Plant-based milk like this flaxseed milk has so many benefits and are not just a food fad. They are cholesterol-free, and for lactose intolerant people like myself, they are a lifesaver.
Flaxseed milk, also known as ‘hulled hemp’ or linseed, is becoming more popular due to its nutritional value. Its popularity comes from two sources:
1) People who are lactose-intolerant and cannot digest dairy products (dairy intolerance). Some people can have stomach pains after drinking cow’s milk, for example.
2) The vegan community who do not consume animal products such as meat or eggs while still getting their protein intake through plant-based foods like beans, nuts and seeds.
The argument against plant-based milk is usually that plant-based milk contains added sugar, which does more harm than good, but when you make your homemade flaxseed milk or any other plant-based milk, you have full control over what you add.
Table of contents
What is Flaxseed?
Flaxseeds are brown in colour and have a hard, crunchy covering. Their botanical name Linum usitatissimum, which means “the most useful”, add that to the fact that they have been grown since the beginning of civilization, and you get an idea of why flaxseeds are so popular.
A tablespoon of flaxseed contains a good amount of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, vitamins and minerals. The lignans in flaxseed may reduce cancer risk, the omega-3 in flaxseed keep the heart healthy, and the proteins in flaxseed are a good alternative source of protein for people on a plant-based diet.
Today, almost everything has been categorized as a “superfood”, but flaxseed has enough to earn that title. Like I mentioned earlier, flaxseeds are one of the oldest grown crops, and with more research, we now know why it has been around for so long.
How to make Flaxseed milk
There are two ways to prepare flaxseed milk. One involves soaking the seeds overnight, and the other is faster and more direct. In the video, I will be showing both methods.
Flaxseed Milk
Equipment
- Blender
- Cheese clothe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flaxseed
- 2 cups Water
- 3 pieces Date optional
Instructions
- Soak flaxseeds for 8 hours
- Rinse flaxseeds to remove gel
- Blend flaxseeds with date
- Strain to extract milk
- Allow milk to sit for 20 minutes
- Gently scoop gel from top of milk
- Strain flaxseed milk
Video
How to use Flaxseed milk
-One way is as an alternative to cow’s milk, so instead of drinking cows’ milk on your cereal for breakfast or using cream and butter in recipes that call for them like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, ice cream etc., you could substitute Flaxseed milk without much difference from its flavour or consistency but give yourself more benefits! It also has fewer calories than regular cow’s milk because of being high in protein – one cup (240ml) contains about 60 calories versus 120 per cup if using whole milk.
-Another way you can use it is by blending flaxseed milk with fruit, Chia seeds or oats to make a healthy breakfast smoothie. You could also add vanilla extract if desired for flavour. This will give your body the right amount of carbohydrates and fat to start your day off well fuelled, as well as provide some protein from the seeds themselves, which helps keep you focused at work without feeling sluggish – many people report having more energy on days that they drink this kind of shake instead of coffee or tea!
-You may like it mixed into a bowl of cereal such as granola, so when you pour over the milk, these ingredients clump together but are still soft enough to eat out of hand; just let them sit for a few minutes to make sure they don’t get too soggy.
-Use it to cook by adding it into recipes that call for milk, such as mashed potatoes or even pasta sauces like alfredo. This is a perfect substitute if you’re still having trouble digesting lactose from dairy products – the benefits of flaxseed milk include not containing any lactose so that you can use this in your cooking without any adverse side effects!
-It’s summertime, and you want ice cream. Most store-bought options are full of sugar and additives, which create more unwanted calories in our diets. You can make your own ice cream with Flaxseed milk, banana and cocoa powder.
How to use Flaxseed milk on the skin
- Use cool flaxseed milk as a face wash and makeup remover
- Make a powerful face mask with flaxseed milk, coffee powder, and sweet almond oil
- Enjoy a flaxseed milk bath. You can add coconut oil and honey for extra hydration.
Shop amazing ebooks and other digital products on sale today! Take advantage of these limited-time-only deals!
How to use Flaxseed milk on the hair
- Use flaxseed milk as a final hair rinse to condition, nourish and soften hair
- Add flaxseed milk to leave in conditioner for moisture and shine.
- Make a deep conditioner with flaxseed milk, aloe vera gel, honey and avocado oil
Benefits of Flaxseed milk
-High in protein. Flax seeds have about 23 grams per 100 grams, making them a good source for all types of vegan or vegetarian diets. Protein deficiency can lead to hair loss, thinning hair, and trouble building muscle mass.
-Low in sugar content, with no added sugars like agave nectar or high fructose corn syrup, so that you won’t get an insulin spike. The amount of natural carbohydrates varies from 20g to 30g depending on how long you grind your flaxseeds, but there’s less than what is found in oatmeal porridge. It also includes healthy fat sources such as Omega-three fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
-Has a more neutral taste than traditional milk, so you can use it in many different ways, depending on what your diet allows for or personal preferences (such as adding sugar).
-Easy to make – add whole flaxseeds into the water, stir until the seeds break down. It’s recommended that you let the mixture sit overnight before consuming it, but this is not always possible if time constraints are an issue.
-It is also rich in B vitamins which help with energy production and hormone regulation, such as folate, which helps create red blood cells needed by our bodies for oxygen transport. There’s less lactose present within Flaxseed milk than cow’s milk due to its lack of a lactose enzyme. This makes it easier for those with dairy intolerances to digest the product.
-It is also a good substitute for regular dairy when making ice cream so that those who are lactose intolerant don’t have to worry about adverse side effects such as bloating or stomach cramps while enjoying some fresh homemade iced cream on summer days!
How to preserve Flaxseed milk
Flaxseed milk lasts for 3-5 days when stored in the fridge. If you still have some flaxseed milk after 5 days in the fridge, you can freeze up the excess milk in ice cube trays and add them to drinks or thaw the milk and add to a hair or face mask. They are super versatile!
Other ways to use Flaxseed
If you have tried flaxseed milk and it doesn’t suit your taste buds, don’t give up on flaxseeds yet. Here are 3 different ways to use flaxseed
- Make flaxseed gel and use as a hair mask. I have a post showing you how to make different natural gels including flaxseed gel. Best part is that it is really easy and takes only 2 steps to make
- Prepare a body scrub. Add 1 tablespoon of flax meal to 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, add sweet almond oil and mix properly. Use this body scrub 2- 3 times a week to receive all the skin benefits of flaxseed.
- Add flaxseed to your Oat for extra fiber. If you are on a weightloss journey or just want to struggle with constipation, add 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed to your morning cereal to add more fiber to your diet.
Key takeaway
Flaxseed milk is one of the most nutritious and versatile plant-based milk available. It is easy to make, and because of its plain taste, it is easy to customize. You can add healthy additives to it and enjoy it as you would dairy milk.
Have you ever taken flaxseed milk? Let me know in the comments.
Shop amazing ebooks and other digital products on sale today! Take advantage of these limited-time-only deals!
More articles for you!
