Today, Protein Powders are very popular among those who are trying to gain weight or increase muscle mass, athletes, bodybuilders.
There are many protein powder supplements varieties are available in the market, and Hemp Protein powder is one of them, made by grinding pressed hemp seeds into a fine powder. It has a nutty and earthy taste, which is used for boosting protein intake in shakes or smoothies.
Hemp protein is a form of vegan protein which is formed from plant seeds. It is nine essential amino acids, fiber, healthy fats, and minerals.
Source of Hemp Protein
Hemp protein is obtained from the cannabis plant and is an excellent source of plant-based protein. it is free from THC, the psychoactive compound that is found in the Cannabis plant. This plant grows in all climates and is used in many ways.
Hemp seeds are a food source for thousands of years. In Egypt, the Mediterranean, Egypt, and Morocco, hemp was used for protein, fiber, and medicinal purposes.
Hemp seeds can be consumed in two ways: simply removing the shells and consuming them or making powder from grinding seeds.
Health Benefits of Hemp Protein
There are many health benefits of hemp protein, that’s the reason people have been consuming it for thousands of years. Take a look at some of the health benefits of both hemp seeds and hemp protein powder :
- Abundant in Amino Acids
Amino acids are very essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Our brain uses amino acids to build protein, the rich sources of amino acids are meat, milk, and eggs. And Hemp proteins are rich in amino acids, that are needed to help repair muscle cells, regulate the nervous system, and brain function. These qualities make hemp products a great substitute for animal products to get amino acids.
- Easily Digestible
Animal proteins are more easily digestible than plant-based protein, but research shows that 91-98% of the protein in ground hemp seed is digestible. It means that your body can use almost all of the amino acids in hemp protein powder for important bodily functions such as repair and maintenance.
- Great Source of Fiber
You already know that diets rich in fiber have many health benefits, they improve blood sugar, healthier gut bacteria, and reduce the risk of bowel cancer. Studies show that We are required about 25 grams to 38 grams of fiber each day. and High-fiber foods, such as hemp protein, help in bridging this gap. Hemp Protein powders contain different amounts of fiber. 30 grams of hemp protein powders contain 7-8 grams of fiber and fulfill the need of about 18-28% of the recommended daily intake of fiber.
- A Lean Source of Protein
Hemp seeds are lean sources of plant-based protein. If you are trying to cut out the animal product for protein intake, you should include hemp products in your diet. They are high in protein while low in fat, which makes them a great supplement for protein.
Lean proteins help in boosting metabolism improves digestion and promotes muscle mass. It is free from cholesterol or saturated fats, unlike many sources of animal protein. 3 tablespoons of hemp protein powder supplement provide 90 calories with 15 grams of protein and 3 grams of fat to your body.
- Contains Unsaturated Fats
Hemp Protein powder is obtained from hemp seeds by the pressed method. Still, it contains about 10% of the original fat content, which is unsaturated fat and is good for heart health. It is also enriched with omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the ratio of 3:1 respectively. This fat content protein powder is good for people who want to add more heart-healthy unsaturated fats to their diet for good heart health.
Rich in Minerals and Antioxidants
Hemp seeds are a good source of minerals and antioxidants like magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper. Researches reveal that they contain up to 80% of the RDI for magnesium and 52% for iron per serving.
Antioxidants prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease, and diabetes, so eating foods that contain antioxidants is good for your health.
Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer
Since Hemp Protein is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, they can help to maintain good cardiovascular health. They reduce the risk of heart disease, maintain brain function, and help to maintain lean body mass. The most important benefit of hemp protein is that it may help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer.
They are rich in polyunsaturated fats that are good for your heart health, preventing artery blockage and reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Nutty Taste
Hemp Protein powder is found in brownish-green color and has an earthy, nutty, or grassy-like taste. Most of the people enjoy its taste while some find it too strong. Hemp protein powder is less refined than other protein powders and it mixes well with shakes and smoothies.
So, whenever you are thinking to give it a try, invest in a small amount of hemp protein to taste it, if you like the taste, you can go for bulk purchasing.
Recommended Amount and Dosages
An adult needs at least 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. If your weight is about 150 pounds, you need 55 grams of protein per day.
If you are an athlete or try to gain muscle mass, you need more.
The nutritionist recommends that if your exercise daily, you need at least 0.64-0.9 grams per pound of body weight per day.
Bodybuilders and fitness competitors need up to 1.4 grams per pound of their body weight.
You can add these hemp seeds to your salad, casserole, cereal, baked goods, or smoothie bowls. You can also mix it in your smoothies and shakes to enhance its taste.
In general, you should take 3 tablespoons of hemp protein powder per day, and for athletes and bodybuilders, 5-7 tablespoons provide the ideal amount of your daily protein requirement.