The importance of getting adequate amounts of protein from your diet cannot be overstated. Protein is a structural component of various tissues in your body, including your muscles, skin and bones. As such, your body needs protein to repair those tissues when they sustain damage. [1]
When you consume protein, your body breaks it down to smaller molecules called amino acids. While about 500 different amino acids exist in nature, only 21 are useful to humans. [2] Twelve of these are nonessential because your body can produce them, while the other nine are essential because you need to get them from external sources. Your body uses these 21 amino acids to assemble various proteins, such as enzymes, hormones, hemoglobin and antibodies. [3]
Enzymes are the driving force behind the chemical reactions that allow you to breathe, digest food, heal and reproduce. For example, hormones help control these important functions. [4] Hemoglobin, on the other hand, is the protein in your red blood cells that helps transport oxygen to your organs. Meanwhile, antibodies are the specialized proteins used by your immune system to identify and neutralize foreign threats. [5][6]
A variety of plant-based foods, such as beans, lentils, nuts and whole grains, provide large amounts of protein. But this protein is not as easy to break down and absorb as animal protein, and it lacks at least one of the essential amino acids. Fortunately for vegans and vegetarians, there are a few plant-based foods they can rely on to provide high-quality protein -- the kind that the body doesn’t have any problems digesting. One such complete protein is organic hemp protein.
A brief history of hemp
Hemp protein is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. After oil extraction, what remains of the hemp seeds is ground up to produce a fine powder with an earthy, slightly nutty taste. This powder, which can easily be added to shakes or smoothies and is increasingly rising in popularity as a nutritional supplement, is what’s known as hemp protein. [9]
Hemp is an ancient plant that’s widely cultivated for its fiber and edible seeds. The first use of hemp dates back some 10,000 years to around the same time that human agriculture first started. In fact, historical records suggest that hemp seed and oil were part of the diet of the ancient Chinese. There is also physical evidence that early civilizations used hemp in pottery, as well as to make clothes, shoes, rope and paper. [10]
Hemp came to America in the early 1600s when the first English settlers decided to grow the plant for various purposes. But despite its usefulness, the cultivation of hemp quickly declined in the early 1900s when the U.S. government placed a tax on all cannabis sales. Although this was meant to curb the growing use of marijuana (Cannabis indica), which has psychoactive effects, hemp was lumped together with its cousin because of their similarities. But unlike marijuana, hemp contains almost negligible amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. [11]
The use of hemp and all its derivatives only became fully legalized in 2018 when the Agricultural Improvement Act, which removed their classification as controlled substances, was passed. Hemp production quickly saw a revival, along with consumer and research interest in its benefits. While cannabidiol (CBD) oil – the oil derived from hemp – and hemp extract became popular supplements, hemp seeds cemented themselves as a bona fide superfood.
The health benefits of organic hemp protein powder*
Thanks to data from nutritional analysis, we now know that organic hemp seeds are a complete source of protein. You can get nearly 10 grams (g) of high-quality protein for every 30g serving of hemp seeds. [12] What’s more, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported that 90.8% to 97.5% of the protein in hemp seed meal – the byproduct used to make hemp protein powder – can easily be digested by the human body. This makes organic hemp protein a cut above most protein sources. [13]
Because of its abundance of protein, hemp protein powder can provide excellent support for your body so you can achieve maximum athletic performance. Research suggests that intense physical activity can leave microscopic tears in your muscles. To repair these tears and build more muscles, your body requires more raw materials, i.e., amino acids, that it can use to form the proteins it needs. This is why your protein requirement goes up when you’re physically active. [14]
As a complete protein, hemp protein can provide you with all the amino acids your body needs to drive protein synthesis. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine found that protein supplementation effectively increased protein production in participants undergoing resistance training. A higher protein intake also benefitted endurance athletes because it helped them maintain healthy lean muscle mass. [15]
Besides protein, organic hemp protein powder is also rich in fiber, healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals. You can get up to 1.2 g of fiber for every 3 tablespoons of hemp protein. Dietary fiber promotes healthy digestion and can even support sensible weight management goals when accompanied by a healthy diet and proper exercise routine. According to a study published in Nutrition Bulletin, fiber-rich foods can help you feel full for longer. [16]
Unsaturated fats like omega-3 fatty acids are considered healthy fats because of their beneficial effects on the body. Organic hemp protein powder is rich in the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can’t be produced by your body. ALA supports a healthy cardiovascular system by promoting the health of your blood vessels. Maintaining optimal vascular function is vital for keeping your heart healthy. [17] A study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research also found that the body converts ALA to other healthy fats like docosapentaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), albeit in limited amounts. These omega-3s can support healthy heart and brain functions. [18][19]
You can find plenty of other essential nutrients in hemp protein powder. These include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 and E, and minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. All of these nutrients are important for your overall health and well-being.
To recap, here are some of the remarkable health benefits of organic hemp protein:
- Supports healthy muscle recovery
- Promotes maximum athletic performance
- Supports healthy digestive function
- Promotes healthy cardiovascular function
- Supports sensible weight management goals
Where to get certified organic, lab-verified hemp protein powder
Not all protein sources are created equal. Although animal products provide highly bioavailable and digestible protein, they also contain saturated, or unhealthy, fat. This makes consuming large amounts of animal products dangerous for your health. [20] Fortunately, some plant-based foods provide healthy alternatives to animal-based protein sources.
But despite their abundance of protein, only a few of these plant-based sources can boast of having all 9 essential amino acids required by the human body. These include soy, chia seeds, amaranth, quinoa and hemp. But what sets organic hemp apart from these complete proteins is the fact that more than 90% of the protein in its seeds can easily be digested and absorbed by the human body.
If you’re looking for the best natural source of plant-based protein, look no further than hemp protein. Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Protein Powder contains all 21 amino acids your body needs for protein synthesis, including the 9 essential amino acids it can’t produce on its own, namely, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
Derived from the seeds of one of the oldest, most versatile and nutritious plants on Earth, Cannabis sativa, Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Protein Powder contains an impressive array of essential and nonessential nutrients that support healthy cardiovascular and digestive functions. As a complete protein, our high-quality organic hemp protein powder also promotes healthy muscle recovery and provides excellent support for your body so you can achieve maximum athletic performance.
Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Protein Powder is ethically sourced and is made purely from 100% organic hemp seeds. We used no fillers, sweeteners or flow agents of any kind to produce this product. Our premium hemp protein powder is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, non-China and certified Kosher and organic. It is also extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Get clean, high-quality and highly digestible protein by switching to organic hemp protein powder and experience its health benefits today!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
Know of other health benefits of hemp protein we might have missed? Share them in the comments below!
References
[1] https://www.uofmhealth.org/
[2] https://askabiologist.asu.edu/
[3] https://www.creative-enzymes.com/
[4] https://www.thewellforhealth.com/
[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/
[6] https://www.livescience.com/
[7] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
[8] https://www.coachmag.co.uk/
[9] https://www.healthline.com/
[10] https://ministryofhemp.com/
[11] https://medium.com/cbd-origin/
[12] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
[13] https://pubs.acs.org
[14] https://www.thekitchn.com/
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[16] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
[18]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9637947/
