What is organic hemp seed protein powder?
When people think of hemp, they generally picture a certain mind-altering ingredient that is now legal in a lot of states and countries, but, is still somewhat controversial. Yes, we’re talking about marijuana.
Hemp seeds are indeed a member of that particular family, but don’t worry, they don’t possess anything close to the amount of THC to provide you with any mind-altering effects. In simple terms, hemp seeds will not and cannot make you high.
What hemp seeds can do, however, is provide you with healthy amounts of plant-based proteins, as well as other nutrients that the body thrives upon.
Organic hemp seed protein is made by taking organic hemp seeds and cold-pressing them into a very fine powder. It undergoes minimal processing in order to maintain much of its nutritional content and is proving to be very popular in the vegan community.
What are the benefits of hemp protein?
With so many other plant-based protein options out there such as pea protein and brown rice protein, why the need for another? Well, because hemp protein provides a series of unique benefits that make it very different to the other plant-based proteins out there.
Key benefits of hemp protein include:
Rich in protein
Okay, perhaps we’re stating the obvious here, but hemp protein is extremely popular because it is a fantastic source of protein.
We need protein to maintain our cells, we need it to build muscle, we need it to be repair our tissues, and we need it to perform a whole variety of other physiological processes.
Hemp protein is a great source of protein, meaning that it can give your body precisely what it needs.
Great for plant-based dieters
Whether you are following a vegan diet, or are simply going plant-based in general, hemp protein is a fantastic source of protein for plant-based dieters.
Those on plant-based diets often struggle to get enough protein, due to the fact that they can’t consume items such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, or any other animal-derived ingredients. Hemp protein supplements are ideal because they help bridge that gap.
One serving of hemp protein powder can make a huge difference for people looking to hit their daily macro requirements for protein intakes, which is why it sells so well in the plant-based community.
Now, plant-based dieters can enjoy hemp protein without having to worry where their protein has come from.
Rich in healthy fats
Whereas other protein supplements out there are often very low in fat, because hemp protein is cold pressed and undergoes minimal filtration and processing, it retains more of its nutrients.
Hemp seeds are a rich source of healthy fats in the form of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which provide all manner of health benefits for the body.
These healthy fats help to promote cardiovascular health, they’re great for the brain, they regulate your hormones, they help improve the metabolism, they give you more energy, they keep the other major organs safe, and a whole lot more besides.
When you consume hemp protein, not only are you getting plenty of protein and amino acids, you are also giving your body plenty of good fats.
Rich in fibre
It isn’t just the fatty acids found in hemp protein that make it so healthy and beneficial. Hemp protein powder is also a wonderful source of fibre, which makes it extremely good for the digestive system.
Fibre helps to keep you regular, it can reduce LDL cholesterol, it keeps you full for longer, it helps to cleanse your colon, and a whole lot more besides.
Because hemp seeds are rich in dietary fibre, they’re considered to be extremely beneficial indeed.
Complete protein source
Another huge benefit of hemp protein powder is the fact that it is a complete protein source. This basically means that it provides the body with all 9 essential amino acids.
Essential amino acids are amino acids that the body needs, but cannot produce by itself, and so they must come from dietary sources instead.
Non-essential amino acids are those that the body can synthesize naturally.
Hemp protein provides all 9 essential amino acids, and many non-essential ones too.
More Plain Hemp Benefits
- Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Hypoallergenic, Non-GMO (free from lactose, gluten, dairy, egg and soy)
- No artificial flavours, sweeteners, or colours
- No sugars added
- Only 1 ingredient: Organic Hemp Protein
- Source of 11 essential nutrients
- Very High Source of Iron, Magnesium, B-Vitamins, Phosphorus & Zinc
- Source of Soluble & Insoluble Fiber
- Source of Omega-3 & Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
- 13 grams of protein, 2.2 grams of BCAA per serving
Who is hemp protein for?
Hemp protein is designed with a target demographic in mind, and that target demographic are vegans and those that follow plant-based diets and lifestyles.
But does that mean that it is only for individuals that fit into that criteria? Absolutely not. Hemp protein can be consumed by anybody and everybody, regardless of age, gender, shape, size, or goals when training.
Bodybuilders can use the protein, especially as vegan bodybuilders for example, need more protein and may struggle to get it from whole food sources alone. On top of that, though, athletes can consume it, everyday people wanting to get fit can consume it, and plenty more besides.
In simple terms, hemp protein supplements are suitable for everyone.
Is hemp protein powder good for weight loss?
As we mentioned a little earlier on, hemp protein powder is considered to be slightly unique to other protein supplements, in the sense that it retains its natural fat contents, whereas other protein supplements have it removed during the filtration and processing stages.
Because hemp protein contains healthy fats in the form of essential fatty acids, it is therefore obviously higher in fats and calories than other protein supplements.
So, does this mean that it is not beneficial for weight loss? No it does not. Yes, hemp protein does indeed contain good fats and is higher in calories than other protein supplements, but you can still very easily lose weight with hemp protein supplements.
The key to losing weight when using hemp protein is to simply factor in the calories and fats and count them as part of your daily caloric and macro intakes. You can over-complicate weight loss all you like, but if you break it down to the absolute basics, weight loss boils down to a matter of calories in vs calories out.
Create a deficit and consume fewer calories than your body needs to maintain itself, you are going to lose weight, it really is that simple.
Hemp protein is also useful because protein is filling, and the healthy fats it contains are also filling, so by consuming a hemp protein shake you will keep yourself feeling full for longer and as a result you’ll likely eat less too.
