Hemp Milk: Is it Good for Your Health?
Written by Taisiia Dobrozorova
Taisiia Dobrozorova is a nutrition and fitness writer at Unimeal and a healthy lifestyle devotee. She has accomplished several courses on health, nutrition, dietology.
Fact checked by Ievgeniia Dobrynina
Ievgeniia Dobrynina is the Head of Nutrition and a fact checker at Unimeal.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Olena Avdiievska, MD, RDN
Dr. Olena Avdiievska is a nutritional and medical expert at Unimeal. She is an MD and RDN in Dietology and nutrition and a university professor with 76 scientific publications.
Hemp milk is an organic protein product made from selected hemp seeds with a light nutty flavor, and slightly vegetal aroma. It’s obtained by pressing cannabis seeds (Cannabis sativa) and it can be a great alternative for those who are intolerant of cow's or goat's milk.
You can use such milk as a separate product or add it to all cocktails, breakfast cereals, coffee or tea. Learn more about hemp milk benefits with our article!
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Nutrition facts
In fact, hemp milk is a source of protein, calcium, vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, and other components, which makes the product a universal medicine1L. Bailoni, E. Bacchin, A. Trocino, et al. (2021, March). Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed and Co-Products Inclusion in Diets for Dairy Ruminants: A Review. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. DOI:10.3390/ani11030856.
In its composition, you can find more than 400 beneficial components. For instance, according the USDA2The U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2021). Original Unsweetened Hemp Non-Dairy Beverage Agricultural Research Service. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1908151/nutrients, 10 ml of hemp milk contains:
- Protein - 1.25 g
- Fat - 1.88 g
- Carb - 0 g
- Fiber - 0 g
- Sugars - 0 g
- Calcium, Ca - 118 mg
- Iron, Fe - 0.83 mg
- Potassium, K- 42 mg
- Sodium, Na - 46 mg
Vitamins:
- fat-soluble - A, B2, B6, E, K;
- vitamin D;
- chlorophyll;
- beta carotene;
- sterol;
- cannabidiol.
The nutritional value of 1 glass of milk is: proteins - 5 g; fats - 2 g; carbs - 4 g.
The calorie content of 100 ml of milk is 212 kcal. With just 2 cups of hemp milk, you can provide your body with a daily dose of sodium and potassium!
To sum up: Hemp milk can be a good source of calcium and vitamin D, as well as a low-carb milk alternative for those who are lactose intolerant. One serving of hemp non-dairy drink is low in fat and protein and low in calories.
Pros and cons of hemp milk
Evidence linking hemp milk to specific health benefits is lacking. But choosing fortified hemp milk may offer some health benefits due to the added nutrients. However, if you choose an unfortified hemp variety or make your own hemp milk at home, these benefits do not apply.
+ May be a nutrient-rich alternative to milk
Fortified hemp milk can be a nutritious alternative for those who are lactose intolerant, allergic to milk, or who prefer a dairy-free diet3A. A. Paul, S. Kumar, V. Kumar, et al. (2019, October). Milk Analog: Plant based alternatives to conventional milk, production, potential and health concerns. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. DOI:10.1080/10408398.2019.1674243.
If you don't eat dairy, it's important to get your key nutrients from other foods. Choosing fortified foods like hemp milk is one way to get the nutrition you need.
+ May help improve bone density
The calcium in fortified hemp milk may help you maintain strong and healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Vitamin D is also essential for the body to absorb calcium. Thus, the vitamin D in some brands of fortified hemp milk is also important for bone health.
+ Helps prevent vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, nerve problems, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, balance problems. A deficiency can also cause nerve damage, so it's important to treat the deficiency as quickly as possible.
+ Helps prevent calcium deficiency
In addition to contributing to bone health, calcium plays several other important roles in the body. It helps maintain healthy blood vessels for circulation and is important for the release of various hormones and enzymes. It also helps facilitate communication between nerves and muscles.
- Added sugars
Some brands cheat by using added sugar in milk, which is not really good for consumers' health. A high intake of added sugars may raise your chance of developing diabetes.
- Higher price
All the same, varieties of milk that differ from regular ones are always a little more expensive in stores. A few dollars gap usually does not stop the adherents of this product.
Does hemp milk have cbd?
Some people are afraid of getting high from cannabis products. Marijuana and hemp come from the same cannabis plant family, but they are very different. Hemp seeds and hemp milk are generally considered4The U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2018). FDA Responds to Three GRAS Notices for Hemp Seed-Derived Ingredients for Use in Human Food. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-responds-three-gras-notices-hemp-seed-derived-ingredients-use-human-food safe (GRAS) for consumption.
In fact, food grade hemp varieties should contain less than 0.3% THC (CBD) by weight5E. Small, A. Cronquist. (1976). A Practical and Natural Taxonomy for Cannabis. Wiley Online Library. DOI:10.2307/1220524. CBD causes a psychotropic effect. As such, you are unlikely to feel any of the effects associated with CBD when drinking the milk.
FAQs
How to store hemp milk?
Hemp milk is usually sold in long shelf life containers that stay fresh when stored in a cool, dark cabinet until they expire or are opened. Hemp milk stays fresh for 7 to 10 days when refrigerated.
Why is hemp milk useful for athletes?
Hemp milk is an excellent alternative to chemical artificial sports shakes, and in terms of the content of nutrients, it significantly surpasses even protein drinks. Athletes use it by adding it to drinks and various sports mixtures, and also use it in its pure form. It has an ideal balance of omega-3 and omega-6 acids, so it is perfectly absorbed in the body and brings maximum benefit.
Professional athletes have a secret - they add flower pollen to hemp milk. In milk enriched in this way, the amount of protein is doubled.
What are hemp's milk contraindications?
Hemp milk is an amazing product: with no side effects and no negative effects on the body, it has earned itself the status of a superfood. However, if you consume such a product in excessive doses, then it can naturally cause some negative effects - for example, indigestion. It is also worth limiting or completely abandoning the use of this product for people who use blood thinners.
Key takeaways
Hemp milk is a plant-based alternative to cow's milk. It is obtained by soaking and grinding hemp seeds.
Hemp milk has a ton of health benefits, from strengthening bones to preventing nervous system breakdowns. There are very few contraindications to the use of hemp milk, so this product has long been included in the top of many diets and healthy recipes!
Unimeal does not diagnose or suggest treatments. Any description of the diet, training plan or supplement should be discussed with your current physician or nutritionist. This article does not address specific conditions and is simply meant to provide general information on healthcare topics. Following any advice is at your own initiative and does not impose any responsibility on the blog authors for your health and safety.
Sources:
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