Hemp protein is a popular choice for a nutritional supplement but is hemp protein good for you? It is indeed good for you, as it meets all the criteria for being a ‘complete’ protein by having all 8 essential amino acids. Plus, it has a nice balance (3:1 ratio) between omega-3 and omega -6 fatty acids and is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. This makes it very beneficial for cardiovascular health, preventing coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), and naturally lowering blood pressure.
It has a higher fiber content than other protein supplements, and high in L-Tyrosine, Arginine, and Histidine, and an excellent source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA) that is helpful for people with:
- ADHD
- Breast Pain
- Diabetes / Diabetic Neuropathy
- Obesity
- Skin Allergies
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Plus, it also prevents osteoporosis. So is hemp protein good for you? You’re darn right it is! Let’s look at it in greater detail now, including hemp protein pros and cons.
Championing Hemp Protein
One of the most common misconceptions around human nutrition is the belief that protein is derived exclusively from meat. That is one source, and the primary source for many people. The problem with it is that it comes with fat and other less-desirable nutritional elements, and for anyone who’s vegan or vegetarian eating meat isn’t an option to begin with.
Hemp protein is one alternative to animal protein, but some may be wondering if hemp protein is good for you and is it the same quality source as whey or other protein supplement alternatives. How is hemp protein good for you? Let us count the ways.
It has loads of soluble and non-soluble fibre to clean the colon, and is an excellent choice for vegan protein, with 20 amino acids including the 9 essential ones the human body can only intake from dietary sources.
It’s a good choice for those who have food intolerances with nuts, gluten, lactose, and sugar. There are no known allergies to hemp, making it even easier to understand how is hemp protein good for you.
It is also reported to improve fatigue and fortify the immune system function via globular plant proteins edestin and albumin. These proteins dissolve easily and enhance enzymatic functions in the blood. Hemp has the highest levels edestin of any plant in the world.
In addition, the hemp seeds that make up hemp protein do not have trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides that are commonly found in other plant-source proteins and limit the extent to which the protein can be absorbed by the body. Oligosaccharides can also cause gas and upset stomach.
Top Marks for Nutrition Value
Nutritionally, the stuff is gold too – it’s blessed with lots of dietary fiber, chlorophyll, minerals and antioxidants and does not have any saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium, or sugar. Hemp is also a good source of:
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
The one drawback here isn’t going to change the answer to the question is hemp protein good for you. It is true that hemp protein is not a complete protein source because it is inherently low in lysine (a rate limiting essential amino acid) and somewhat low in leucine. One other thing to note is that it generally tastes less pleasant than other protein supplements.
For those that don’t already know, we should mention that there is no correlation between hemp protein and the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Cannabinoids in hemp protein are NOT ones that are capable of binding to endocannabinoid receptors in the human body and promoting psychoactive or physiological changes. Any consensus on is hemp protein good for you should not be swayed one way or the other by any type of erroneous association with the cannabis sativa plant.
That’s it for our hemp protein pros and cons, but we’ve decided to wrap it up today leaving you with an easy-to-make hemp protein smoothie recipe:
Hemp Protein Smoothie
- 2 tbsp organic hemp protein powder
- 1 cup (250ml) water
- One ripe banana
- 1 handful blueberries
- One tsp green drink powder
Mix all together in a blender at high speed for 30 seconds. Pour and serve immediately. Enjoy all the hemp protein goodness. Is hemp protein good for you? Yes, it is! And turns out it can taste pretty good in a smoothie too.
