There's a reason so many people call hemp a supercrop.
There's a reason so many people call hemp a supercrop. From enhancing your beauty regime to helping save the planet, hemp is a nutrient-rich plant that can make a positive difference in your life.
Check out these 11 examples of why I’m a big fan of hempseed fan and love to incorporate it into my healthy diet:
1. Hemp oil is naturally rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) that may increase moisture and decrease damaging oxidation on your skin, making it a perfect addition to beauty and wellness regimens.
2. These same fatty acids, paired with very high protein content, make hemp an ideal food choice for vegetarians and vegans.
3. Hemp seed oil is high in antioxidant activity, which means it can help reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals that can damage your skin.
4. Hemp seed oil increases the level of natural endocannabinoids in the body. Studies suggest this can reduce certain oily secretions, and hemp seed oil also helps hydrate the skin, which can moderate oil production.
5. Those suffering from atopic dermatitis (a skin condition that produces red and itchy skin) will love to hear that the application of hemp seed oil led to significant improvement in clinical studies.
6. As a clear sign that scientists believe hemp is the future, SpaceX rocketed hemp seeds to the International Space Station in 2019.
7. Taking care of the planet is a cause that everyone can get behind, and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) found that hemp leaves a smaller ecological footprint than cotton and polyester.
8. Hemp doesn't just help people. The plant pulls unhealthy toxins from the soil, and scientists actually grew hemp plants around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant to reduce the soil's toxicity.
9. Want nutrients? Hemp's got 'em, including Vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and many others.
10. Cotton plants, which require up to 80 percent more water than hemp, grow on three percent of all crop-based land yet receive 35 percent of the world’s insecticides and pesticides.
11. In addition to being one of history's first cultivated crops, hemp also had a major role in America's past. Christopher Columbus brought hemp seeds to the New World.
One of my favorite ways to incorporate it into my superfood fitness-focused diet is by using hempseed milk.
A ton of dairy-free milk alternatives are in the market these days, all of which tout similar benefits: longer shelf life, vegan-friendly, and often more sustainably produced than animal byproducts. Hemp milk is paleo, gluten-free, vegan, and a great option for anyone with wheat or nut allergies, too. Hemp seeds, as we already know, are packed with healthy fatty acids like omega-3, and one cup of hemp milk is also home to five grams of protein.
Even better, the protein in hemp milk is easier for your body to digest and process than milk and other milk alternatives, and it’s one of the few plant-derived complete proteins as it contains essential fatty acids. In comparison to cow’s milk, hemp milk is lower in calories and carbohydrates, but it has almost the same amount of healthy fat content. The edible part of the hemp plant is found inside the hard seed shells. You will probably see them referred to as “hemp hearts,” which are the de-hulled soft inner seeds. You can find this ready-to-use product at most health food stores or online. Look for opaque containers or bags that will keep their amino-acid content stable on your shelf for longer.
To take health to the next level, you can even make your own hempseed milk. All you need are two ingredients - hemp hearts and water!
If you want a thinner texture, add up to a cup of additional water about a tablespoon at a time until your milk reaches the consistency you like. Once it’s blended fully, you can seal your hemp milk in a jar, pop it in the fridge, and enjoy it for up to 5 days.
A few tips:
You can strain your hemp milk using cheesecloth if you desire, but hemp hearts blend up so finely that it’s definitely not a requirement, another reason we love to make this plant milk at home.
You can also choose to skip the soak! Hemp hearts are soft and blend easily as-is, but soaking them will create an even smoother consistency and is better for digestion. For an extra indulgent variation, try adding in 2 tablespoons of raw cacao for dairy-free chocolate milk!
Hemp milk has a naturally nutty flavor that pairs really well with savory dishes and also rounds out our sweet recipes or desserts. By making hemp milk at home you can choose exactly what goes in it, which means you can choose to omit added sugar, stabilizers, or thickeners that can be sneakily added to store-bought brands. Hemp milk is a great source of protein and makes a no-fuss base for morning smoothies or even a post-workout snack. Here are a few of our favorite morning recipes to start your day off right.
Berry Good Hemp Smoothie
What you’ll need:
Just toss all of your ingredients into a blender and blend! A few tips: You can mix up this simple recipe based on what berries are in season – try it with blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorites. If you’re looking for an easy way to get your greens for the day, throw in up to a cup of spinach leaves. We promise you won’t know they’re there!
Chocolatey Hemp Milk Smoothie
What you’ll need:
Another no-fuss recipe that you can just throw into the blender! The nut butter adds a rich and creamy texture that makes this almost like a healthy dessert, too.
Matcha Hemp Milk Overnight Oats
What you’ll need:
Start by putting your dry ingredients to a mason jar, then add in your hemp milk. Mix well and let your jar sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you’ll have an incredibly simple, no-heat-needed breakfast ready to go! You can make this in the morning, as long as it has an hour or two to let it soak.
This is great alone but also makes a delicious and creamy base for a breakfast bowl. Top with a tablespoon of your favorite nut butter, chopped fruit, cacao nibs, or even honey – whatever your heart desires! Swap out the matcha with raw cacao for a chocolate version; you can skip the matcha, too.
Need a few more fool-proof ways to use your homemade hemp milk? Try swapping it into your lattes, adding it to your favorite cereal or granola, or refreshing leftovers or sauces.