Organic Hemp is the best plant-based protein - here's why

Organic Hemp is the best plant-based protein - here's why

When it comes to nutrients that the body needs, protein is king.

This is because amino acids -- the molecules that make up protein -- also serve as the main building blocks of the human body. [1]

According to medical experts, these amino acids, which are linked together like beads on a string, form the basic foundation not only of the body’s organs and its structures, such as muscles, bones and the skin, but also that of chemicals such as enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters and various other tiny components that serve many important bodily functions.

Some amino acids, such as arginine and tyrosine, are produced naturally by the body, according to medical research. Others, however, such as lysine and tryptophan, must be acquired from dietary sources. These are called essential amino acids. [2]

This is the reason why people need to get enough protein into their diets. Medical experts, however, have noted that it is not enough to just consume protein -- one must make sure that its amino acid content is in the proper ratios.

However, if you don't eat meat, eggs and other food products derived from animals -- whether for medical or philosophical reasons -- getting all the essential amino acids that your body needs might pose a little bit of a challenge, especially since the human body does not store excess amino acids for later use.

This is where hemp protein comes in.

A short history of hemp

A byproduct of making hemp oil, hemp seed protein is made from the crushed seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). [3]

Once native to Central Asia, hemp was first cultivated for its strong fibers in China as early as 2800 BCE before spreading to the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe during the Middle Ages. After that, hemp, as a crop, gained a foothold in North America in the 1600s.

Despite being grown primarily for its use as a source of tough, durable textiles, hemp is also looked at as a source of nutrition, especially since its seeds -- also called hemp “hearts” -- are rich in essential amino acids, dietary fiber and healthy fats, as well as a bevy of essential minerals.

A nutrient-dense functional food, hemp seed protein has an earthy, nutty taste and is often added to shakes or smoothies to increase their protein content.

Hemp seeds: A nutritional powerhouse

One of the most nutrient-dense foods known to man, hemp seeds are exceptionally rich in essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid -- all of which have been linked to several health benefits.[4]

In addition to being a rich source of healthy fats, hemp seeds are also a great source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D and E, as well as essential minerals such as copper, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc.

However, where hemp seeds truly shine is in their protein content. [5]

As noted in several studies, 25 percent of the total calories in hemp seeds are from high-quality protein -- an amount that’s considerably more than similar foods like chia seeds and flaxseeds, whose protein contents only amount to between 16 to 18 percent of their total calories.

This is what makes hemp seeds a great protein source, according to experts, with the seeds providing up to 64 percent of the Daily Value (DV) of protein per 100 g serving.

Hemp seed: A meaty chunk of the US supplement market

According to historical accounts, the ancient Chinese were the first to discover the nutritional properties of hemp seeds, with the classic document Shih-ching, or the Book of Songs, even noting that the seeds were usually eaten by farmers. [6]

Despite its rich history however, using hemp seeds as a food product never really gained a significant foothold in most countries, including the United States -- allegedly the result of several concerted efforts to curtail its cultivation in favor of other crops.

Over the past  20 years however, hemp seeds have seen a significant resurgence in the food industry, mostly as an added ingredient in products such as cereals, granola bars, baked goods and enriched meat loaves and other meat products, and as stand-alone supplements such as hemp seed oil and hemp seed protein powder.

This resurgence in popularity and interest has had a significant impact on the economy as well. In fact, according to a recent market report, the global hemp seed market pulled in approximately $319 million USD in 2018, and is expected to generate around $494 million USD by 2025. [7]

According to experts, this uptick in hemp seed use could be part of a greater pushback against the artificial and inorganic supplements and food products that have flooded the market for the better part of the last two decades. In fact, a report by the Council for Responsible Nutrition noted that herbals and botanicals made up 39 percent of the supplements bought by Americans over the past 12 months. [8]

The statistics should not surprise anyone -- organic hemp seed and its nutritional derivatives such as hemp seed protein and hemp seed oil, after all, are powerhouses when it comes to health benefits**.

What can you get from organic hemp seed protein?

Aside from its status as a good source of health-supporting amino acids and its astounding mineral content, hemp seed protein also contains phytochemicals called lignanamides which possess strong antioxidant properties. [9] [10]

In addition to its being certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “generally recognized as safe (GRAS),” hemp seed protein does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the chemical associated with the psychoactive properties of its parent plant, according to Food Standards Australia New Zealand. This means that you’ll get to experience the benefits of hemp seeds without experiencing any of the potentially unwanted psychoactive effects of marijuana. [11] [12]

Here are some of hemp seed protein’s health benefits**:

Organic hemp seeds provide complete, high-quality protein *

It may come as a shock to some, but 25 percent of the calories in hemp seeds come from their incredibly high protein content. [13]

In fact, hemp seeds contain such a large amount of protein that 30 g of hemp seeds, or about three tablespoons, can provide about 11 g of protein -- roughly the same amount of protein present in similar amounts of beef and lamb.

