Hemp milk is hugely beneficial for children and offers various health benefits. Some of the health benefits include strengthening of the immune system, clear and healthy skin, hair and nails, healthy heart and an improved cognitive functionality. Hemp milk is considered as a good source of organic protein and adds a good amount of omega 6 and omega 3 essential fatty acids to your child’s diet.
Is Hemp Milk Safe for Babies?
Hemp milk is completely safe for babies from around 7 months of age and it also contains several important nutrients which are normally not present in cow or formula milk. Without worrying about the side-effects you can offer hemp milk to your child in a bottle. Parents who take a holistic approach towards parenting have praised the effects of hemp milk.
There is a misconception surrounding the fact that since hemp milk is obtained from seeds that can grow into marijuana, the effects of hemp seed can be harmful. However, studies have found out that not only that hemp milk do not contain the ingredient that causes psychoactive effects in marijuana, babies also do not get addicted to hemp milk. For that reason hemp milk is considered to be completely safe and secured milk alternative for children and infants.
Hemp Milk Vs Cow Milk:
Hemp milk in fact is the perfect substitute for cow milk for babies and that it because it is free of lactose, any sort of cholesterol, the negative effects of soya, and also free from the chances of allergies that might trigger from the nut based milks. Moreover, hemp milk is also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and is also gluten free. That means that there are less chances of your child showing signs of intolerance after consuming the milk. The best part of hemp milk is that it does not require refrigeration and for that reason it is easier and more convenient to store at home.
Nutritious Value of Hemp Milk
Scientists claim that hemp milk is more nutritious than cow milk as it contains a lot more nutrients and vitamins and it is considered as a healthier choice to be offered to babies. An 8 ounce serving of hemp milk contains 2800mg Omega-6 Fatty Acid, 900mg Omega-3 Fatty Acid, 4 grams of Digestible Protein, all 10 essential amino acids, 46% of RDA of Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorous, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Folic acid, iron, zinc and a lot more. Considering the range of nutrients that hemp milk offers it can be called a super-food for your little precious one.
Apart from the important vitamins, hemp milk also contains 10 essential amino acids along with digestible proteins. This ensures an easy digestion and also proper bowel movement for your baby.
Health Benefits of Hemp Milk
If you are planning on introducing hemp milk as an alternative to regular cow milk, to your child, then he/she will definitely enjoy certain health benefits.
Strengthening of Immunity: Hemp milk is naturally obtained from hemps and hence are rich in fibers and proteins which aid your child in a number of ways including cellular development and strengthening immunity. This kind of nutritious background is essential to obtain in the early stages of development.
Promotes Healthy Heart: Though according to many pediatricians, the fat content in cow milk is healthy for your child but at the same time, considering the fact that your child is already exposed to so many other fat sources it is always a worry that he/she might end up consuming more fat than required thereby clogging the heart at a premature age. Many children nowadays are suffering from heart diseases and keeping that in mind, fat and cholesterol free hemp milk is definitely a good choice.
Strengthens Bones & Teeth: Unlike the other alternative milk sources (almond milk or soya milk) hemp milk is naturally rich in calcium. For that reason, a regular consumption of hemp milk will definitely boost your child’s skeletal tissue development along with the development of his/her teeth and nail.
Easily Digestible: Hemp milk is free from any sort of lactose contents which is found in regular cow milk. For that reason the allergenic reactions and intolerance caused by the regular milk is not experienced while consuming hemp milk. Your child will get the nutrition in a more hassle free manner.
Home Made Hemp Milk:
Hemp milk can be made in home by following some simple steps.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup hemp seeds (organic, hulled seeds)
- 4 cups water
Instructions:
- Blend hemp seeds in water until smooth. Use a high speed setting for 1-2 minutes in a standard blender OR use the milk and soup setting with a high-powered blender such as a Blend-Tec or Vitamix.
- Strain the pulp from the hemp milk.
- Refrigerate. Hemp milk will be good for 5 days.
Precautions
No known side effects have been detected yet as far as hemp milk is concerned. However, you can take advice from the paediatrician regarding storing and feeding interval of hemp milk to your child.
