As we all know, protein powders are supplements used by athletes, bodybuilders as well as people who want to increase weight or muscle mass.
Nevertheless, did you know protein powder can now provide you with some additional therapeutic benefits as well?
Hemp protein powder is one of the most recognized varieties of protein powder and it contains finely ground hemp seeds within it.
In this article, we are going to discuss hemp protein powder and its benefits and risks of consumption in detail.
A Complete Protein Package
Hemp is called a completed protein package. It contains essential amino acids that human beings usually get from consuming food.
However, there are mixed research and studies, regarding the exact quantity of amino acids present within it.
One of the studies shows that the amount of amino acids present in hemp powder is similar to that of protein in egg whites and soy. Both of them are an extremely high and quality source of protein.
However, other studies have shown that hemp does not have an adequate level of protein within it and the level of amino acid lysine are relatively low, thus making it a poor option for nutrition.
A ¼ the cup of Hemp protein powder contains 120 calories and 15 grams of protein. Though, it totally depends on the brand of hemp protein powder you are using.
Protein content in hemp is comparatively lesser than other protein powder options like peas protein powder and soy protein powders which contain around 90% more protein.
However, if you are searching for less processed protein sources, then hemp protein powder is an efficient option for use.
Hemp protein is an effective protein that contains all 9 essential amino acids, although it needs more research and studies to validate that.
Lastly, each 1/4th cup of hemp protein powder contains around 15 grams of protein.
Easy Digestion
Mostly, plant proteins are easier to digest than the animal proteins. According to some research and studies, around 98-99% of the protein present in ground hemp seed is digested easily.
Thus, your body can utilize all the essential amino acids present in the hemp seed powder for various process like maintenance as well as repairment of the body.
Studies also show that hemp can be digested easily because of the presence of protein like edestin and albumin, and these can be broken by our body pretty easily.
Also, there are other studies that say hemp protein is of moderate quality. The protein in the hemp protein powder is equal to that of protein present in lentil.
A Good Fibre Source
When it comes to efficient health, fibre is notably necessary as it can provide aid from various ailments like blood sugar. Also, it acts as an effective source for healthier gut bacteria and decreases the risk of bowel cancer.
According to some studies, it is seen that fibre intake in women and men should be around 25 grams and 38 grams respectively, and unfortunately, nobody reaches that goal with today’s diet.
The presence of fibre in hemp depends on the factor whether they were made from hulled or unhulled hemp seeds or if there was any additional fibre in it.
Hemp protein powders contain around 7-8 grams of fibre in every ¼ cup of protein powder thus providing around 18-28% of recommended daily intake, irrespective of their gender.
Also, hemp protein powder is an efficient way to add both proteins as well as fibre into your diet thus, making you feel full all day.
The amount of fibre present in hemp seed powder is much more than any other plant-based protein powders.
Contain Unsaturated Fats
Hemp protein powder is formed by pressing the hemp seeds and extracting oil. The fat content within it is around 10% of the original fat content.
Around a ¼ cup of hemp seed powder contains around 3 grams of fat, mostly unsaturated, which is pretty useful for heart health.
The amount of omega fatty acids present in hemp seed powder is around 3:1 omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids.
On consuming hemp with lower omega 6 to omega 3 ratios, you can help correct the imbalance and improve the heart health.
Hemp protein powder is more refined than most protein isolates, therefore the presence of fat within it is more than most of the protein powders.
According to the food we consume, a western diet provides around 15:1 ratio of these fats and this has been responsible for most of the issue related to heart health.
This presence of fat can be pretty good for people with heart-related ailments. However, due to the presence of these fats, it is pretty high in calories.
High in Minerals and Antioxidants
Hemp seeds can provide you with various essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, as well as manganese, zinc, and copper.
There is no research that tells why processing provides so many levels of nutrients. Nutrition fact labels in various hemp-based products say that it contains around 80% of the RDI for magnesium and 52% of iron.
Additionally, hemp seeds contain compounds called lignanamides which have a strong antioxidant effect on the human body.
These antioxidants can protect your body from various oxidative damage which can result in chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes. Thus eating food rich in antioxidants can provide you with relief from these diseases and provide you with good health.
