Hemp milk for the masses

Hemp with a capital H. Nope, there's no THC in this high protein superfood. Save that for the ganja plants. Hemp, or Cannabis Sativa, seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. (http://www.ratical.org/renewables/hempseed1.html)

About 30–35% of the weight of hempseed is hempseed oil, an edible oil that contains about 80% EFAs; i.e., linolenic acid, omega-6, omega-3, in addition to gamma-linolenic acid, gamma 6 and stearidonic acid, omega-3. Whole hempseed also contains about 25% of a highly-digestible protein, where 1/3 is edestin and 2/3 are albumins. Its amino acid profile is close to "complete" when compared to more common sources of proteins such as meat, milk, eggs and soy. The proportions of linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid in one tablespoon (15 ml) per day of hemp oil easily provides human daily requirements for EFAs. Unlike flaxseed oil, hemp oil can be used continuously without developing a deficiency or other imbalance of EFAs. This has been demonstrated in a clinical study, where the daily ingestion of flaxseed oil decreased the endogenous production of GLA (Schwab U, Callaway J, Erkkilä A, Gynther J, Uusitupa M, Järvinen T (2006). Effects of hempseed and flaxseed oils on the profile of serum lipids, serum total and lipoprotein lipid concentrations and haemostatic. European Journal of Nutrition 45(8):470-7.).

Hempseed is an adequate source of calcium and iron. Whole hempseeds are also a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper and manganese.

From what I've read, there are no known allergies to hemp seeds. Great news! I've begun making and drinking hemp milk for the past couple of months. My kids have joined in. My 10 month old even eats hemp goodness. His fave is peach- blueberry-hemp pudding.

If you've never had a hemp seed, they are tiny like the size of a sesame seed. Hemp seeds are soft and have a unique yet mild taste. You can find them in the health food store. Lucian, my 4 year old son snacks on them. We sprinkle them on salads and make this awesome hemp milk.

At the raw foods restaurant I worked at in NYC, they made an electrolyte lemonade using hemp oil to give it mega nutrition. I also include it in salad dressings and desserts. The oil has a strong taste, so must be used sparingly so as not to overtake the taste of the creation.

Best of all, its a totally renewable resource that is easy to grow and harvest. Although hemp is not legal to grow in the U.S. under federal law due to its relationship to marijuana, some states have defied federal law and made the cultivation of industrial hemp legal. They are still fighting the Federal Drug Administration to grow. The hemp seeds I buy from our local stores are grown and harvested in Canada.

Hemp Milk

1/2 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup honey or agave
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 tsp. sea salt (or himalayan pink salt)
1 Tbsp. lecithin (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 cups filtered/purified water

Blend all ingredients and 1/2 the water (2 cups) together for 1 minute in a high powered blender or until smooth. This may be filtered through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to make it extra smooth (although it quite smooth as is). Add the other 2 cups of water and blend thoroughly. Add love and your personal sunshine and enJOY!!!