John Myers
Hemp protein is so valuable that a human being could subsist on hemp protein alone for many months without experiencing any nutrient deficiencies whatsoever. This is not only due to the complete amino acid profile of the hemp protein, which is so optimal for humans but also to its ideal fatty acid pattern and its high mineral and vitamin content.
Hemp protein provides high-quality vegetable proteins
Proteins are known to be an essential nutrient. In the human body – which consists of 15 to 20 percent proteins – the proteins form so-called structural proteins such as collagen or keratin, of course, the muscles, but also enzymes, antibodies, hemoglobin (the red blood pigment), hormones, and much more. This selection of proteins alone shows that without proteins we would not exist at all.
Like humans, hemp seeds consist of around 20 to 25 percent protein. This protein not only contains all the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities but also in a very good ratio to each other. One then speaks of a very good amino acid profile (see below).
The amino acids in hemp protein
Hemp protein is also rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), which are particularly important for muscle building or muscle repair. The three BCAAs are called valine, leucine, and isoleucine and belong to the essential amino acids, i.e. those amino acids that the body cannot produce itself but has to get from food.
In addition, hemp protein shines with particularly high levels of the amino acid L-arginine, which is associated with blood circulation-promoting and therefore blood pressure-lowering, but also potency-enhancing effects.
Hemp protein: protein with high bioavailability
The hemp protein also makes its amino acids available in a very special protein form. It consists of two types of protein: about 65 percent from the globulin edestin and 35 percent from albumin. The albumin in the hemp protein is an extremely high-quality protein that is very similar to the protein in the egg white, but here it is of plant origin. Albumin is extremely easy to digest and an important source of antioxidants.
However, what is particularly interesting about the hemp protein is the high percentage of globulin. Globulins are the third most common protein group in the human body. There they form antibodies, for example, which are important components of an active and strong immune system. Human blood plasma also contains numerous globulins with very different tasks.
Often these are transporter proteins, such as B. the transcobalamin, which binds the vitamin B12 and transports it through the body. There is also a globulin that binds hemoglobin (the red blood pigment) and brings it to its breakdown site. Transferrin is the globulin that is responsible for transporting iron in the body, and the well-known lipoproteins that transport fats through the body, as well as the blood coagulation factors, all belong to globulins.
So hemp protein provides us with a protein that the human organism can very easily convert into endogenous proteins – without leaving much waste behind. Because it is precisely the acidic degradation products of unusable proteins that put a strain on the organism, e.g. B. the liver, the kidneys, and the blood count massively.
Hemp protein is free of trypsin inhibitors
Hemp does not contain as much protein as, for example, soybeans. However, since hemp is free of so-called trypsin inhibitors (which are contained in soybeans), hemp protein is far superior to soy protein and can confidently be called the king of vegetable proteins.
Trypsin inhibitors are substances that inhibit trypsin. Trypsin, in turn, is a digestive enzyme that digests proteins in the small intestine. Of course, if the protein-digesting enzymes are blocked by trypsin inhibitors, the protein cannot be digested fully either.
Consequently, proteins that – such. B. the hemp protein – is free of trypsin inhibitors, and can be used much better and more extensively by the organism.
Hemp Protein – Without digestive problems
Hemp protein is also free of oligosaccharides, which are also found in soy protein and many other protein preparations or are added to them. Oligosaccharides are carbohydrates. There are different variants of it. Some are considered prebiotics (in other words, food for the intestinal flora), which sounds positive at first. However, they can lead to uncomfortable gas accumulation and flatulence in sensitive people. In any case, people with fructose intolerance should avoid proteins with unspecified oligosaccharides.
With hemp protein, such a flatulent or even diarrhea-triggering effect is not to be feared, since hemp protein does not contain any questionable oligosaccharides.
Hemp protein for healthy muscle building
Isolated protein products such as whey protein, which is often used in sports circles, are regarded as high-quality sources of protein. But they also have massive disadvantages.
When consumed in large amounts for muscle growth, they can lead to a type of intestinal poisoning, as they are generally devoid of fiber and other by-products that would contribute to proper protein digestion.
The protein then stays in the digestive system for too long, which can promote putrefaction, hyperacidity, and deposits in the intestine. The result can then be muscle breakdown since the body is no longer able to maintain its anabolic muscle metabolism status with this unfavorable intestinal condition.
So it makes much more sense to consume a protein that not only provides protein, but also fiber, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. All of these accompanying substances boost the protein metabolism in their entirety and optimize the digestion of the protein. The acid-base balance can maintain its healthy balance and the body can remain in anabolic muscle status.
Hemp protein with optimal fatty acid pattern
However, hemp protein does not deliver these accompanying substances at random, but once again in perfect form. Hemp protein still provides about 11 grams of hemp oil per 100 grams of hemp protein. However, hemp oil is known to contain essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the optimal ratio of 1:3 for humans.
Today’s diet, on the other hand, has a ratio of up to 1:50 or higher, which represents a significant omega-6 excess. Since such an unfavorable fatty acid ratio can promote chronic inflammatory processes, in particular, everything should be done to get this ratio back on track. Hemp protein with its unique fatty acid pattern is also an extremely valuable anti-inflammatory helper here.
Hemp protein protects your brain
The outstanding fatty acid profile of the hemp protein in particular is associated with the cholesterol-lowering effects of hemp on the one hand and brain-protecting effects on the other. According to a study, hemp meals are said to inhibit the cytotoxic effects of the typical Alzheimer’s deposits in the brain, from which the scientists concluded that hemp meals are ideal for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular diseases.
The minerals and vitamins of hemp protein
Since hemp seeds also contain significant amounts of zinc, iron, and magnesium, all of these minerals and trace elements, which are often deficient today, are of course also found in the hemp protein. These three minerals are known to be very important for many bodily processes, and since many people are deficient in these minerals – which can manifest themselves in hair loss, anemia, inflammatory problems, etc. – any healthy food that provides the desired micronutrients is welcome.
And last but not least, hemp protein is also a useful source of fiber, as it consists of about 18 percent fiber and in this way cares for the intestines and supports digestion.
So if you are looking for a purely plant-based protein-rich food, if you want to provide your body with really high-quality and, above all, easily digestible protein in a healthy way, don’t lose sight of your fatty acid situation and If you also want to stock up on minerals and trace elements as well as vital substances, then hemp protein would be the right solution for you.
The Calories of Hemp Protein
The calorie content of hemp protein per 100 g is 385 kcal. With a daily portion of 30 g, the calorie content is 115.5 kcal.
How can hemp protein be used?
The hemp protein can be used in many recipes, e.g. like this:
- Mix the hemp protein into almond milk or juices.
- Mix the hemp protein into recipes that use flour. There, the hemp protein can replace up to a quarter of the amount of flour. These can be hearty bread recipes, roll recipes, pizza crusts, quiche crusts, or even pancakes. The hemp protein is not so suitable as an ingredient for cakes and pastries, as its robust taste does not go well here.
- Bake nutritious, hearty energy bars from nuts, dried fruit, and hemp protein.