Benefits of Hemp Infused Protein Powder
Hemp protein powder is packed with various minerals and antioxidants and consuming it regularly can provide you with aid from various diseases. Here, we have mentioned some of the ailments in which it can be pretty useful.
Heart Health
Consuming hemp-infused protein powder can grant you efficient heart health and provide you relief from various heart-related ailments as well.
Hemp is also effective in keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure levels within normal limits and providing you aid from conditions like coronary artery disease, heart blockages as well as heart failures.
Skin Disease
Hemp is quite beneficial for skin ailments like skin psoriasis, acne, and pimples as well as the intoxication of skin and provides you aid from various other skin ailments as well.
Skin disease is pretty common nowadays and hemp is a natural and organic way to get rid of it. With hemp protein powder you can get a flawless skin within less time and money.
Hair Growth
Consuming hemp can also provide you with a healthy, strong and smooth hair within less time. It is also useful to increase your hair growth.
Thus providing you relief from any kind of hair related ailments and providing you a healthy black as well as strong hair.
It can also provide you with aid from other hair issues like baldness as well as hair loss.
Caution
If you have decided to consume hemp-infused protein powder, there are certain things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure you are not any kind of blood-thinning medications. This is because regular use of hemp can thin the blood as well.
Consuming both of them together can thin the blood further and cause excessive bleeding.
It is also recommended not to try hemp if you are going to undergo any surgery within one month.
As consuming hemp-infused products can thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding during surgery, and thus can result in excessive blood loss.
Apart from that, make sure you are not allergic to hemp product, thus it is better to check for it ahead.
If so, it is advised not to consume it as it may complicate the situation further and worsen the symptoms.
Pregnant or lactating mothers are advised not to consume hemp as it might affect their health and complicate the delivery process.
Hemp has this slight efficiency to make a person high as well. Therefore, make sure not to overuse it.
To stay safe from these conditions. It to consult a health care professional who is well recognized in this sector for more knowledge.
Side Effects that May Trigger on Consuming Hemp Infused Protein Powder
Hemp infused protein powder is an efficient way to increase the daily intake of fibre and protein in your diet. Protein powder is mostly used by people who want high muscle mass and weight gain.
However, there are certain side effects that may get triggered by consuming Hemp protein powder. Here we have listed some of them below.
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in mood
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Thus, before consuming any hemp-related product. It is important to go for a consult with a health professional who is well recognized in this sector. This is because although these side effects are pretty mild, some of it can still affect your daily life.
Drug to Drug Interactions
If you have decided to use hemp-infused protein powder, make sure to consult a doctor first. As it may react with certain prescription drugs and have a considerable adverse effect on its consumption.
Thus, if you are on any of the drugs for some other ailments, it is better to consult a well-recognized doctor. Here, we have listed some of the drugs that may interact with daily consumption of hemp protein powder.
- Clobazam
- Valproic acid
- Eslicarbazepine
- Steroids
- HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Antihistamines
- Prokinetics
- HIV antivirals
- Immune modulators
- Benzodiazepines
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antibiotics
- Anaesthetics
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Anti-epileptics
- Beta-blockers
- PPIs
- NSAIDs
- Angiotensin II blockers
- Oral hypoglycemic agents
- Sulfonylureas
Thus, it is always better to consult a doctor who has experience in this sector. As he/she will provide you with information regarding the drug interactions that may trigger on consumption. Also, if you are suffering from some other ailment and taking medications for it, make sure to consult a doctor or health care professional who has knowledge of hemp adequately.
Conclusion
Hemp infused protein powder is a natural and organic substitute for most of the other protein powders available. They can provide you with an adequate amount of protein as well as fibre for your daily intake.
It contains a high amount of minerals as well as antioxidants and can be pretty easily digested without any issue.
However, its consumption has a certain risk associated with it. Therefore, to avoid these risks it is better to consult a well-recognized health professional before consuming it.
It is better not to consume hemp-infused protein powder with the drugs mentioned above. Also, if you are suffering from some conditions make sure to consume it under a health care professional’s surveillance.