Everything You Need to Know about Hemp Protein
What exactly is HEMP?
HEMP (Cannabis sativa), also known as industrial Hemp, is a plant of the Cannabaceae family that is grown for its fibre or edible seeds. It is an environmentally friendly crop, and people eat hemp seeds because they are high in protein and essential fatty acids. They have a rich nutty flavour and add a lot of nutrients to dishes. Because the THC content of hemp is only about 0.3 per cent, it cannot get you high!
Do you know why protein is so important to your body?
Nutrition is becoming more important in recent years as people become more aware and conscious of what they eat. Several people are working out in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and they are also learning about the importance of nutrition. Quality is becoming more important than quantity when it comes to food consumption. However, more often than not, the word PROTEIN has been the talk of the town, to the point where we buy protein powders, protein bars, and eat natural, wholesome foods high in protein.
Hemp Protein is the protein of the future!
So, let's go over everything you need to know about protein, its benefits, and, interestingly, more about " HEMP PROTEIN ", which is now widely recognised as the most nutritious as well as a sustainable form for the environment!
First and foremost, we must comprehend what protein is and why you should consume it!
Protein, fats, and carbohydrates are the three macronutrients that provide calories or energy. The body requires a large number of macronutrients to sustain life, thus the term " macro ".
Protein is a "building block" that is used to make nearly every cellular component in our bodies and can be found in every living cell. Protein is a macronutrient that is necessary for muscle mass development. Protein has been shown in studies to have satiety effects. Protein aids in the recovery from injury and the growth of muscle. According to experts, it helps your immune system stay strong as well as keeps you full. People who lead an active lifestyle require more protein to help their bodies keep up.
Simply put, you can't survive without it!
Why should you choose plant-based protein over other options?
Meat, dairy, lentils, legumes, hemp seeds, green peas, processed soy products, nuts and seeds, tofu, yoghurt, peanut butter, eggs, and so on are all high in protein.
Choosing a plant-based protein is now much more desirable because it is easier for humans to digest and does not have the side effects associated with whey protein or even meat, which causes bloating and allergies. Hemp is one of the most easily digestible sources.
Is Hemp a Good Protein Source?
The type of protein found in hemp, on the other hand, is fascinating.
Hemp Protein is an ALL-IN-ONE PROTEIN! Hemp, believe it or not, is high in protein and is one of the best plant-based protein sources available. Protein is found primarily in the seeds of the hemp plant, not in the leaves or flowers.
The seeds are ground and pressed into a fine powder that can be consumed alone or in combination with other protein sources.
There are 45 nutrients that humans cannot live without and that our bodies cannot produce; these are 21 minerals, 13 vitamins, eight amino acids, and two essential fatty acids (EFAs). It contains all eight/nine essential amino acids, which are extremely important for humans. It is more than 90% unsaturated and has a perfect balance of Omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and Omega-6 linoleic acid.
Hemp seed is the only food that contains all of them. Hemp protein contains a lot of arginine, an amino acid that helps keep blood vessels healthy and can help with high blood pressure. According to one study, the amino acid profile of hemp protein is similar to that of egg whites and soy, both of which are high-quality protein sources.
Nutritional Value: Hemp Seeds/Protein contain between 32–38 grams of PROTEIN per 100gm.
Did you know that Hemp Protein has a plethora of nutritional benefits?
- Highly Digestible & Gut-Friendly Hemp Protein Powder: Researchers believe Hemp is easy to digest because it contains the proteins Edestin and Albumin, which your body can quickly break down.
o Edestin: it is one of the most digestible forms of protein on the planet, with Hemp having the highest concentration.
o Albumin: a protein similar to that found in eggs.
The aforementioned proteins found in hemp are extremely compatible with the human digestive tract!
According to studies, up to 98 per cent of the protein in hemp seeds is digestible. The digestibility of hemp protein is equal to or greater than that of other grains, nuts, and seeds, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Hemp protein is frequently compared to lentil protein, which is another excellent plant-based protein source.
- High BCAA Content: Studies have shown that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) support the immune system and aid in exercise recovery, so runners may benefit from incorporating BCAA into their exercise recovery regimen. Interestingly, when compared to other vegetarian protein sources, hemp has a disproportionately high amount of BCAAs. Hemp milk or hemp protein powder would make an excellent addition to a post-workout smoothie due to their high BCAA content.
