Top 6 Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp protein powder is a powerful source of protein, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. Plus, it adds a robust and earthy taste to many recipes and smoothies.

Here are a few benefits of this nutritious and nutty-tasting protein powder.

What is Hemp Protein Powder?

Hemp protein powder is made from hemp, a fibrous plant that is closely related to the intoxicating marijuana plant. Hemp, however, is primarily used for industrial purposes such as paper, plastics, and building materials.

Hemp powder is made from the seeds of the hemp plant that are typically cold pressed to remove the oil and then ground into a powder.

Hemp powder won’t get users high or lead to a positive drug test due to the near absence of THC in the product.

Top 6 Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder

1. Fiber

Dietary fiber is a vital component of a well-rounded diet. It keeps bodies at a healthy weight and reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that adult women and men under the age of 50 consume 25 and 38 grams of fiber per day, respectively. While whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are great sources of fiber, hemp protein powder is another hefty source of dietary fiber.

Hemp protein contains about eight grams of fiber per ¼ cup. That amount is roughly 18 to 28 percent of the recommended daily intake.

In fact, hemp protein powder contains a higher percentage of fiber than many other natural protein powders.

Fiber content depends on whether the protein was processed with hulled or un-hulled seeds and whether there is any additional fiber fortification.

2. Healthy Fats

Most of the fat content in hemp protein powder comes from healthy unsaturated fats. While most of the fatty oils are pressed out during processing, hemp protein powder contains about 10 percent of its original fat content. A 30-gram serving of hemp protein powder contains about 3 grams of unsaturated fat.

Hemp protein also offers the added benefit of containing an ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA).

Modern diets can exceed the ideal 3:1 ratio, which is found in hemp seeds, and reach up to 16.7:1. Restoring a balance of these EFAs can significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases prevalent in the Western world.

Due to its fat content, protein powder can go bad, so it’s recommended to store it in a refrigerator.

3. Amino Acids

Hemp protein powder is prized for being a complete amino acid, meaning it comes with all the essential amino acids needed for a healthy diet.

While hemp protein powder may have nine amino acids, it does lack the lysine amino acid. Still, hemp protein is a more natural option than the highly refined soy or pea varieties with higher protein content.

Hemp protein powder can have up to 15 grams of protein per 30-gram serving.

4. Minerals and Antioxidants

Hemp seeds are full of important minerals such as magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and copper.

More research is needed to understand how the powder production process affects the bioavailability of the minerals.

Despite this, many hemp protein powders can contain a significant amount of the recommended daily intake of magnesium and iron per serving.

Hemp seeds are also known to have lignanamides, which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells against oxidative damages caused by free radicals. Free radicals are associated with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

5. Easily Digestible

Hemp protein powder is an excellent source for protein and most of it is digestible. According to research on hemp’s quality of protein, researchers found that 91 to 98 percent of protein in ground hemp seed is digestible.

Experts believe hemp is easier to digest due to its edestin and albumin protein levels, which are quick to digest.

6. Taste

Hemp’s taste may not be cloyingly sweet, but it can become a satisfying acquired taste for many health-conscious consumers. Hemp’s flavor is typically characterized as earthy, nutty, and grassy.

Although this herbal and woody flavor and aroma can be off-putting for some individuals, it can add a hearty, nutty, and potent punch to smoothies and shakes.

Hemp Protein Powder FAQ's

Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.