HEMP PROTEIN BENEFIT #1 — IT’S A COMPLETE PROTEIN
Hemp protein powder is a high-quality plant-based protein that contains 20 amino acids — the building blocks of protein. Protein is crucial for developing, growing, and maintaining muscles, tissues, and vital organs. It also helps boost metabolism and increase fat-burning.
Like quinoa, hemp is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids that you can only get from food. This is rare for a plant-based protein since most lack the amino acid lysine.
A 2004 study published in “Euphytica” found the amino acid profile of hemp protein similar to two other high-quality protein sources: 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 tissue repair and maintenance.
HEMP PROTEIN BENEFIT #2 — IT 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 that BCAAs can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, leading to muscle growth, and speed up post-workout recovery by reducing muscle soreness.
HEMP PROTEIN BENEFIT #3 — 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 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.
HEMP PROTEIN BENEFIT #4 — IT IMPROVES DIGESTION & CLEANSES THE COLON
Dietary fiber is essential to a healthy diet, as well as gut health and digestion. Whole hemp seeds contain 80% soluble fiber and 20% insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber 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 fiber 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 fiber 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 fiber 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!)
This is exactly why we incorporate hemp protein into our 5-Day Detox.
HEMP PROTEIN BENEFIT #5 — IT FIGHTS SUGAR CRAVINGS
Unlike marijuana, which can cause the munchies, hemp has the opposite effect!
Compared to soy or rice protein, which are highly refined and contain little fiber, hemp protein is rich in dietary fiber.
Fiber, as you know, can help you regulate your blood glucose levels. But it can also help you feel fuller longer. This means you won’t suffer from energy crashes and go looking for sweets.