- High source of fibre: Hemp protein powders can contain different amounts of fibre depending on whether they were made from hulled or unhulled hemp seeds and whether additional fibre was added. Hemp contains both soluble and insoluble fibre, and most of its protein products contain around 10 grams per serving. The soluble fibre in hemp protein is a source of beneficial digestive bacteria that have been shown to help regulate blood sugar. The insoluble fibre assists the body in passing waste through your intestinal tract.
- Polyunsaturated fats: A typical Western diet contains an unbalanced 15:1 ratio of these fats, which has been linked to a variety of chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer, as a result of excessive consumption of meat and dairy. Hemp seeds, on the other hand, have an ideal 3:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, protect the nervous system from damage, and help to reduce systemic inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids, which are typically thought to be pro-inflammatory, do have some beneficial functions because they are involved in skin and hair growth, bone health, brain function, and metabolism.
Hemp protein powder contains more fat than most protein powders because it is less refined than other protein isolates. This fat content may be beneficial to people who want to increase their intake of heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
- Hemp is high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, and is a good source of plant-based protein, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and fibre. All of these can be found in hemp protein powder.
How Do You Include Hemp Protein Powder in Your Diet?
Hemp protein powder is one of the cleanest, most whole-food protein powder sources that you can use in any of your recipes. It contains no other ingredients, such as highly processed fillers, and is made entirely of raw, whole milled hemp seeds, retaining all of the essential fatty acids found in hemp.
Hemp protein is also very adaptable in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of ways. Of course, hemp protein is the best grain-free, gluten-free protein powder for smoothies, but the all-powerful hemp seed isn't limited to smoothies.
Brownies
Because of the fibre in hemp, hemp is one of the best flour substitutes you can use in a recipe because it will bulk up the dish. Hemp is also a high-protein source with a nutty flavour.
Hemp Protein Powder in Grain-Free Cereal Hemp protein powder for breakfast in a grain-free cereal recipe.
Muffins Make your own muffins with hemp protein powder and some coconut, oat, or almond flour in place of refined white or wheat flour.
Protein Bites
Hemp seeds are a popular ingredient in raw energy bites, and hemp protein is an excellent alternative with one additional benefit: the flour-like consistency of hemp protein powder makes it a better binder than plain hemp seeds.
Why is Hemp Protein Powder superior to other plant-based protein sources?
Hemp protein powder is an excellent source of protein for those who eat a plant-based diet. It contains more amino acids than rice protein and lacks the trypsin inhibitors found in soy protein powders—compounds that inhibit protein digestion in the stomach and small intestine. It contains less protein per serving than more refined soy or pea protein powders, which contain up to 90% protein. Pea protein contains all of the amino acids required by the body but is low in methionine. Methionine is required for liver health as well as various cell functions in hemp. Other plant proteins, such as pea, soy, and rice, are refined to the point where they contain very little fibre. Hemp triumphs once more in this category.
What is important to remember is that plant protein has a lot to offer and does not have the same consequences as eating animal protein, particularly processed meats, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. You can experiment with different plant-based proteins or whey protein to see what you like and what you want to avoid.
The following is the recommended dosage for both athletes and non-athletes:
Have you ever wondered how much protein is the right amount to consume?
The ideal amount of protein to consume is determined by a person's age, gender, and level of physical activity. Protein levels that are considered safe range from 0.8 grams per kilogramme of body weight [2.2 lbs.] to 2 grams per kilogramme for very active athletes.
Consume a few tablespoons of hemp protein powder within two hours of exercising for best results. It is best to consume 5-7 tablespoons if you are an athlete. Ordinary people can eat less than that.
Hemp has emerged as the new Vegan superfood:
Hemp protein powder is one of the most dependable sources of protein because it is high in antioxidants, minerals, fibre, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats - all of which are essential for brain and body health. It may not contain as much protein per serving as highly refined Soy or Pea Protein, but it is unquestionably a healthier option! When purchasing hemp protein, look for cold-pressed hemp seeds because heat processing can reduce digestibility by up to 10%.
Because an increasing number of people are adopting vegetarian or vegan diets, it is definitely worthwhile to consider it as an ideal plant-based source. Whether for moral, health, ethical, or environmental reasons, many people are attempting to reduce their meat consumption in order to contribute to the preservation of a healthy planet. Shouldn't you?
Credits:-
https://www.indiahemporganics.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hemp-protein-powder