Hemp Seed Milk Recipe
What’s up everyone?!
I’m so excited to write again this week! As many of you know, I have 2 kids now, and I am always looking for creative ways to feed myself and our family. One thing that many of us love in our household is milk. My husband is not a huge milk drinker, but he does like it in his cereal. I on the other hand like it with my oatmeal, in a latte, with PB&J… well ya get it… I like milk. Nevertheless, I am lactose intolerant… along with my husband… along with my daughter… the struggle is real…
If you follow me on Instagram, you might have read that at least 75% of people of African descent are lactose intolerant. That’s a lotta black folk! What is the main cause? Well, some research suggests that pastoral groups, or people who raised livestock, developed a mutation to digest lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Traditionally, Europeans were the ones that fit this category. There is some research that some Northern and Eastern Africans (along with some from South Africa) may have the mutation that allows for easy digestion of lactose. With that said, if you know you have been struggling with dairy for some time, it may just be your genes. Now, there are some people who have been able to digest dairy by slowly adding it into their diet (to naturally increase their lactase enzyme) and even some who just prefer to take a lactase pill. If that’s you, that’s fine. But, just an FYI, if you have ever struggled with lactose intolerance, this may be contributing to the bloating that you have. Many people are walking around with bloated stomachs without even realizing it!
Hemp seed milk is great because it is high in protein, has omega-3’s, it is a complete protein (that just means it has all of the amino acids your body needs… so you don’t have to worry about losing protein as a vegan), and they are heart healthy. With these benefits, you may find improvements in your overall skin and possible decreased inflammation!
Well, I’ve talked enough! Enjoy the recipe!
Hemp Seed Milk
(makes 4 servings, use in 3-4 days)
Ingredients
3/4 cup hemp seeds
4 cups water (filtered if possible)
sweetener (optional), such as sugar, agave, or honey
pinch of salt (optional)
Supplies
Blender (see options below)
Container for milk
Nut milk sifter
Preparation
This easy recipe can easily be multiplied. If you want to make a gallon at a time, use 3 cups of hemp seeds and 16 cups of water.
Simply place your hemp seeds, sweetener (optional, per your preference), salt, and water in your blender. For high speed blenders (such as Vitamix or Ninja Foodi Blender, blend on high for 3 minutes. For lower speed blenders (such as an Oster blender), blend on high for 5 minutes.
If you decide to use the nut milk sifter, transfer milk to sifter (sifter makes milk a little smoother). Lastly, transfer to a pitcher or glass canister. Enjoy in 3-4 days!
WARNING: do not overfill your blender. Fill according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
*Note: You can dilute this recipe in half if you desire. If so, you will still get half the protein per serving. I do this sometimes if I am trying to stretch my hemp seeds. Merely double the amount of water or use half of the amount of hemp seeds (for example, use 6 tbsp hemp seeds in 4 cups of water rather than 3/4 cup).
Nutrition Information
*Nutrition facts based on unfiltered milk (not sifted through a nut milk bag or milk sifter)
Total Fat 15g, Sat Fat 1.5g, Trans Fat 0g, Polyunsaturated Fat 10g, Monounsaturated Fat 2g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 0mg, Total Carbs 1g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Total Sugars 0g, Protein 10g
Vit D 0%, Calcium (20mg) 2%, Iron (3.6mg) 20%, Potassium (376mg) 8%, Thiamin 25%, Riboflavin 8%, Folate 10%, Phosphorus 35%, Magnesium 45% Zinc 25%, Manganese 100%
Enjoy!
