Hemp protein is arguably the best plant protein available today, loaded with amino acids designed to optimize an active lifestyle.
Typically one serving yields 16 grams of plant protein and contains a balanced amino acid profile and both essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6) and Omega-9.
These are just a few of the many benefits of this superfood. Let’s take a look at what hemp protein is, where it is best sourced and how to incorporate it into your diet.
What is Hemp Protein?
Hemp is a plant which is part of the species Cannabis sativa, and is typically grown for the industrial uses of its derived products. These products are then refined into a variety of commercial items including paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, animal feed and food.
One of the most popular forms of refined hemp is hemp protein. Hemp protein is a result of the extraction process of oil from the hempseed. Once this hempseed oil is removed, the remainder of the seed, which is high in protein, is then processed into hemp protein.
Since hemp is part of the species Cannabis sativa, it does contain the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but most hemp products sold as consumables contain less than 0.3% THC, meaning hemp has almost no measurable concentration of THC.
Although, hemp does contain cannabinoids, they are cannabinoids that do not interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the human body and do not have the same “psychoactive” components as marijuana.
The Endocannabinoid System found in the human body contains many unique health benefits, and to it fully understand the value Hemp Protein has on the body, we must first understand this system.
Benefits of the Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid System permeates the entire human body with receptors located in the skeletal muscle, the digestive tract, adipose (fat) tissue, and throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems (including the brain).
The Endocannabinoid system (or ECS) plays a huge role in the human body, including:
● Involved in Neuromodulation and immunomodulation in the immune system.
● Helps regulate the central control of energy balance.
● Plays a key role in the maintenance of bone mass.
● Regulates intestinal motility.
● Helps regulate metabolic processes (including storage).
● Promotes/regulates sleep.
● Involved in modulating insulin sensitivity.
● Involved in the regulation of pain signaling.
● And much more.
In fact, Dr. Michael Beigel (Faculty of Medicine – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem) has said that the ECS is “involved in ALL physiological processes that have been investigated.”
It also might have a possible involvement in cognitive function and creativity? Schafer and colleagues (2011) reviewed literature and concluded that its activation leads to connecting seemingly unrelated concepts, an aspect of divergent thinking considered primary to creative thinking.
If the endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in physiological functioning and has the potential to treat such a wide variety of ailments and diseases, why has it received no further attention or recognition?
It’s because the endocannabinoid system is stimulated by cannabinoids. That includes those that are produced by our bodies (endocannabinoids), and those released while smoking, or otherwise consuming cannabis (exogenous cannabinoids – aka “Marijuana”.)
• ENDOCANNABINOIDS – cannabinoids produced by our bodies
• EXOCANNABINOIDS (Exogenous cannabinoids) – cannabinoids contained in the hemp plant.
Although the world is slowly shifting its views on cannibis, it is still taboo, especially in the US, hence the lack of research done of the endocannabinoid system.
But, as more research concerning the effects of cannibis on the endocannabinoid system is performed, scientists are discovering more and more that the benefits of hemp don’t come form the part of the plant containing the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
This makes hemp based products even more appealing, because you can get the benefits of the hemp plant without the THC. So, let’s discuss those benefits further.
Health Benefits of Hemp Protein
There are a myriad of benefits you receive from consuming hemp protein. It is the ideal plant protein for all you herbivores out there, and even proves to be a great addition to just about everyone’s diet. Some of research conducted on the benefits of hemp protein include:
● Excellent source of essential fatty acids including Omega 3, 6 and GLA
● Lower blood LDL cholesterol levels
● Lower blood pressure
● Improve cardiovascular circulation & function
● Improve organ function
● Improve immunity levels
● Increased energy levels & metabolic rate
● Reduce symptoms of PMS & menstrual cramps
● Reduce inflammation and the symptoms of arthritis
● Improve recovery of muscles after exercise
● Reduce & treat dry skin and hair conditions
● Reduction of many degenerative diseases through preventative measures
Hemp Protein is a Complete Protein
The protein isolated from hemp contains a unique mixture of two proteins, edestin and albumin, present in a 3-to-1 ratio. Edestin is a globular protein found only in hemp and contains a higher content of essential amino acids compared to soy protein.
Human albumin is a water-soluble transport protein in the blood, synthesized in the liver using available dietary protein. Dietary albumin is present in high concentrations in non-vegetarian sources of protein, such as dairy and meat.
Inadequate protein intake or a poorly planned vegetarian diet can lead to low levels of blood albumin, resulting in muscle weakness and fatigue. Consuming hemp protein and other foods with high albumin content can help boost the body’s ability to synthesize human blood albumin, offering all the health benefits of a complete protein.
The fact that hemp protein contains edsetin and albumin is just a bonus, what really makes hemp protein a complete protein is the fact that it contains all nine essential amino acids in sufficient quantities that the body can’t produce on its own and must take from external or dietary sources.
