The importance of obtaining high quality protein from the diet should not be taken lightly. Protein is the fundamental building block for our muscles and it is essential that these same muscles be supplied with a daily dose of high quality protein. This is especially true for those who are exercising on a regular basis. As a result of this need, protein [is] in high demand. Despite its drawbacks, soy protein has traditionally been the most popular choice in terms of a plant protein supplement. However, there is now a new option and it’s definitely worth some attention.
For some time now, hemp as a food has been available in Hemp Seed Nut, Hemp Seed Nut Butter and Hemp Seed Oil forms. Now consumers can benefit from hemp in the form of a protein powder. Hemp Protein Powder has been raising eyebrows in the marketplace as a very competitive protein source and a great source of all the essential amino acids.
Hemp foods come from the same plant species as marijuana (Cannabis sativa l.), but from a special variety that contains virtually no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical that triggers marijuana's psychoactive effects.
Nutritional Benefits of Hemp
Many plant proteins are labelled "incomplete" proteins as a resulting from the low amounts of one or more of the nine essential amino acids. Truth be told, the "incomplete" label is somewhat misleading as all plant proteins do contain each of the essential amino acids. But in most cases (e.g. grains, legumes), levels of one or more amino acid are insufficient for human needs. However, hemp protein supplies enough of each of the essential amino acids to contribute to the human body’s requirements. In fact, an important aspect of hemp protein is that it is a quality source of the amino acids arginine and histidine, both of which are important for growth during childhood, and of the sulphur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine, both of which are needed in the production of vital enzymes. Hemp protein also contains relatively high levels of the branched-chain amino acids that are crucial in the repair and growth of lean body mass, making a hemp protein shake after a workout a worthwhile investment.
Almost two-thirds of hemp protein is made up of edestin, a globulin protein found only in hemp seeds. This makes hemp the superior source for this protein in the plant kingdom. Edestin is a type of plant protein that is similar to protein found in the human body, and thus is perfectly suited to aid in meeting the body’s cellular needs such as DNA repair. Since much of hemp’s protein resembles that found in human blood, hemp protein is very easily digested and assimilated. In addition, another one-third of hemp’s protein is albumin, another high quality globulin protein also found in egg whites. Hemp is recognized by the World Health Organization as having what is considered to be an optimal three-to-one balance of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids. It is this ratio that is believed to be ideal in promoting long-term well-being by decreasing the likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes and depression.
Importantly, the fat present in hemp is also one of the few food sources of the fatty acid known as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is showing promise in helping the fight against chronic diseases.
