Hemp Protein Powder - All You Need To Know

Athletes, bodybuilders, and people looking to put on weight or build muscle often use protein powders as dietary supplements. Hence, people are constantly searching for better protein powder options.

One of the more well-known varieties is hemp protein powder. It tastes earthy and nutty and is frequently used in shakes or smoothies to increase the amount of protein.

What is Hemp protein powder?

Hemp protein powder is derived from Hemp seeds. It is a fantastic source of plant-based protein and comes from the cannabis plant. It is devoid of THC, the euphoric ingredient in marijuana. It is a very resilient plant that thrives in a range of temperatures and whose various parts can be utilized in a variety of ways.

We'll review the benefits and drawbacks of hemp protein powder in this post to determine if it's the best plant-based protein powder on the market.

How Good is Hemps as a Protein Source?

All nine essential amino acids, which humans must obtain from their diet, are present in hemp, making it a complete protein. According to one study, the amino acid composition of hemp protein is comparable to that of soy and egg whites, both of which are excellent sources of protein.

Hemp is a lower-quality source of lysine, an important amino acid, according to other studies that have been conducted. Depending on the brand, a serving of 30 grams of hemp protein powder has about 120 calories and 15 grams of protein.

Compared to more highly processed soy or pea protein powders, which can contain up to 90% protein, this protein content is lower per serving. However, for individuals who prefer protein sources that have undergone less processing, hemp protein powder is the best option.

Major Hemp Protein Powder Benefits

Absorbability of Hemp Protein

Animal proteins are much more quickly absorbed than plant proteins. Although studies indicate that 91–98% of the protein in ground hemp seed is easily digestible.

This implies that nearly all of the amino acids in hemp protein powder can be utilized by your body for vital bodily processes like repair and maintenance. Because it includes the proteins edestin and albumin, which your body can easily break down, hemp is thought to be so simple to digest.

According to some research, hemp protein is of middling grade, roughly on par with lentil protein in terms of both digestibility and amino acid concentration. Consumers should look for hemp protein powders manufactured from cold-pressed seeds because research has shown that heat processing can impair the digestion of hemp protein by roughly 10%.

Digestion of Hemp Protein

In relation to absorbability, protein digestion is a key characteristic of protein powder. Your diet's fiber level ensures proper digestion. Numerous health advantages, such as better blood sugar control, healthier gut flora, and a decreased risk of colon cancer, have been associated with high-fiber diets.

The recommended daily fiber intake for men and women is 25 grams and 38 grams, respectively. However, research indicates that fewer than 5% of American adults follow this advice.

Foods high in fiber, including hemp protein, can help close this gap. Depending on whether they were prepared from hulled or unhulled hemp seeds and whether additional fiber was added, hemp protein powders can have varying levels of fiber.

Minerals and Antioxidants in Hemp Protein

Minerals including phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper are all abundant in hemp seeds. Many hemp protein products' nutrition information labels state that they contain up to 80% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for magnesium and 52% of the RDI for iron per serving.

Furthermore, lignan-amides, which are found in hemp seeds, are potent antioxidants. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants is beneficial for your health because they protect your body from oxidative damage, which has been related to chronic diseases including diabetes and heart disease.

Side Effects & Precaution

Although hemp protein powder is generally considered safe, there may be some unwanted consequences. As hemp protein includes a fair amount of fiber, some people who consume it in excess may feel gas, bloating, or diarrhea.

Most importantly hemp protein powder should not be taken by people with hemp allergies. Despite belonging to the same plant family as marijuana, hemp seeds have a very low THC content. According to studies, consuming up to 0.67 pounds, or 300 grams, of hulled hemp seeds, daily has no negative effects on the results of urine drug tests.

Is hemp protein better than whey?

Hemp protein, in contrast to whey, is completely sustainable, free of chemicals, sugar, and toxins, simple to digest, and a natural source of a variety of vitamins. However, hemp protein has a lower amino acid profile than whey protein, more in line with soy or egg-based proteins.

However, hemp is a fantastic option for individuals who prefer their products to be more natural because of the amount of processing and refining that goes into whey protein.

To Summarize

Hemp protein powder is a complete protein source as it contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. It's a nice option, particularly for vegans, but it might not be as nutrient-dense as other plant-based proteins like soy.

Despite being usually safe, some people may experience side effects or negative responses. Hemp protein powder's quality has to be tested further, but for those seeking a fiber- and healthy fat-rich protein powder, it is a viable option.