Hemp Protein

Hemp Protein Protein powders are most commonly used as a food supplement, particularly by athletes, and are especially good for increasing muscle mass and enhancing endurance.

Whey protein powder, derived from processing milk from animals, is currently the most commonly used protein powder. However, it is not fit for many individuals due to allergies or issues related to digestion. Furthermore, vegans cannot use a protein powder of animal origin.

On the other hand, Hemp Protein Powder is an excellent natural source of vegan protein and essential fatty acids. It is produced from raw hemp seeds, that are pressed to remove the oil, which then forms a paste, which is dried and ground to form a powder.¹

Supplement manufacturers prepare Hemp Protein Powder from hemp seeds. Hemp seeds have 25-30% oil, 25-30% protein, 30-40% fibre, and 6-7% moisture. Since Hemp Protein Powder is made from pressed seeds, it has a low amount of oil and mainly contains protein and dietary fibre. It also has small amounts of other beneficial phytocompounds like trace elements, and antioxidants.¹

Hemp Protein meal, which is obtained by removing the oil from the seed, contains 30-50% protein. Hemp Protein concentrate is prepared by removing water-soluble nonprotein particles and has about 65% protein content. Hemp Protein Isolate however, is a commercial-grade Hemp Protein Powder and may contain more than 90% protein.⁴

Hemp Protein Powder is rich in all nine amino acids and as such, has a very high amino acid score. It is particularly rich in arginine and glutamic acid, and moderately rich in sulphur-containing amino acids. Arginine is especially good for detoxification and boosting Nitric Oxide (NO) levels in the body, whereas glutamate has a vital role as a neurotransmitter in the brain.¹

Studies show that Hemp Protein Powder is one of the best sources of high-quality vegan proteins. However, Hemp Protein Powder only contains lysine, an essential amino acid, in low levels along with leucine and tryptophan, also in low levels. Such deficiencies, however, can be overcome by combining Hemp Protein Powder with other food items.¹

Another good thing about Hemp Protein Powder, is in relation to digestibility. Hemp Protein has a better digestibility score than soy, wheat, or lentil proteins. Many individuals may find Hemp Protein easier to digest than whey protein however, it has a lower digestibility score than egg protein.²^,³

Another benefit of Hemp Protein Powders is the high content of dietary fibre. However, the total content of dietary fibre will depend on how the powder was created and processed. Dietary fibre is high in Hemp Protein concentrate but low in Hemp Protein Isolate. Hemp Protein Powder has both water-soluble and water-insoluble fibre in the ratio of 20:80.¹

One should not underestimate the value of dietary fibre in Hemp Protein Powder. Studies show that the western diet is deficient in dietary fibre, which may explain the higher prevalence of certain non-communicable diseases. Adequate dietary intake of fibre helps to: maintain intestinal health, prevent insulin resistance (thus diabetes), lower cholesterol, and lower the risk of cardiovascular events. Soluble dietary fibres also act as prebiotics, which have a wide range of health benefits.⁵

Lastly, about the safety of the Hemp Protein Powder. Hemp Protein Powder generally does not contain any THC, which is an intoxication substance. If it does, it may only be in trace amounts and well within the permissible limits. This is because Hemp Protein Powder is only made from hemp plants and cultivations that are legally approved and so, even the small amount of THC that is naturally present in these seeds, is removed during oil extraction and the further processing of the hemp protein meal.⁶

Properties

Brain Function / Neuroprotective²
Enhances Endurance²
High/Good Levels of Fibre¹
High/Good Levels of Phytochemicals / Phytocompounds¹
High/Good Levels of Protein²
Muscle Mass²
Prebiotic²^,³
Toxin Removal²^,³

References