Not only that, but organic hemp seeds also provide all the essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own, including lysine. This means that hemp seeds are considered a complete protein source -- a rare occurrence in the plant kingdom. According to researchers, hemp seeds share this status with quinoa and soy beans, the only two other plants that can produce these essential amino acids.

In addition, organic hemp seeds also contain significant amounts of the amino acids methionine and cysteine, as well as very high levels of arginine and glutamic acid. These amino acids are all linked to several important bodily processes.

Also, unlike protein from animal sources, hemp protein is very easy to digest, which means that more of it gets used by the body.

Organic hemp seed protein helps support good heart health*

Taking hemp can support good heart health. According to research, this property may be linked to the seeds' high levels of the amino acid arginine, which produces nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide, according to a study in Current Atherosclerosis Reports, is a gas molecule that can support healthy heart functions. [14]

Similarly, a study published in the academic journal Inflammation posited that the high amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in hemp seeds may be linked to a healthy heart. [15]

Organic hemp seed protein helps protect the body against oxidative stress and damage*

As it is packed with antioxidants in the form of the phytochemicals lignanamides, taking hemp seed protein can help protect your body from oxidative stress and damage that may be caused by free radicals.

Organic hemp seed protein helps support healthy, glowing skin*

Organic hemp seed protein can also support healthy, glowing skin. This effect, researchers say, may be due to the fact that hemp seeds are a rich and balanced source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid.

According to a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, these two dietary fatty acids can maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. [16]

 

Organic hemp seed protein supports a healthy gut*

Hemp seeds are an excellent source of both insoluble and soluble dietary fibers -- carbohydrates that are known to promote optimal digestion and support a healthy gut.

Insoluble fiber, or roughage, adds bulk to food, which makes it pass through the gut more easily, thus maintaining regular bowel movements. Soluble fiber, meanwhile, forms a gel-like substance in your gut, where it acts as a valuable source of nutrients for healthy digestive bacteria. [17]

According to studies, while it is recommended that women and men consume 25 g and 38 g of fiber per day respectively, less than five percent of all American adults meet these recommendations. [18]

This means that hemp protein powders, which contain 7 to 8 g of fiber per 30 g serving, can help adults reach their recommended daily fiber intake, in comparison to other, more highly refined plant-based protein powders such as soy, pea and rice, which contain markedly lesser amounts of the said dietary components.

How to incorporate hemp seed protein into your diet

Despite its seemingly exotic and complicated nature, incorporating hemp seed protein into your diet is pretty straightforward; it can be as simple as adding a spoonful or two of hemp hearts or hemp seed powder into your favorite smoothies, or stirring a spoonful into some yogurt.

Hemp seed protein, just like the one in Health Ranger's Organic Hemp Protein Powder and Health Ranger Select Organic Hulled Hemp Seed, also stands up well to heat. This means that you can also add it to baked goods such as breads and pastries, in order to give them a much-needed protein boost.

Want to add organic hemp seed protein into your diet? Here are some recipes you can try:

RECIPE: Chocolate Hemp Seed Smoothie

A rich chocolate smoothie, this recipe, adapted from The Roasted Root, is so thick and creamy you’d almost be tempted to think that it has loads of dairy in it. Surprise: It doesn’t -- just some good old organic bananas and almond butter. A very filling liquid meal that tastes just like a liquid dessert, this smoothie is the perfect drink after a long day at the gym.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Put bananas and ice cubes in a blender and pulse until well incorporated.
  2. Add prepared coconut milk, cocoa powder, hulled hemp seed, cacao nibs and raw almond butter.
  3. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

RECIPE: Lean, Mean and Green Avocado Smoothie Bowl

Spreading it on toast isn’t the only way to consume avocados. Try blitzing them up with some yummy greens to make a filling and delicious smoothie bowl that’s filled to the brim with lovely tropical goodness.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Put bananas and avocado in a high-speed blender and pulse until well-incorporated.
  2. Add hemp protein powder, spinach, prepared flax milk, and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Taste and check texture. Smoothie should be free of lumps.
  4. Pour into bowls and top with chia seeds, sliced mangoes, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and coconut flakes
  5. Serve and enjoy!

Do you know of any other ways organic hemp protein can support your health? Do you know of any other healthy, organic plant-based protein sources? Do you know other recipes that use hemp seed protein? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Share this article with your friends and tell us how healthy plant-based protein positively impacted your overall health and wellness!

**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases

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