Along with these nine essential amino acids, hemp protein contains up to as many as 20 amino acids including:
● Threonine
● Aspartate
● Glutamine
● Serine
● Glycine
● Proline
● Alanine
● Arginine
● Cysteine
● Valine
● Methionine
● Isoleucine
● Leucine
● Tyrosine
● Phenylalanine
● Histidine
● Lysine
● Methionine
● Phenylalanine
● Tryptophan
What’s so significant about these amino acids? They are one of the primary fuel sources that muscles burn for energy, and the metabolization of amino acid is more direct and undergoes less processing by the liver, unlike other types of proteins.
This combination of amino acids, edestin and albumin makes hemp protein the ideal choice of protein for vegetarians and vegans who would otherwise find it difficult to get sufficient amounts of these essential amino acids in their diet.
Hemp Protein is also an excellent choice for anyone just looking for a complete source of protein to fuel their lifestyle.
Hemp Protein is an Excellent Source of Fiber
Hemp is an excellent source of insoluble and soluble dietary fiber. One serving of hemp protein delivers approximately 7 g of fibre, almost one-third of the FDA’s daily requirement of 30 g.
The soluble fiber found in hemp protein is actually a source of beneficial digestive bacteria and has been shown to help regulate blood sugar. The insoluble fiber found in hemp protein is is necessary to assist the body in passing waste the your intestinal tract.
Ingesting soluble fiber has also been linked to decreasing the risk of diabetes.
Hemp Protein Boosts the Immune System
As stated before hemp protein is the most complete protein of all plant proteins.
There are two kinds of proteins: fibrous (or structural), and biologically active (or globular). Fibrous protein are tissue, like muscle, organs, skin, etc.
Globular proteins make hormones like insulin, hemoglobin and plasma, antibodies in the immune system (also called immunoglobulins), and enzymes, and are therefore responsible for the hundreds of thousands of reactions occurring within each cell, at every moment.
Though we can make globular proteins out of any protein we eat, it’s much more efficient to take them in in a ready-to-use form. And unlike fibrous proteins, globular proteins convert to structural tissue quite easily.
Hemp protein closely resembles the globulin found in the human body, due to the fact that it contains both globulin proteins edestin and albuminm. Edestin and albuminm just happen to be the two of most common types of proteins found in the human body.
Almost all enzymes, antibodies, hormones, hemoglobin molecules and fibrogin are made directly from edestin. Alpha, beta and gamma globulins are created from edestin.
Gamma globulins are specifically the proteins that work for the immune system. They build up your first line of defense in the immune system.
Gamma globulins are your bodies best defense system against foreign invaders. Due to a stronger immune system your body is primed and less prone to infection by bacteria, viruses, toxic fungi, bacteri, dead tissue and internal waste toxins.
Hemp Protein Contains Healthy Fats
Hemp protein contains the the essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, in an optimal three-to-one ratio.
Consuming the optimal ratio of omega-3 and omega 6 has been shown to reduce the risks for heart attack. cardiovascular problems, atherosclerosis and certain types of cancer.
When looking at the fatty acid composition overall, it appears to contain:
● Linoleic acid as omega-6
● Alpha-linoleic acid as omega-3
● Oleic acid
● Palmitic acid
● Gamma-linoleic acid
● Stearic acid
● Stearidonic acid as omega-3 fatty acid.
Hemp is also one of the few sources of stearidonic acid and rare gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a healthy, plant-derived omega-6 metabolized differently than other less healthy omega-6s. GLA-rich foods like hemp seeds have been proven to naturally balance hormones.
How to Incoporate Hemp Protein into Your Diet
Making “protein shakes” is the most common way to consume hemp protein. First off check out this Hemp Protein recipe video featuring the best selling author of Sleep Smarter, Shawn Stevenson.
There are dozens of ways to incorporate Hemp Protein into your diet and easily add it to your morning oatmeal, mix it with yogurt and fruit or blend it with a coconut curry.
You can even use it as a replacement for flour in baking recipes. You should does your Hemp protein supplements in relation to your dietary goals a whether that be weight gain, maintenance, fat loss or well being. A general guide for protein requirement could look something like the following:
● If you are an athlete or highly active person currently attempting to lose body fat while preserving lean muscle mass, a daily intake of 1.5-2.2g/kg bodyweight (0.68-1g/lb bodyweight) would be a good target.
● If you are an athlete or highly active person, or you are attempting to lose body fat while preserving lean mass, then a daily intake of 1.0-1.5g/kg bodyweight (0.45-0.68g/lb bodyweight) would be a good target.
● If you are sedentary and not looking to change body composition, a daily target of 0.8g/kg bodyweight (0.36g/lb bodyweight) and upwards would be a good target.
