Is Hemp Protein Healthy?

by Scott Reid

The results are in and the answer is:  Yes, absolutely hemp protein is healthy but let’s find out exactly why and put any doubts to rest. 

Hemp is a complete protein

You likely know what this means but just in case you don’t, a complete protein is one that contains all 20 amino acids including the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own.  Sometimes people believe plant-based proteins must be inferior to animal products like whey protein but that is simply not the case and especially so with hemp.  Because hemp is a complete protein it is appropriate for all people.  It’s not only for vegans and vegetarians.  In fact, hemp protein is becoming more and more popular among strength athletes, crossfitters, and mixed martial artists worlds because it is easily digested and utilised by the human body.  Which brings us to…

 

 

 

Hemp is easy to digest

The go-to protein of the past 30 years has been whey.  In general, whey is damn awesome.  It didn’t become the most popular protein for no reason.  It boasts a complete amino acid profile and most whey protein blends include a variety of vitamins and minerals to augment its nutritional benefits.  The only problem is that some people find it to be quite difficult to digest.  To put it delicately, whey protein gives some people distressingly uncontrollable bloating and gas.  Why?  Because many people cannot tolerate lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.  

Whey protein typically doesn’t contain more than trace amounts of lactose but that can be more than enough to cause the chain reaction leading to gas and bloating.  You definitely don’t want that horrible farty feeling while you’re busy busting out some heavy back squats. 

Enter hemp protein.  Hemp protein powder, being devoid of lactose, cannot cause this uncomfortable and discomforting feeling and is the most digestible protein you will be able to find.  Hemp protein is made up of two very easily digested and absorbed globular proteins called edestin and albumin.  Globular proteins are well regarded as being the most bioavailable and easily utilised for the human body.  You won’t have any unpleasant digestive issues with hemp protein. 

Hemp is an Excellent Source of Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) like omega-3  have attained almost mythical status in the healthy living community.  While some of the claims may be a bit overblown, it cannot be denied that EFAs are health promoting and you should definitely be ingesting foods that contain these beneficial fats.  Hemp contains significant amounts omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and as an added bonus these EFAs come in an ideal 1:3 ratio. 

Essential fatty acids provide an impressive number of health benefits. They normalise triglyceride levels in the blood, relieve joint pain and arthritis, assist in proper cell function and production, support immune system functions, reduce inflammation, and can even help combat certain forms of depression.  EFAs are important for anyone who exercises but especially for strength athletes.  Omega-3 has been shown to assist in protein synthesis meaning it helps build muscle after a strenuous workout. 

EFAs also combat inflammation which means faster recovery and reduced muscle soreness.  As a rich source of essential fatty acids, hemp protein provides you with these amazing health benefits and more. 

 

Hemp is Packed with Fibre, Vitamins, and Minerals

The benefits of dietary fibre are well known and documented.  Fibre has been associated with improved digestion, balanced blood sugar, reduced stroke risk, and enhanced cardiovascular health.  A 39g serving of quality hemp protein powder contains a nearly 8g of dietary fibre which is over 20% of the daily requirement for men. 

As a health conscious person you’re no doubt eating fruits and vegetables but adding hemp to your diet will definitely help you achieve your daily fibre needs.  Hemp protein powder also boasts an impressive number of vitamins and minerals.  Vitamins, B1, B2, B6, and E along with minerals magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc to give you exactly what you need no matter your health and fitness goals.

 

Hemp is Good for the Environment

While hemp is most certainly healthy for your body and will help you toward optimal health, hemp protein is also eco-friendly.  Hemp grows very quickly, discourages harmful weeds, and actually replenishes the soil with a number of nutrients.  As such, is a sustainable product even when grown on large scale.  Compared to other crops (like heavily subsidised wheat, corn, and soy) hemp is more cost effective and less environmentally damaging.  Hemp protein doesn’t just make you stronger, it also makes the planet a little bit greener.  And who doesn’t love a win-win situation?

 

---

---

Also in Hemp Protein