So, yes, hemp protein can assist with weight loss.
Is hemp protein hard to digest?
Some people over the years, have expressed concern over the digestibility of hemp protein powders.
There have been many claims, false, may we add, that hemp protein is actually difficult to digest and break down, when in reality the exact opposite is true. Hemp protein actually has a very high digestibility rate, where as much as 98% of it is digestible, meaning less goes to waste.
The better the rate of digestion, the more you absorb and actually utilize, as opposed to letting it go to waste, as is the case with other protein supplements with poor rates of digestion.
Is hemp protein fast or slow digesting?
Different types of protein out there are digested at different rates, which is why you need to know when to use your chosen protein supplement to get the most from it.
Whey protein for example, is a very fast digesting protein because it is absorbed easily and digested quickly, so it gets to work very quickly after being consumed. Casein protein on the other hand, is a much slower digesting protein and it can take several hours to be fully absorbed and digested.
But what about hemp protein? Well, hemp protein is considered much more of a slow-digesting protein, due to the fact that it contains more of its other nutrients, including the fatty acids and fibre that we mentioned earlier.
Because of this, hemp protein is best consumed during a period of time when you don’t anticipate to be able to consume any whole food sources of protein, I.E before going to bed.
What does hemp protein powder taste like?
This is where things get a little tricky to answer because some manufacturers have started to add flavourings, both artificial, and natural, to their protein supplements to enhance the taste.
Our organic hemp protein however, is not flavoured and so it retains its natural taste, which is slightly nutty, with earthy and rich undertones.
It may not sound appealing to some of you, but if you use it with the right ingredients, I.E in a smoothie with added fruits, seeds, nuts, and veggies, it can actually taste wonderful.
Do pea protein and hemp protein mix well together?
If you follow the vegan supplement markets, you’ll know that vegan protein blends are very much in demand at the moment, and for good reason.
Vegan protein blends are basically plant-based protein supplements that are typically made from a combination of three or more plant-based proteins. These are typically:
- Pea protein
- Brown rice protein
- And hemp protein
Water lentil protein is also added to some blends. If you can’t access a vegan protein blend though, can you mix and match different plant-based protein sources?
Absolutely. Pea protein mixes very well with hemp protein, because the two contain different amino acids, different nutrients, and have different rates of digestion.
Pea protein is considered a moderate-fast digesting protein, whereas hemp is slow-digesting. By mixing the two, you get the best of both worlds, as the pea protein will be used by the body quickly, I.E after a workout, and the hemp protein will provide a sustained and gradual stream of proteins and amino acids over the next several hours.
Is hemp protein better than whey protein?
Is red better than blue? Is Windsor style pizza better than Chicago style? The truth is that there is no definitive answer to this question because it’s subjective.
Is hemp protein better than whey protein to a vegan? Absolutely. But is it better to a meat-eater? Perhaps not.
Hemp protein is very different to whey protein in that it is natural, unflavoured, and is more nutritious in its natural form, and is of course, vegan-friendly and plant-based. If you’re looking for all of those things then, yes, hemp is better than whey.
Is hemp protein powder keto friendly?
Keto diets are very much in demand at the moment, and for good reason.
Ketogenic diets are low carb, moderate protein, high fat diets designed to promote weight loss and countless other health benefits as well.
Because it is low in carbs, a great source of protein, and rich in healthy fats, hemp protein is indeed ideal for anybody following a keto diet.
It’s not carb-free, but it is low enough in carbs to comfortably keep you in ketosis, providing you stick with a max of two shakes per day.
Does hemp protein powder have any side effects?
Hemp protein powder is an all-natural supplement that is generally considered to be free from any harmful side effects. In some cases, over consumption has resulted in:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Digestive discomfort
Because hemp contains more fibre than other protein sources, as well as the facts, bloating, gas, and some digestive issues may be experienced, but only in rare cases and if over-consumption takes place.
How to use organic hemp seed protein powder
Blend Plain Hemp protein powder into your favourite protein shakes and cold-pressed juices, or use it in healthy snacks like muffins, salad dressings, pancakes, and more!
Ingredients:
Organic Hemp Protein
Directions:
Mix one and half scoops of Plain Hemp in 8-12 oz of water, almond milk, or your favourite beverage.
For best results, use a shaker bottle or blender and shake or blend for approximately 10 – 20 seconds.
All of the products are great. Super clean. I would love for a scoop to be included.
Very good
I use this to mix in with my blended greens, doesn’t alter the taste or texture but adds protein etc and that is what I was looking for.
Great product to add to my shakes.
Love it
Fantastic fine texture. Does not clump and dissolves readily.
I’m relieved to finally find a company that sells a quality protein powder without sweeteners! The hemp is amazing
High quality products.
Super
n.a.
The bag it came in was huge compared to what was in it. I have over packaging so I won’t be buying any more.
Fast delivery, only two days later I received this excellent hemp protein powder which will improve the nutritional value of the smoothies I make.
Adds good flavour to cereal. Good for me (I hope).
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I like this product, and it does not bother my digestive system.
Good product. I’m happy with what I received.
Excellent nutrition profile. I add this to many foods.
Haven’t tried it yet..
I know that it will be splendid.
A little grittier than I would like. But the flavour is good and I’m thrilled to find a protein powder that doesn’t have any kind of sweetener. Can’t tolerate aspartame or any of the artificial ones . And hate the taste of stevia. Thank you!!