Hemp Protein Powder
What sets it apart
There are various types of protein powders out there. You have whey which is most popular today still but many people are beginning to switch over to plant-based protein powder such as soy and pea isolate. Then there is Hemp Protein Powder.
Hemp Protein Powder is made from the cannabis species of plant but without the effects of THC that cannabis is most well known for. Hemp contains all of the essential amino acids that our body needs to build muscle. Unlike whey protein, hemp protein powder contains a fair share of soluble and insoluble fiber that helps the body digest food and rid itself of toxins and fat.
In addition to its large amount of protein, it contains, hemp is also an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamins B, D3 and linolenic acid that combats inflammation. Most uniquely to Hemp Protein powder is that it is a plant-based source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
But isn’t fat a bad thing? Not so, there are different fats out there, some of which are actually beneficial to weight loss and bodily function. Fat comprises our cell membranes as well as much of the tissue that makes up our brain. Omega 3 and 6 are some of the essential healthy fats that our body needs that it can’t make itself.
There are many types of Omega 3 fatty acids but the most common types are EPA, DHA, and ALA. Eicosapentaenoic Acid or EPA for short, can help reduce inflammation and has been linked to reducing the symptoms of depression. DHA makes up 8% of brain mass and is essential to brain development and function. ALA is used by our bodies for energy.
Omega 3’s anti-inflammation effects can be beneficial to mental health, including those who experience symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The anti-inflammatory effects can also aid in battling chronic diseases. Longterm brain health is increased with the intake of omega 3’s and people who do so regularly show a slower decline in brain function and can help people retain better memory.
Most notably, Omega 3’s can help increase HDL,(good cholesterol), reduce blood pressure, reduce arterial plaque and increase overall cardiovascular health. In addition, omega 3 intakes can help a person with weight management and weight loss. Liver health is also affected in that omega 3 can decrease the amount of fat in your liver. Omega 3 has been shown to help with symptoms of asthma as well and even with long term bone health.
How it compares to the competition
Let us start with its biggest competitor, whey protein. While not having as much protein pound for pound as whey, hemp is fully plant-based, meaning that those who might be lactose tolerant can take it and enjoy the benefits of it. As a plant-based food, our bodies are better able to process it as well and absorb its nutritional benefits more. In addition, hemp is a more sustainable source of food. Whey is made as a side product from the production of cheese. Dairy products are resource intense, requiring a lot of food and water for cows to make. Hemp is more sustainable in that all you need to do is grow it. In addition, in order to make its product lactose free and as pure in protein as possible, the whey has to go through a long process and filtering process, making it more processed than whey.
When compared with pea protein, hemp loses out again when it comes to a pound for pound protein content. However, hemp once again contains many other nutritional elements outside the normal scope of other proteins, including omega 3 and 6 fats. Hemp also contains fiber which is essential to our diets.
Like with pea, soy protein tends to have a higher amount of protein in comparison to hemp, but hemp has a higher amount of other nutritional benefits compared to soy. Soy is also highly processed as well and some people have allergens to soy protein. Soy can also have bloating side effects and can upset hormone balances in the body as well.
In summary, hemp can be a great nutritional source of protein and other nutrition. There is no reason to not incorporate it into your normal diet and enjoy its benefits.
