Hemp may be best known for its leaves, but its seeds are edible and provide plant-based nutrients. These seeds are an excellent source of protein, as well as a variety of other beneficial substances. The health food industry has turned these ground seeds into powders that can be added to yogurt and fruit to create shakes. You can find hemp protein powder on the shelves at your local grocery or health food store, in a variety of flavors.
Protein
One of the main reasons you might choose hemp powder is its high protein content. Hemp protein is among the most digestible protein available. Your body readily uses the protein, utilizing it for tissue, muscle and hormone formation. Protein is also used to form blood; hemp protein specifically contains two blood building proteins--edistin and albumin. Approximately 65 percent of the protein in hemp seeds is from edistin.
Amino Acids
Hemp protein is also an excellent source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids help to form brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. According to the University of Arizona Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, humans can produce 10 out of the 20 known amino acids; you have to make up the deficit in the food you eat. Failure to obtain even one of the essential amino acids can result in protein degradation. Some of the amino acids hemp protein contains are cysteine, glutamine, glycine, isoleucine, tryptophan, lysine, methionine and phenylalanine. You may be familiar with tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, or phenylalanine which is a precursor to tyrosine. Both of these amino acids play an important role in brain function and mood.
Essential Fatty Acids
One of the most beneficial qualities of hemp protein is its natural balance of essential fatty acids, or EFAs. Other seed proteins, such as flax, provide you with only one type of EFA, omega-3 fatty acids. While this EFA is important and may have a variety of health benefits, it also needs to be balanced with omega-6 fatty acids. Hemp protein provides a balance of these EFAs. Powdered hemp seeds contain omega-6 and omega-3's in a ratio of 3:1. The National Institutes of Health states that a recommended ratio is not strongly established, but that Americans typically consume fatty acids in a ratio of 10:1, which may lead to health concerns. A ratio of 4:1 or 3:1 may be more beneficial.
Minerals
You will also receive essential minerals through hemp protein powder. Hemp seeds contain important minerals like magnesium, iron and manganese. Magnesium is essential for the contraction and relaxation of your muscles, protein production and energy production. Iron is perhaps most well-known for its role in making hemoglobin, which allows blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. Manganese is important for bone health, fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, nerve health and maintaining optimal thyroid function.
References
- Dr. Bronner: Nutritional Profile and Benefits of Hemp Seed, Nut and Oil
- University of Arizona: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics: Amino Acids
- Industrialhemp.net: Hemp Nutrition
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Omega Fatty Acids
- World's Healthiest Foods: Manganese
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