The benefits of hemp protein
Hemp is what they call the varieties of Cannabis that have barely or no measurable levels of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There are few plants such as hemp that have so many practical uses. Its bark fibers can be processed for paper and textile. Some manufacturers in the automobile and construction industries have been using this fiber in composite materials. The whole plant can also be fermented and turned into a kind of biofuel informally known as “hempoline”.
Hempseeds are the real highlight as it can be used to make several health food products. The seeds can be cooked and eaten whole. It can also be processed into milk much like soy milk. Edible oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids is derived from these seeds through cold-press techniques. The press cake that results from this process is then milled and ground into protein powder.
Read on and learn more about the health benefits of organic hemp protein powder and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid strongly recommends you add this source of protein in your diet.
Organic Hemp Protein Powder Benefits:
Much like soy and other beans or legumes, hempseed is an excellent source of protein because it contains all the 21 known amino acids. This includes the 9 essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own and must take from dietary sources. However unlike soy beans, hemp has not been subjected to genetic modification. Hemp farmers also say that its cultivation hardly requires pesticides, herbicides or petrochemical fertilizers. It happens to be one of those plants that lend easily to organic agricultural methods. This makes hemp a comparatively safer plant source of protein.
Two tablespoons of hemp protein powder can provide around 13-15 grams of protein. However it’s not just the concentrated quantity that’s important here. Those two tablespoons contain what are called branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). Specifically they are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, BCAAs should make up 40% of the daily need for essential amino acids. That breaks down to about 40 milligrams of leucine and 10 -30 milligrams of isoleucine and valine per kilo of body weight.
What’s so significant about these amino acids? Along with carbohydrates, they are the fuel that muscles burn for energy. To serve this purpose, their metabolism is more direct and undergoes less processing by the liver, unlike other types of proteins.
It is estimated that up to 18% of energy expended in a workout comes from BCAAs. This can certainly go higher depending on the length and intensity of the exercise. The 40% daily need recommended by the FAO is based on people with regular lifestyles. The figures for daily demand and expenditure during hard physical activities will be higher for athletes.
Use of protein powder is a fairly common practice for athletes as it helps build muscle mass and strength. When choosing a particular powder, you should consider factors such as source and additional nutrients beyond protein. Hemp is a good choice because, as mentioned earlier, it’s a safe plant source. The common method of processing hempseeds also allows some of the minerals, vitamins and polyunsaturated fats found in the hull to be mixed in with the ground final product.
Organic Hemp Protein Powder Practical Uses:
Power shakes are the intended and common preparation for hemp and other protein powders. There really isn’t one “right” way to make such a drink. The total nutrients will depend on what else you place in the blender along with the powder. If you want more vitamins and minerals for example, additional fresh fruits would be the best way to go. Some people find hemp protein powder to be bitter. So fruits may also improve the taste.
You can go beyond shakes and just as easily add hemp protein powder in other dishes. You can mix a few scoops in a breakfast porridge of rolled oats or mix it in soup for dinner. This powder is even versatile enough that you can use it as a partial substitute for flour in some baking recipes. You can replace about 25% of the total amount of flour with hemp protein powder.
In the next post, I’ll tell you the benefits of organic yogurt that will help you in your quest to Become Superhuman.
In the meantime, if you care to jump ahead, here is a complete listing of the protein sources on Superhuman Food Pyramid:
