We’ve been drinking almond milk and trying a variety of other nut milks for the past several years after our oldest daughter was diagnosed with a severe milk allergy. My biggest complaint about almost all of the commercial nut milks is that they contain carrageenan. Dr. Andrew Weil suggests to eliminate it from our diets stating:
“Findings from animal studies and a review of the scientific literature showed that degraded forms of carrageenan can cause ulcerations and cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.”
When I started looking at ingredients on product labels for it I was shocked at just how many foods contain it. Did you know that most supermarket rotisserie chickens have carrageenan listed as one of their ingredients? It’s primarily used as a thickening agent or emulsifier and is made from a substance extracted from red and purple seaweeds, consisting of a mixture of polysaccharides. So basically any processed food with a creamy texture I now question. I wonder why they don’t use something like chia seeds instead?
So on my path to find healthy alternatives I came across this recipe for homemade hemp milk from Nourishing Meals. I’ve read that hemp seeds are the only edible seeds that contain the amino acid, GLA. Hemp milk is rich in protein and contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins A, E, B-12 and folic acid. It is also rich in magnesium, potassium, iron and magnesium. Another essential benefit is that it has anti-inflammatory agents and improves circulation. So why not give hemp milk a try?
Homemade Organic Hemp Milk Recipe:
“1/2 cup shelled organic hemp seeds
3 cups filtered water
1 tablespoon organic maple syrup
pinch sea salt
Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend for 60 to 90 seconds or until ultra smooth. Place a nut milk bag into a large jar or pitcher and pour hemp milk through the bag, squeezing out the milk, and leaving the pulp behind. I compost the leftover pulp. Store your hemp milk in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Use it in recipes wherever milk is called for. Source: www.NourishingMeals.com”
via The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen: Homemade Hemp Milk.