What is Hemp Protein?

Did you know that hemp seeds are one of nature’s best sources for plant-based protein? If you’re looking to increase your protein intake from a natural and vegan source, then hemp protein powder just might be the perfect choice for you.

In fact, hemp protein powder is arguably the best vegan protein powderwith 20 amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids that your body is unable to produce on its own and must obtain from dietary sources.

Hemp protein powder is not only a protein powerhouse, but it’s also inherently loaded with more healthy omega fatty acids and fiber than many other common protein powders. It doesn’t stop there — hemp has also been shown to improve fatigue and have positive effects on the immune system — and these are just some of the benefits of hemp protein powder.

Hemp is a distinct variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, which can be grown to maximize the fibers in the stalk of the plant or seed production. Hemp has barely or even no measurable levels of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid most known for its psychoactive properties.

THC has been researched extensively, and science has shown us that when it’s not smoked, it has substantial health benefits with veritably no side effects. Hemp typically contains about 0.3 percent to 1.5 percent THC, whereas marijuana contains about 5 percent to 10 percent or more THC. So don’t worry — eating hemp certainly will not get you high. Hemp consumption is safe, healthy and legal.

Hemp protein powder and hemp seed oil are both made from the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp protein powder is easy on the taste buds with a faintly nutty flavor.

Hemp Protein Powder Nutrition Profile

Hemp protein powder is made from hemp seeds, which provide a solid nutritional boost similar to flaxseeds. Hemp protein powder packs a health punch of dietary fiber, chlorophyll, minerals and antioxidants without any saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium or sugar.

A serving — about 4 tablespoons (30 grams) — of an organic, high-quality hemp protein powder contains about (2):

• 120 calories
• 11 grams carbohydrates
• 12 grams protein
• 3 grams fat
• 5 grams fiber
• 260 milligrams magnesium (65 percent DV)
• 6.3 milligrams iron (35 percent DV)
• 380 milligrams potassium (11 percent DV)
• 60 milligrams calcium (6 percent DV)

Specification of Hemp Protein Powder

Benefits & Applications of Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp protein provides the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 in a healthy 3:1 ratio. Hemp is also one of the few sources of the hard-to-get gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a healthy, plant-derived omega-6 metabolized differently than other less healthy omega-6s. GLA-rich foods like hemp seeds have been observed to help people with:

• ADHD
• Breast pain
• Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Multiple sclerosis
• Obesity
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Skin allergies

Whether you’re a training athlete, a moderate exerciser or not currently very physically active, there is a wide range of hemp protein powder benefits making it a good choice for just about anyone, including the following.

1. Increases Protein Intake

First and foremost, by consuming hemp protein powder regularly you directly and easily increase your overall protein intake. Why is protein so important? In your body, proteins actually make up the vital organs, muscles, tissues and even some hormones. Proteins also develop, grow and maintain just about every part of you. In addition, they boost metabolism and increase your fat-burning potential.

Without proper daily protein intake, it’s common to find yourself struggling to lose weight, fighting fatigue, suffering from mood swings and many other health issues. As a high-protein source, hemp protein powder helps prevent protein deficiency and get the protein you need.

2. Improves Heart Health

Hemp seeds have an ideal 3:1 balance of omega-3 fatty acids vs. omega-6 fatty acids, which promotes cardiovascular health. More specifically, hemp protein powder contains linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that some studies suggest helps prevent coronary heart disease.

Hemp seeds are also heart-healthy, high-fiber foods. I recommend adding hemp protein powder to a morning smoothie to naturally lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol and improve triglycerides.

3. Decreases Osteoporosis Risk

In a study of women over 65 with osteoporosis, those who took GLA and EPA supplements had less bone loss over three years than those who took a placebo. Many of the women studied also experienced an increase in bone density. That’s why you should add hemp protein powder to your osteoporosis diet.

Hemp is naturally high in the essential omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Some studies suggest that people who do not get enough essential fatty acids — especially GLA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — are more likely to have bone loss than those with normal levels of these fatty acids.

Adding fiber to your diet in the form of hemp protein powder can also lower your risk for hemorrhoids, diarrhea and diverticulosis.

4. Cleanses the Colon

Hemp protein powder is rich in soluble and unsoluble fiber. Both forms of fiber naturally cleanse the colon, reducing constipation and toxins in the body. Some studies even suggest that fiber protects against the development of colorectal cancer.

5. Reduces Sugar Cravings

The high nutrient content of hemp protein powder makes it a perfect ally in the fight against the craving for unhealthy sweets. Hemp seed food products offer a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which helps regulate blood glucose. When you keep your glucose levels steady, you’re much less likely to experience energy crashes and aren’t as likely to crave sugar to fill the void.

6. Boosts the Immune System

By consuming hemp protein powder, you can easily give your immune system a boost! Hemp seeds contain the globular plant proteins edestin (65 percent to 67 percent) and albumin (33 percent to 35 percent). These globular proteins are responsible for enzymatic functions in the blood plasma along with antibody formation, making them critical for strong immune function.

Edestin is considered the most easily digestible protein and is very similar to protein in the human body. Hemp contains the highest known levels of edestin in the plant kingdom, making it a superior source of protein. Albumin is another highly digestible, high-quality source of plant protein. Hemp seeds are also free of trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides, two things that negatively affect the absorption and digestibility of other plant sources of protein.