Let's Compare Milks Day 6: HEMP MILK

Hemp milk is made from the seeds of the edible portion of the marijuana plant but these seeds don’t contain any THC.  These plants are legally grown in Canada and the seeds are also used to make oil, cereals, waffles, snack bars, ice cream (which I hear is really tasty), and protein powders.   Hemp seeds have a rich, nutty flavor.  Hemp milk is made by blending the seeds with water then straining out the solid residue.  Hemp milk is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which promote brain health by improving cognitive function and memory.  Omega 3s are also heart healthy.  The omega 3s in hemp is alpha-linolenic acid, not the desirable EPA and DHA forms that are found in fish oils but this version is still beneficial to our health.  Hemp also provides the body with magnesium, phytosterols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin.  Hemp milk may also be fortified with vitamin B12 and vitamin D. 

Hemp milk also contains 10 essential amino acids which makes it a good vegetarian source of protein, though the quality of protein in hemp may not measure up to soy protein.  One manufacturer of hemp milk states that the protein in hemp milk “does not contain phytates which are enzyme inhibitors found in some soy protein that can interfere with the assimilation other minerals.” This manufacturer also states that hemp protein” is more digestible than soy protein because unlike soy, it contains no oligosaccharides, complex sugars that can cause flatulence if not properly broken down during digestion.”

Hemp milk is easily tolerated by those who may be allergic to soy, dairy or tree nuts.  Hemp milk is free of cholesterol and comes in vanilla, chocolate, original and unsweetened varieties.  Hemp milk contains anywhere from 70-190 calories, 5-6 grams of fat, and 2-3 grams of protein, and 0-25 grams of sugar per serving.  The protein content still isn’t as great as cow’s milk or soy milk but this does seem like a milk that contains a significant amount of nutrition and is a milk that could compliment any healthy diet.