Posted July 24, 2020 in FAQ, Tips, Tags: hemp milk, hemp recipe, hemp seeds, homemade hemp milk, phosphorus in hemp, potassium in hemp by Dawn Johnson, MS, RDN, LD.
Plant-based milk alternatives are growing in popularity. Hemp milk is one of the lesser known of these. Consumers can find hemp milk in most grocery stores and online. Hemp milk is made by blending water and seeds of the Cannabis plant. Hemp is made from the same plant that produces the psychoactive compound THC. However, hemp milk does not cause any body- or mind-altering effects.
Kidney-friendly? ![Food Facts Friday: Hemp Milk - Kidney Diet Tips (1) Food Facts Friday: Hemp Milk - Kidney Diet Tips (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
People with kidney disease may follow a mineral-restricted diet, limiting sodium, potassium and phosphorus. With some careful planning, hemp milk can fit into a kidney diet. Work with a renal dietitian to incorporate hemp milk into meal plans.
Here is a comparison between 8 ounces hemp milk and 8 ouncescow’s milk
Nutrients | Hemp milk | Cow’s milk, 2% |
Calories | 60 | 122 |
Protein | 3 gm | 8 gm |
Calcium | 283 mg | 293 mg |
Phosphorus | 317 mg | 224 mg |
Potassium | 101 mg | 342 mg |
Sodium | 134 mg | 115 mg |
As a general rule, dialysis patients are recommended to limit to 1/2 cup milk and milk alternatives with similar mineral content. If blood tests show high levels of potassium or phosphorus your dietitian may recommend almond milk or rice milk instead of hemp milk.
Hemp milk is a good source of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, zinc and magnesium.
How to Make Hemp Milk
You can make your own kidney-friendly hemp milk with a handful of ingredients. Find hemp seeds on the baking isle at your local grocery store or order online. Hemp products are legal in the United States.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hulled hemp seeds
- 4 cups water
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 whole date, pitted or 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- (optional) 2 tablespoons cocoa or cacao powder for chocolate flavor
- (optional) 1/4 cup fresh berries for berry flavor
Preparation steps
- Add hemp seeds, water and any optionalingredients to a high speed blender. Top with lid. Blend for 1 minute.
- Scoop out a small sample and taste test forsweetness. Add more dates or vanilla as needed.
- Pour mixture directly into a serving containeror if straining, pour over a large mixing bowl or pitcher with cheesecloth, awire strainer or a nut milk bag.
- Transfer to a sealed container andrefrigerate. It keeps in refrigerator upto 5 days.
How to Use Hemp Milk
Here are some suggestions for consuming homemade hemp milk:
- Drink it straight
- Add it to smoothies
- Serve it over granola or your favorite cereal
- Add it to baked goods to replace milk
References
- https://blogs.davita.com/kidney-diet-tips/food-facts-friday-oat-milk/
- https://minimalistbaker.com/make-hemp-milk/
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/accessed June 2, 2020
Additional Kidney Diet Resources
Visit DaVita.com and explorethese diet and nutrition resources:
- DaVitaFood Analyzer
- DaVitaDining Out Guides
- DaVitaKidney-Friendly Recipes
- Today’sKidney Diet Cookbooks
- Diet andNutrition Articles
- Diet andNutrition Videos
- KidneySmart® Virtual Classes
This article is forinformational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice ortreatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specificdiagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.