some people may have moderate stomach pains due to these substances.

What are the uses of hemp milk?

There are many different uses for hemp milk.

It is important to keep in mind that hemp milk can be used as a substitute for cow's milk, but it has a distinctive flavor that is nuttier and may not be acceptable for everyone.

Hemp milk is a great alternative for people who avoid dairy or follow a vegan diet because it is soy, gluten, and lactose-free.

It can be enjoyed on its own or combined with smoothies, baked goods, hot or cold cereals, and other foods.

Hemp milk's creamy texture and protein content make it a great addition to lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee drinks.

How to make hemp milk at home

Making hemp milk is simple, but it requires some planning ahead because the seeds must be soaked overnight. Ten minutes are required for preparation in total.

To prepare six cups of hemp milk, you'll need:

• Five cups of filtered water
• One cup of shelled hemp seeds
• Two tablespoons of honey (or agave nectar)
• Three pitted dates

Directions:

1. The first step is to soak seeds in water for the entire night.
2. Then, combine the water and strained hemp seeds on high for about two minutes or until frothy.
3. After passing the liquid through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag, mix it for another minute with the remaining ingredients.
4. Enjoy the milk after one more filtering.

Hemp milk can be kept in the fridge for up to four days.

Summary

The great nutritional profile of hemp seeds and hemp milk makes them a healthy supplement to most diets.

Consuming hemp milk has very few adverse effects. However, you should be aware of the quantity of sugar added to flavored variations. More sugar has a higher effect on your blood sugar levels and equals more calories. Although consuming this milk in moderation should be acceptable, excessive intake should be avoided to reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity.

If you drink this milk or make it a staple of your diet or daily routine and you have a serious or chronic condition, consult your doctor.

Image Source: iStock image

Are There Health Benefits to Drinking Hemp Milk? https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-hemp-milk#091e9c5e8200bc08-1-2

The Seed of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400098/