[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hemp is a plant that has been grown for thousands of years. For a miracle plant that offers ever so many benefits, (beyond merely the benefits of hemp protein powder) it has gone through a roller-coaster ride. It has had its own share of vociferous advocates as well as vocal detractors.
Hemp offers abundant benefits. It is an eco-friendly alternative to plastics and steel. Moreover, hemp seed has excellent medicinal value that could be useful in treating or preventing cardiac and other hemostatic conditions.
Apart from its medicinal benefits, hemp also offers considerable nutritional value. The protein it has can help those who consume it to gain muscles or lose fat. Oil is removed from hemp seeds, which is then pulverized to make protein powder. Every 30 grams of the powder contain 12 to 15 grams of protein. No wonder, you’re interested in finding more about the benefits of hemp protein powder.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][tm_image align=”center” md_align=”center” image=”10169″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
In this article, let us explore the benefits of hemp protein powder, the recommended dosages, and the precautions one must take while consuming it. We will also address some common questions/ concerns related to the use of hemp protein powder.
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The Undeniable Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder for a Healthy Life
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Hemp Protein Powder is a Source of Fiber
Diets with high fiber are known to offer health benefits such as reduced blood sugar levels and a lower risk of bowel cancer. Hemp protein powder contains soluble fiber that is a source of digestive bacteria that regulate blood sugar. Soluble fiber slows down digestion and prevents or decreases the absorption rate of sugar and cholesterol into the blood.
It has been found that most American men and women do not consume an adequate amount of fiber. Hemp protein powder can very well fill this gap. Fiber is also filling, which makes it an excellent choice for use in shakes.
The amount of fiber contained in a hemp protein powder is higher than that in other plant-based protein powders such as soy powder. This is because others are highly refined.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Hemp Protein Powder is Easily Digestible
Even though hemp protein is plant-based, it is highly digestible. Research shows that up to 98% of the protein in hemp powder is digestible. What does this mean for your body? Just like a machine, your body needs to perform functions such as repair and maintenance. The amino acids in hemp protein powder can help your body achieve this.
It has been shown that heat processing can reduce the digestibility of hemp protein. So if you are evaluating hemp protein powders, you will be well advised to look for cold-pressed seeds.
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Hemp Protein Powder Fulfils Your Body’s Protein Needs
Humans need amino acids that they can get from food. Hemp protein powder contains these beneficial amino acids. However, it is not considered a complete protein. This is because it contains low levels of some of these acids like lysine and leucine.
Nevertheless, hemp protein has been found to contain high levels of two amino acids – arginine, which is known to boost blood flow and tyrosine, which supports cognition under challenging conditions.
Even though hemp protein doesn’t compare favorably as a complete protein, it still has the edge over other plant-based proteins (soy, rice, pea, etc).[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Hemp Protein Powder Is Rich In Minerals and Antioxidants
Your body needs minerals to grow and stay healthy. They help make your bones stronger and transmit nerve impulses. Hemp seeds are a very rich source of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, etc.
Hemp seeds contain compounds that are a good source of antioxidants. They protect your body from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart diseases.
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Hemp Protein Powder Is A Dependable Source of Healthy Fats
Hemp seed contains about 30% fat. Even though hemp protein powder is made after removing the oil, it still retains some fat. Thankfully, it is a heart-healthy fat. So you can protect yourself from the #1 killer disease in the world, namely heart disease.
Also, hemp seeds contain a healthy ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. These two are known as “essential fatty acids”. We can only get them from our food, as our bodies cannot make these acids. Because hemp protein contains these two acids in the optimal ratio, you can reduce inflammation in the body by consuming hemp protein.
The typical Western diet contains an unhealthy ratio of these fats, which could lead to complications such as heart diseases, cancer, etc. Consume foods such as hemp protein to correct this imbalance. Yes, hemp powder can also help your heart stay healthy.
Omega-3 is hard to get from non-fish sources. Therefore for those who do not eat fish, hemp powder is a perfect alternative.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Hemp Protein Powder Helps You Fights Free Radicals
The journal Food Chemistry found in a study that hemp protein supplements may prevent oxidative stress. Thus it could help in preventing conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
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Common Ways of Consuming Hemp Protein
Here are some fresh ways to consume hemp protein powder:
- Making protein shakes
- Mixing it with yogurt, coconut curry or fruit
- Adding it to a beverage or juice
Using it as a flour in baking recipes – you can make muffins, pancakes, etc.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Recommended Dosages
The amount of hemp protein powder to consume in a day depends on the person. The factors that influence the quantity of protein powder you need to take are
- Your body weight
- Whether you exercise
- Whether you do resistance training
An average adult would need 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight.
The general advice is to consume protein supplements in addition to typical protein-rich food.
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Side effects and Precautions
Hemp protein powder is not without its side effects. Since it is a source of fiber, if you consume too much of it, you may experience gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
Pregnant or nursing women must avoid hemp protein. Even though studies on humans are to be conducted, animal studies do suggest this.
It goes without saying that if you have a hemp allergy, you must avoid hemp protein.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Answers to Common Questions
Here are some common questions on hemp protein powder and answers to them. These may help you determine if you would like to take hemp protein supplements.
1. Does it impact my Estrogen levels?
Unlike soy protein, which does not get a favorable rating on its estrogen impact, hemp protein does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Nor is it known to have a negative effect on testosterone.
2. Will it make me fail a dope test?
This question arises from the age-old belief that hemp can get you high. However, it has been proved with reasonable certainty that hemp does not contain high levels of THC and hence is not in the same category as marijuana and hashish, which are also from the same family of plants.
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Conclusion
Hemp protein powder is among the best plant proteins.
Unfortunately, it comes from an overlooked and somewhat controversial plant. With minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and unsaturated fats, it stakes its claim to be called a complete protein. Though more research is needed to establish its benefits, there is no doubt that it is a nutritious alternative to animal protein.
While it may not be the most nutritious plant protein, it certainly is the right choice for those following a vegan diet. And there are points where it outscores the other plant proteins.
As a caveat, those who are looking to consume it must be wary of its possible side effects.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]