On average, a person needs about 1 gram per kilogram of lean bodyweight of protein each day. The ratio is even higher if you’re an athlete. By including hemp protein in your diet, you can easily meet your daily protein needs.
You can use hemp protein just like you use any other protein powder. Add it to a smoothie or shake for breakfast or a pre- or post-workout protein boost. You can also simply blend hemp protein powder with your favorite milk.
You can also try adding hemp protein powder to hot cereal, yogurt, pancakes, granola bars, protein bars, muffins, brownies, cakes and breads.
You can even use hemp protein as a flour replacement in baked goods, which adds protein, fiber, healthy fats and lots of nutrients to your finished product.
Here are a few more recipe ideas using hemp protein to get you started.
Hemp Protein Recipes
Hemp protein is a delicious and east to mix in a wide variety of recipes and not just in shakes.
Somoa Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients for Bowl
● 3 dried pitted dates
● 1 packet (2 oz.) 100% fresh young coconut (frozen)
● 6 oz. unsweetened coconut milk*
● 2 scoops (26g) ONNIT Hemp Force Active
● ½ tbsp. ONNIT coconut oil
● 3 tbsp. toasted coconut flakes
● 1 tbsp. cacao nibs
● 1 tbsp. oats
● 1 tbsp. chia seeds
● 1 frozen banana
● 1 pinch of ONNIT Himalayan salt
● 7-8 ice cubes
Ingredients for Toppings
● 1 tbsp. toasted coconut
● 1 tbsp. cacao nibs
● 1 tbsp. oats
● 1 tbsp. chia seeds
*any unsweetened non-dairy milk works fine.
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place 4 tbsp. of coconut flakes on a baking sheet and bake for three to four minutes until the edges are light brown. Set aside 3 tbsp. for the bowl and 1 tbsp. for the topping.
2. Add all ingredients for the bowl into a blender. Pulse for approximately 90 seconds until thick and creamy. You may have to spoon the sides in between pulsing.
3. Finish with toasted coconut flakes and desired toppings. Enjoy
Chocolate Dynamite
INGREDIENTS:
● 1 scoop anilla Hemp FORCE
● 1 tablespoon MCC butter
● 1 teaspoon grass fed butter
● 1 tablespoon coconut oil
● 2 cups dark roast coffee
● 1/8 teaspoon Himalayan Salt
● Sprinkle ground cocoa powder on top
Original Chocolate Smoothie
INGREDIENTS:
● 1 1/2 scoop Vanilla Hemp FORCE
● 1/3 banana
● 1/8 cup almonds
● 2/3 cup unsweetened sprouted rice milk
● 2/3 cup purified water
● 2/3 cup ice
Chocolate Swole Banana
INGREDIENTS:
● 1/3 scoop Hemp FORCE Active
● 2/3 banana
● 1 oz raw almonds
● 1 oz cocoa nibs
● 2 teaspoons coconut oil
● 2 teaspoons grass fed butter
● Pinch of Himilayan Salt
● 2/3 cup unsweetened sprouted rice milk
● 2/3 cup purified water
● 2/3 cup ice
Leg Day Powershake
INGREDIENTS:
● 2/3 cup cold coffee
● 1 1/3 scoop Vanilla Hemp FORCE
● 1/3 banana
● 2 tablespoons Walnut Almond Cashew Trilogy Butter
● 2 teaspoons chia seeds
● 2 teaspoons coconut oil
● 2/3 cup unsweetened sprouted rice milk
● 2/3 cup ice
Chocolate Balls
INGREDIENTS:
● 2 cups rolled oats
● 1 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted
● 5 scoops Vanilla Hemp FORCE
● 2 teaspoons hemp seeds
● 2 teaspoons chia seeds
● 1 cup chopped almonds
● 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
● 18 oz Walnut Almond Cashew Trilogy Butter
● 1/3 cup MCT Oil
● 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
● 1/3 cup raw honey
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients and mix.
2. Add wet ingredients and mix.
3. Roll into balls.
4. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
5. Keep refrigerated.
References
1. Ross SA, et al GC-MS analysis of the total delta9-THC content of both drug- and fiber-type cannabis seeds. J Anal Toxicol. (2000)
2. Holler JM, et al Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol content of commercially available hemp products. J Anal Toxicol. (2008)
3. Chen T, et al The isolation and identification of two compounds with predominant radical scavenging activity in hempseed (seed of Cannabis sativa L.) . Food Chem. (2012)
4. Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview
5. Takeda S, et al Cannabidiolic acid, a major cannabinoid in fiber-type cannabis, is an inhibitor of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration . Toxicol Lett. (2012)
6. Chen T, et al Cannabisin B induces autophagic cell death by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway and S phase cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells . Food Chem. (2013)
7. Examine.com. Hemp Protein.
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