4 minute read
Power-up with Hemp Protein powder
Hemp protein powder hardly needs an introduction.
This super-food is an excellent source of vegan protein, high in all of your essential fatty-acids, and very versatile.
This power powder is even more impressive when you take a look at the benefits it has for your belly.
You have probably heard all about Hemp, but are you getting all the right facts?
Hemp powder is derived from the seed of the hemp plant.
Seeds from the Hemp plant are ground down into a meal, and their oil is extracted, leaving a fine, protein-packed powder perfect for plant-based gym-goers or those looking for an earth-friendly protein alternative to market-standard powders.
Hemp packs a protein punch.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein: there are 20 amino acids that your body needs to function and thrive, and nine of them must come from your diet—these are known as essential amino acids. The remaining 11 can be made by your body itself (nonessential).
Part of Hemp's power is that it contains all 20 essential amino acids, making it a complete source of vegan protein.
Careful about Carbs? Counting your Calories? Hemp protein powder is low-carb, low- calorie, and in most cases, macro-friendly!
The best for bellies.
Hemp powder is easily digested: it doesn't leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable like some other types of protein powders can. Researchers believe this is due to the presence of easily digested proteins, albumin and edestin.
If you suffer from digestive issues or are sensitive to other plant-based sources of protein such as soy or pea, you will most likely find that Hemp protein doesn't cause stomach problems like these other options might (Jelson, 2018).
Imagine the freedom from having to worry about what you eat before you workout!
Full of fiber for your health and heart.
Hemp is a natural source of energy - one serving contains 10 grams of fiber which will help keep your blood sugar stable while providing a steady stream of energy throughout your day.
The USDA recommends getting 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed— which is about 25 grams for women and 30 for men. one serving of Hemp powder will provide you with 1/3rd of your recommended daily fiber intake (Bliss, 2017).
Fiber also plays an essential role in heart health, diabetes management, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure regulation.
A vegan source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids must be consumed through the diet, as the body cannot produce them: fatty acids have been shown to support a healthy heart, brain, and skin by reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, and improving cognitive function (Hjalmarsdottir, 2018).
Although fish is often suggested to be the best dietary source of omega-3s, hemp seeds are an equally excellent vegan source of these important fats.
Busting the hemp myth
If you're like most people, when you hear the word "hemp", you immediately think of Marijuana.
Hemp and Marijuana come from the same plant species—Cannabis sativa, the Cannabis plant— some varieties of cannabis can have high levels of THC (which is the compound that causes a person to feel "high"), (Grassa, et al., 2018).
Hemp, as a strain of the Cannabis plant, contains very little THC, and certainly cannot "get you high"!
You may be wondering where another buzzword, "CBD", fits into this picture.
CBD is another compound (just like THC) in Cannabis plants. CBD has no psychoactive properties, and cannot get you high.
CBD is, however, very medicinal and is found in abundance in Hemp!
Hemp goes with everything
Hemp protein powder is a versatile ingredient that can be used in smoothies, as a topping for salads, or even in baking.
To make healthy Hemp protein pancakes as a filling pre-workout meal, try blending 2 tablespoons of buckwheat flour with 1 tablespoon of Hemp protein powder, covering that mixture with coconut water until it resembles dough, and then frying this in a pan.
Get creative! Make it your own with Maca powder, add a zing with Camu Camu, or boost your immune with Lions Mane.
Summary
Hemp protein powder is a complete source of healthy, vegan protein; it's packed with essential fatty acids and omega-3s, is gentle on the gut and full of friendly fiber. Your creativity is the limit when it comes to adding this power-powder to your diet: try it in smoothies, soups, cakes, and pancakes, and let us know what creative ideas you come up with!
REFERENCES
Bliss, Rosalie. (2017). Online Nutrition Resources at Your Fingertips. [online] Available at: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2015/03/31/online-nutrition-resources-your- fingertips.
Grassa, C.J., Wenger, J.P., Dabney, C., Poplawski, S.G., Motley, S.T., Michael, T.P., Schwartz, C.J. and Weiblen, G.D. (2018). A complete Cannabis chromosome assembly and adaptive admixture for elevated cannabidiol (CBD) content. [online] doi:10.1101/458083.
Hjalmarsdottir, Freydis. (2018). 17 Science-Based Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of- omega-3#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2.
Jelson, E. (2018). Hemp Protein Powder: The Best Plant-Based Protein? [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hemp-protein-powder#digestion.