From a nutritional standpoint, hemp protein is one the most complete vegetarian or vegan proteins out there. I am personally a huge fan of it. However, many people I know do not like it because hemp protein, when compared to whey or other proteins, tastes a lot like grass. In fact, it tastes like earth!
But hemp protein has many health benefits and a high fiber content which is the highest compared to any other protein type. The following benefits make the bad taste worth it.
1. It offers excellent and unique fatty acid spectrum
The most unique nutritional feature of hemp protein is its almost perfect balance of omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids. Additionally, it contains two higher omega 3 and 6 fatty acids called Stearidonic acid (SDA) and Gamma Linoleic acid (GLA). There is a gross imbalance in the omega 3/omega 6 ratio in western diets. This is now known to be an important contributor to many lifestyle diseases. With regular consumption of Hemp protein, you can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, sudden cardiac arrest, rheumatoid arthritis, and also certain types of cancers.
2. High quality and easily digestible protein
This is the most significant of all hemp protein benefits. Hemp protein, compared to all other kinds of proteins, is very easily digestible. It also contains amino acids in balanced ratios to satisfy the protein needs of adults. Hemp protein actually stabilizes your blood sugar levels. It consists of two globular proteins albumin (33%) and edestine (67%) which are very similar to proteins manufactured in our blood making it very easily digestible. It is also free from antinutrients found in soy protein which interferes with protein uptake. What this means is that by eating hemp protein, our body obtains much of what it needs without the caloric ballast of non-essential nutrients.
3. It has a rich nutty, earthy flavor which is great in recipes
Hemp protein is derived from the seeds of the hemp sativa or cannabis plant. However, it does not contain any of cannabis’ psychoactive compounds. The rich, nutty and earthy flavor is very suitable for adding to desserts and baking recipes. Hemp protein is excellent in yogurts and smoothies. It is one of the best sources of proteins for vegetarians too. You can also mix it up with chocolate to mask its earthy flavor.
4. Protects against many lifestyle diseases
Western diets are far too rich in Omega 6 essential fatty acids. The typical omega 3 to omega 6 ratio of a standard western diet is 10:1 or greater. Recent clinical research has identified this imbalance as a co-factor in many lifestyle diseases like diabetes, arthritis, skin and mood disorders etc. Hemp protein offers an omega 3 to omega 6 ratio of 3:1 or less. It compensates for the omega 3 deficiencies in the rest of the diet. According to preliminary research by the National Institute of Health, regular intake of hemp protein can improve symptoms of bipolar disorder and also optimize development in infants.
5. Improves skin tone and texture
Supplementation with Stearidonic acid (SDA) and Gamma Linoleic acid (GLA) improves symptoms of atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases, a fact proven by many clinical trials. The LA and ALA essential fatty acids in hemp mitigate damage done to the skin by free radicals. The GLA content of hemp also promotes healthy skin by fighting inflammation and retaining healthy moisture levels in the skin. This is highly beneficial in treating acne and psoriasis.
Conclusion – Best plant protein source
As you can see, there are numerous hemp protein benefits, the primary one being that it is the most completely edible and usable protein as that found in any member of the plant family. It has 21 amino acids including 8 which the body cannot produce. Regular intake of hemp protein can prevent inflammation and give you a radiant complexion as well.