Hemp protein powder is a raw non-processed food. Hemp seeds, tiny and taupe colored, are finely ground into a powder that can be used in everything from shakes to baking recipes. The seeds are harvested from the plant of the same name, which just so happens to be a cousin of cannabis. Though don’t worry, the only thing you’ll be getting high on is protein. If you’re looking for the world’s perfect plant-based protein, you’ve found it. Hemp is a great source of fibre, omega fatty acids, and plant chemicals with a wide range of health benefits.
Hemp Protein Powder Benefits
1. The Good Fats (AKA Fatty Acids)
When building a healthy diet it is important to remember fats. While a majority of your food sources should be high fibre raw foods like fruits and vegetables, make sure that you are getting your daily dose of fats. Your body needs fats (in particular essential fatty acids) to regulate your nervous system, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health.
Hemp powder contains a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to support cardiovascular health. Specifically, hemp contains a compound known as linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that could be able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Three tablespoons of hemp powder provides your body with 1 gram of alpha-linoleic acid, which is just what your body requires daily. Hemp is also high in gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, which is an essential omega-6 fatty acid that is beneficial for preventing bone loss. It may even be able to protect against osteoporosis.
The essential omega fatty acids have been shown to improve many conditions including diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, attention-defitit and behavioral disorders, obesity, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, premenstrual syndrome, depression, high blood pressure, and even pain tolerance.
2. High Quality Fibre
Speaking of fibre, 30 grams of hemp protein provides you with 4 grams of fibre. When compared to whey-protein powders, which provide on average 1 gram of fibre, hemp powder could lead you well on your way to getting the recommended 30 grams per day. Fibre benefits your digestion system by not only keeping you fuller longer, but also aiding in the elimination of wastes.
As it is a great source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, hemp helps promote a healthy digestive system. According to the National Cancer Institute, hemp powder may even be able to prevent colorectal cancer. It may also be able to lower the risk of hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and diarrhoea. Fibre is also needed to help reduce cravings and stabilise blood sugar levels by controlling the amount of glucose that is dumped into the bloodstream after a meal.
3. Complete Essential Amino Acids
Hemp protein powder is one of the best sources of plant-based protein on the planet. It contains at least 20 amino acids, including the nine essential acids isoleucine, leucine, histidine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Amino acids are called the building blocks of protein because they come together to form protein in the body like a jigsaw puzzle.
Hemp powder is an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is needed to boost metabolism and increase your ability to burn fat. It’s also a great way to rebuild and repair muscles after working out. One 30 gram serving of Hemp Protein Powder contains more than 13 grams of protein.
Another thing that makes hemp easy on the digestion system is the presence of globular proteins. These dissolve easily and are ready to be used by our bodies. When compared to other vegetarian protein powders like soy, which lack this type of protein, hemp could be a friendly choice for sensitive tummies that are prone to bloating and gas.
Finally, hemp contains the plant proteins edestin and albumin, which are responsible for supporting enzyme function in the blood plasma and antibody formation in the immune system. Both proteins are highly digestible and are great sources of immune-boosting protein.
4. Good For Mother Earth
Aside from the hemp protein powder benefits to your body, hemp protein is earth friendly. It’s a fast growing plant that is dense and known to kill weeds. What that means is that most of the earth’s supply is pesticide free, as pesticides are not needed to kill weeds, it does that on its own. It is also reported to be a sustainable product as it is less damaging to the environment, even when mass-produced.
What is Hemp Protein Anyway?
Hemp protein powder comes from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is a type of Cannabis sativa plant. However, hemp contains almost no measurable levels of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), meaning it is completely safe, legal and healthy to consume.
What makes hemp seeds so special is that they are a complete protein. What that means is that they contain every essential amino acid. These are essential for the repair and formation of muscles. While animal sources such as meat and eggs generally provide all amino acids, there are very few plant sources that contain all essential amino acids. That means that vegans and vegetarians could heavily benefit from adding these into their daily diets.
Recommended intake per day (best estimate)
Around 50 grams on average.
Around 50 grams on average.
Allergy Information
Hemp is generally well tolerated by most people; however, in some cases mild diarrhoea has been reported.
Hemp is generally well tolerated by most people; however, in some cases mild diarrhoea has been reported.
Hemp Protein Powder Nutrition Facts
Serving size-100 grams
| Principle | Nutrition Value | Percentage of the RDA |
| Calories | 403 | |
| Total Fat | 10.3g | 15.8% |
| Cholesterol | 0 | 0% |
| Sodium | 0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12g | 3.9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 22g | 73.3% |
| Sugars | 4.6g | 5.1% |
| Protein | 47.4g | 94.8% |
| Iron | 20mg | 109% |
| Calcium | 60mg | 6% |
| Magnesium | 260mg | 65% |
| Potassium | 380mg | 11% |
Recipes
● Two-Bite Brownies
¼ cup hemp protein powder 7 tablespoons raw cacao powder 6 tablespoons coconut sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon water 3 tablespoons coconut oil 1 teaspoon baking powder
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Add the egg, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir. Add in the water and stir until thick. Spoon the batter into a mini cupcake or muffin tin and bake for 10-12 minutes.
● Banana Hemp Protein Powder Smoothie
1 cup almond milk 1 medium sized frozen banana 2 tablespoons hemp protein powder ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional) sweetener of choice such as honey, coconut sugar or maple syrup (optional) Cacao Nibs
Mix all ingredients in a blender on high until creamy.
● Protein Smoothie
Love a good tasting smoothie in the morning? How about a banana protein shake? Blend 1 ½ bananas, ¼ Cups of spinach, 3 Tbsp. hemp powder, 2 Tbsp. Spirulina, and 1 Cup of almond milk. Sprinkle in a little nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavour and pat yourself on the back for a healthy breakfast treat.
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