5 Health Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder
With the legalisation of marijuana for recreational use across a number of states and the usage of CBD at an all-time high, hemp is well and truly back in the spotlight.
Unfortunately, there is a huge amount of misinformation and confusion surrounding the hemp superfood and more specifically the organic hemp protein powder.
Is hemp protein powder safe? Will it get you high? And what health benefits does it have?
What Is Hemp Protein Powder?
Hemp protein powder is a complete vegan protein that is packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and essential amino acids. It is made by grinding pressed hemp seeds into this very high-protein fine hemp powder.
Hemp comes from the plant cannabis Sativa which is typically harvested for its high-quality fibre, hemp seeds and because it is a phenomenal plant-based protein source. The powder has a nutty, earthy taste and is often added to smoothies or shakes to help supplement protein intake.
Hemp seeds have the ideal 3:1 balance of omega-6 (linolenic acid) fatty acids vs. omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) fatty acids. These two fatty acids are known as “essential fatty acids” — the body cannot make them, so the body needs to get them from food.
Hemp is a complete protein source as it contains all 20 of the essential amino acids as well as omega-3 fatty acids in one protein shake.
It also contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), making hemp one of the few sources of this hard-to-get omega-6 fatty acid.
Hemp seeds are also packed with important micronutrients, such as vitamin E, fibre, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc.
5 Health Benefits
1 - It Is A Complete
Protein
The vegan protein powder is a complete protein source, meaning that it contains all 20 of the essential amino acids. Protein is a crucial ingredient for the building and maintenance of muscle mass and vital organs. However, it does so much more like boost metabolism and increases fat burning which is perfect for weight loss.
A plant-based complete protein is very rare as they commonly lack the amino acid lysine. A 2004 study published in “Euphytica” found that the hemp protein profile was similar to two other high-protein content foods; egg whites and soy.
Hemp protein is also easy to digest — up to 98% is digestible. This means the body can use almost all of the amino acids in hemp protein powder for important bodily functions, such as repair and maintenance.
2 - It May Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the #1 killer in the world. But you can protect yourself (and your heart) by eating more heart-healthy foods, such as hemp protein powder!
As we mentioned before, hemp seeds contain the essential fatty acids: omega-6 and omega-3. Omega-6s are considered pro-inflammatory while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory.
When it comes to omega-6 and omega-3 in the standard American diet, it’s typically unbalanced — a ratio of 16:1. Scientists believe a diet high in omega-6 and low in omega-3 increases inflammation in the body. Why does this matter? Because a majority of diseases, including heart disease, can be linked to chronic inflammation.
Consuming foods with lower omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, such as hemp seeds, can help correct the imbalance while reducing inflammation in the body and improving heart health.
Hemp seeds also contain high amounts of arginine — an amino acid that produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide signals the arteries to relax, which promotes normal blood pressure and reduces your risk of heart disease.
3 - It Improves Digestion & Cleanses The Colon
Dietary is essential to a healthy and balanced diet, as well as gut health and digestion. Whole hemp seeds contain 80% soluble fibre and 20% insoluble fibre.
Soluble fibre slows down digestion by attracting water to create a gel-like substance in your gut. In addition to feeding the good bacteria in your gut, soluble fibre binds to substances like cholesterol and sugar and prevents or slows their absorption into the blood. This helps prevent blood sugar spikes and regulates cholesterol levels.
Insoluble fibre is what’s commonly referred to as “roughage” — it doesn’t dissolve in water. It essentially adds bulk to your stool and helps keep you regular by preventing constipation.
Due to the rich fibre content found in hemp protein powder, it naturally cleanses the colon by reducing constipation and removing toxins from the body. (The digestive system is one of your body’s natural detoxification systems!)
4 - Builds & Repairs
Muscles
In addition to being a complete protein, hemp protein also contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
Of the nine essential amino acids, leucine, isoleucine and valine make up the three BCAAs. Hemp protein contains 6.8% leucine, 4.5% isoleucine and 5.6% valine.
Research has shown BCAAs can stimulate muscle protein synthesis or muscle growth and speed up post-workout recovery by reducing muscle soreness.
5 - Fights Sugar Cravings
Unlike pot, which can cause munchies, hemp has the opposite effect!
Compared to soy, rice or pea protein, which are highly refined and contain little fibre, hemp protein is rich in dietary fibre.
Fibre, as you know, can help you regulate your blood glucose levels. But it can also help you feel fuller for longer. This means you won’t suffer from energy crashes and go looking for sweets.
How To Add Hemp Powder To Your Diet
Hemp protein powder is brownish-green in colour and has a taste that can be described as earthy, nutty or grassy. And it can easily be added to your pre- or post-workout shake. Hemp protein powder is one of the 5 ingredients in Skinny Protein mix.
What makes Your Super hemp protein powder different?
Hemp seeds are primarily sourced from Europe or China for the EU market and Canada for the US market. They all taste different and have different nutritional value. When hemp seeds from China are processed in Europe, the origin on the packaging will no longer say China — it will say EU, making it hard to trace. Your Super source their hemp seeds from Germany, when it’s been organically grown for over 20 years. Because hemp protein has a shelf life of 12 months, they buy hemp seeds directly from production, which means they’re very fresh.
Like all of Your Super superfood powders, they test hemp protein powder for glyphosate, pesticides, heavy metals. It’s also certified organic by the USDA and the European Union, as well as Non-GMO verified.
Your Super Skinny Protein mix also includes pea protein, moringa, spirulina and alfalfa. Not only will you get two high-quality, plant-based protein, but also a serving of greens.
It also doesn’t include fillers or sugars and they’re low in carbohydrates, making this mix the perfect addition to your fitness routine!
Try finding that in other vegan protein powders!
