Hemp protein powder.
Hemp protein powder is extracted from hemp seeds.
Hemp as a plant is one of those classical superfoods which, over the years, attracted true admiration from nutritional experts and individual consumers.
The hemp that we are discussing here is different from marijuana, it doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and doesn't produce psychoactive effects.
This wonderful plant is normally consumed as hemp seeds, hemp seed oil and now as hemp protein powder.
It offers an exceptional nutritional make-up (incl. a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other important nutrients) and probably the most optimal balance of omega 6 and omega 3 essential fatty acids, as compared to other foods. (Ref. 1)
Protein deficiency in some people may lead to tiredness and fatigue. In that respect, hemp protein powder is an easily absorbed food and can help with a quick build-up of protein within the body.
Hemp Plant.
It is interesting to note that hemp is a great source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA) which is rarely found in food. (Ref. 2)
GLA is a potent anti-inflammatory and metabolic agent and a brain-building compound which helps to detoxify the body. (Ref. 3) Another food that contains significant amounts of GLA is spirulina.
Hemp protein is even getting more popular with athletes who take it as a replacement for whey powder.
Hemp protein has a deep oily type of taste and can be mixed with other powders to mask the taste.
Try mixing it with lucuma powder - it is really delicious. It can also be added to yogurts, cereals and any other food.
Taking hemp protein powder alongside other superfoods will produce superior results.
Hemp Protein Nutrition
There are many hemp powder products currently available on the market. Below we give a typical nutrient breakdown of 100g of hemp protein powder.
Protein: 50g; Carbohydrates: 26g; Fats: 12g, Saturated: 1.20g, Polyunsaturated: Omega 3: 2.40g, Omega 6: 6.60g, Monosaturated: Omega 9: 1.80g; Fibre: 21.00g; Sugars: 5.00g; Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium: 81.00mg; Iron: 9.00mg; Phosphorous: 2,110.00mg; Sodium: 21.00mg; Vitamin E: 0.80mg. THC: <0.10mg.
As you can see, this powder contains around 50% of pure hemp protein (50g out of 100g). it is a good idea to always check the label before buying any hemp protein product :).
Please check out the health benefits of hemp seeds as well.
Written by: Irina Bright
Original publication date: 2013
Updates: 2020
Republication date: 2020
References.
1. Marcela Mihoc, Georgeta Pop, Ersilia Alexa, and Isidora Radulov (October 23, 2012). Nutritive quality of romanian hemp varieties (Cannabis sativa L.) with special focus on oil and metal contents of seeds. Published in Chemistry Central Journal. Retrieved June 4, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543203/
2. Delfin Rodriguez-Leyva, and Grant N Pierce (April 21, 2010). The cardiac and haemostatic effects of dietary hempseed. Published in Nutrition & Metabolism. Retrieved June 4, 2013 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2868018/
3. D. F. Horrobin (1992). Nutritional and Medical Importance of Gamma-Linolenic Acid. Published by Pergamon Press Ltd. Retrieved June 4, 2013 from: https://www.vinovit.com.br/public/biblioteca-virtual/primula/nutritional-and-medical-importance-of-gamma-linolenic-acid.pdf