Hemp Seed Benefits and Hemp Milk Recipe

In the world of “super natural” eating, hemp seed benefits have been known for years. But, finally, superfood hemp seeds are getting the attention they deserve. Hemp seeds are one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods on the planet.

Plus, we are sharing a super simple and nutritious so you can make hemp milk!

What Are Hemp Seeds?

Hemp seeds are actually an incredibly nutrient-dense “superfruit” that look a little like itty bitty sunflower seeds. They are tiny and roundish with a mellow and slightly nutty flavor but, unlike nuts, they are soft in texture.

They look a lot like sunflower seeds but taste sort of like pine nuts, minus the crunch. Hemp seeds are one of those foods that are pretty hard not to like. You can buy hemp seeds at natural food stores or online.

Hemp Seeds Nutrition

Hemp seeds Nutrition Facts get an A++!  Here are the best hemp seed benefits and how they can benefit your body, insulin sensitivity and much more.

Hemp Seed Benefit #1: Anti-inflammatory Properties

These little seeds deliver a hefty dose of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. Importantly, hemp seeds and hemp oil both have a highly favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. Hemp is a great food for anyone with inflammatory conditions such as asthma, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, eczema, psoriasis or allergies.

Hemp Seed Benefits #2: Contain Gamma-linolenic Acid

Along with borage oil, spirulina, black currant oil, and evening primrose oil, hemp seeds and hemp oil are one of only a very few sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). GLA is a super special type of highly anti-inflammatory omega-6 “super fat”. It not only reduces inflammation but also supports a healthy metabolism, nourishes your hair, skin and nails and even helps regulate hormones.

The average Western diet obtains too much omega-6 fat from foods like corn oil, soybean oil and vegetable oil. These oils contain an omega-6 fat called LA (linolenic acid) rather than the GLA anti-inflammatory “super fat” found in hemp seeds. LA is entirely different than GLA and unlike LA, GLA is very difficult to get from a normal diet.

Hemp Seed Benefits #3: Improve Insulin and Assist in Weight Loss

In fact some naturopathic physicians actually prescribe GLA supplements (such as evening primrose oil) to improve sensitivity to insulin and assist with weight loss. These seeds can also reduce blood pressure and to reduce hormone-mediated nuisance symptoms (bye-bye PMS or hot flashes). Hemp seeds are among the very few non-supplement food sources of “super fat” GLA.

Hemp Seed Benefits #4: Hemp Seeds are High in Protein

The protein from hemp is considered the “Gold Standard” of plant protein because it is particularly easy to digest (no bloating, gas, constipation, etc.). In addition, it is rich in essential amino acids and is very unlikely to cause allergies. Hemp seeds are also particularly rich in zinc, iron and magnesium.

3 Tablespoons of Hemp Seeds = 11 grams of Protein

In fact, whenever someone asks me what my favorite protein shake supplement is, I say hemp seeds—for taste and nutrition! There’s no reason to buy fancy, expensive, tasteless and processed protein powders when you can simply add “whole” hemp seeds. Just add water along with fruits and greens and blend the whole thing up in a high speed blender.

One of my favorite protein-rich smoothies is this Protein Rich Fruit Smoothie. And of course like all plant foods, hemp seeds also contain disease-fighting phytonutrients as well as fiber.

How to Eat Hemp Seeds?

As for how to eat hemp seeds, it’s amazing the culinary creations you can concoct with just a little bit of imagination! I make rich, luscious and creamy vinaigrettes and a to-die-for vegan Caesar Salad Dressing with hemp seeds.

Hemp Seeds as an Egg Substitute

You can also eat hemp seeds by substituting for an egg and mayo. Just process the hemp seeds in a high speed blender with a high quality oil such as cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.

Add Hemp Seeds to Salads, Chilis and More

There are so many ways to enjoy hemp seeds. Here’s our favorites:

• Mix hemp seeds into vegan chili
• Sprinkle them on salads (try my Roasted Vegetable Salad recipe HERE)
• Mix them in hot whole grain cereals
• Sprinkle them on top of fresh fruit
• Mix them into bean-based hummus dips
• Blend them into creamy smoothies (when blended with water hemp seeds can replace milk.)

Make Hemp Milk or Buy Hemp Milk Ready-Made

You can also use hemp milk as a much more nutritious and “clean eating” substitute for cow’s milk. Unlike soy milk or almond milk, hemp milk has a richer consistency similar to dairy milk and I actually prefer it as my “milk” of choice.

You can buy hemp milk ready-made, such as Goodmylk Co. Hemp Milk. It is so tasty, creamy and nutritious.

Or, you could even make hemp milk or hemp cream. Here’s a quickie recipe for homemade hemp milk:

Make Hemp Milk

It’s almost silly how easy it is to make hemp milk. Just add a few simple ingredients to a high speed blender and within just a few minutes, your hemp milk will be done. You don’t need to strain with a nut bag or strainer either.

Homemade Hemp Milk

The amazing hemp seed benefits, hemp seed nutrition, how to eat hemp seeds, plus a delicious and creamy hemp seed milk recipe.

• Prep Time:5
• Total Time:5
• Yield:2 cups1x

Scale1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup hemp seeds or hemp hearts, we love Manitoba Harvest
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of unrefined sea salt

Instructions

In a high-speed blender, puree all ingredients until smooth.

Notes

Store in a covered container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days at most. Shake well before drinking. If you want to make hemp “cream” simply reduce the water.

Without a doubt, adding “superfood” hemp seeds to your diet on a regular basis will boost your health and overall nutritional profile!