Hemp protein, made from the hemp seed, is a high-fiber protein supplement.
Contents
Uses
- Hemp protein powder can be used to enhance total protein intake for vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Hemp can be considered a superior protein source due to its above-average digestibility, which also makes it ideal for athletes. Additional benefits of hemp protein include potential immune enhancing and anti-fatigue properties, as well as kidney-protective effects.
Benefits
- High Quality Protein: Hemp protein is a high quality source of protein due to its high rate of digestibility. The better a protein is digested, the more efficiently it can be used by the body. The digestibility of any given protein is related to the concentrations of its amino acids. A study published in 2010 in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” tested the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDAAS) — a rating that determines the bioavailability of a protein — for various proteins derived from the hemp seed. The results showed that hemp seed proteins have PDAAS values greater than or equal to some grains, nuts and legumes.
- Rich in Fiber: Hemp protein powders are rich in fiber, a nutrient that has a number of valuable health promoting properties. Diets rich in fiber can lower your risk for heart disease, type-2 diabetes, constipation and diverticular disease, notes the Harvard Public School of Health. A single serving of hemp protein powder can provide a significant portion of the 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day recommended for adults, children and older adolescents. For example, one brand of hemp powder contains 12 grams of fiber per 30 grams scoop, an amount substantially higher than most other types of protein.
- Other Benefits: According to an animal study published in 2008 in “Wei Sheng Yan Jui,” hemp seed protein may have anti-fatigue and immune enhancing benefits. Compared to a controlled group, mice given hemp seed protein had improved swimming times and decreased blood lactic acid. Another study published in 2011 in “Molecular Nutrition & Food Research” found that, in animal models, soy and hemp protein supplemented diets were able to improve kidney function and cardiac hypertrophy associated with kidney disease.
Cautions
- Gastrointestinal Distress: One disadvantage of consuming hemp protein powder is gastrointestinal distress. For instance, a person may suffer from diarrhea, loosening of stools, bloating, and abdominal cramping.
- Although these symptoms and mild in nature and eventually lessen, it is not recommended for people with gastrointestinal distress to consume hemp protein as it can exacerbate the present symptoms. They are wise to consult with their health care provider prior to eating hemp protein.
- Discomfort: Whenever making some changes in the diet, it is important to check with a doctor to make sure these would not cause any discomfort or harm. Protein hemp powder may have minimal side effects, but these could be exaggerated by the pre-existing health problems.
- Higher in Carbohydrates: Hemp protein powder is known to contain carbohydrates in high amount compared to other sources of protein like casein and whey. It has around 5 grams of carbohydrates in every serving while whey protein only has 0.5 grams.
Interactions
- Interacts with other Compounds: A study from the University of Michigan warns about the use of hemp products as they can inhibit platelet formation. This is due to the high Omega- 3 and Omega-6 content in them. People who are taking anticoagulants should expect an increased amount bleeding.
Other names
n/a
References
Source: LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/88254-benefits-hemp-protein/
VitaminClass, http://www.vitaminclass.com/hemp-protein-powder-side-effects/