We all need protein one way or another. Foods rich in protein will be your best source, but some people might struggle to consume enough on a daily basis. This is where protein powders can become your best friend.
Most powders will give you anywhere from 10-25 grams of protein per serving. They can be added to a beverage, smoothie, or food to increase the amount of protein and other nutrients.
When most people see protein powder in the store or social media ads, they likely come across whey, casein, or soy protein. Believe it or not, there are over 10 kinds of protein powder — including hemp protein.
What Is Hemp Protein?
We’ve all heard of the hemp plant by now, yet many don’t fully understand its versatility. It’s utilized in food, nutrition, fuel, plastic, linens, milk, soil, and pet food. The medical industry has even learned of hemp’s benefits.
The benefit we’ll be talking about today is the nutritional value. Hemp seeds are good sources of fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and chlorophyll. Furthermore, they are free of sugar, saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol.
These hemp seeds can be ground up into a powder, mainly for its protein content. A typical serving of about 30 grams will contain around 15g of protein, 120 calories, 11g of carbs, as well as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron.
What Makes Hemp Protein Special?
There’s a lot to love about hemp protein, especially for those looking at plant-based, vegan options. Let’s take a look at some of the things that make hemp protein special:
It contains edestin and albumin while lacking trypsin inhibitors, making it easy to digest (unlike most plant-based proteins)
It’s a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, unlike most plant-based proteins
Of the nine essential amino acids, it contains a high amount of tyrosine (cognitive boost) and arginine (blood flow)
Contains a 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 fatty acids and Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a heart-healthy option
You’ll receive half the needed amount of daily fiber in your diet with just one serving
Calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, manganese, and copper are present
Hemp protein provides a lot of nutritional value that other protein powders can’t match. Most of the ones that can, like whey protein, aren’t able to boast it being plant-based.
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Benefits Of Hemp Protein
We got a glimpse of some of the benefits above, but there’s so much more hemp protein provides. Let’s see what these nutrients found in hemp protein can do for your body!
The fatty acids can help relieve skin irritation caused by Eczema
The fatty acids are also converted into energy, but over a sustained amount of time
A healthy balance of antioxidants and fatty acids can help relieve inflammation
Restore and repair lean muscle tissue
The fatty acids help improve hair health
Reduce your chance of getting osteoporosis
Increases the rate of metabolism in the body
Hemp protein isn’t just cholesterol-free, but it can help regulate cholesterol levels as well
What you’ll end up getting is a source of protein that does so much more for your body than your typical protein powder. It continues to grow in an industry largely dominated by whey protein, so it’s only a matter of time before more people turn on to it.
Is Hemp Protein Safe?
The good news is a majority of people see no side effects when consuming hemp protein powder. Of course, there will always be some potential side effects that are experienced by a small group of people.
Following the instructions on the product label is your best bet at avoiding side effects in any product. Taking too much in a short period of time can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. There’s also the worry of harmful reactions in those allergic to hemp.
How To Choose The Right Hemp Protein Powder
If you’re thinking about purchasing a hemp protein powder, you want to ensure you select a quality one worth your hard-earned money. Protein comes from a wide range of sources, but each one has its own unique way of benefiting your body.
When looking at different brands, you’ll first want to look at the protein content. After all, that’s the main reason you’re after it. You’ll want around 10-20g of protein per serving, but some will provide more. You also want one that’s all-natural and organic.
The taste will also play a role. While most people aren’t too fond of the original hemp flavor, companies will often give you several options — hopefully. Lastly, make sure the price is within your budget and double-check the reviews or customer feedback.
When you can find yourself a quality hemp protein powder, you’ll never go a day without it again! It’s not just the perfect addition to your diet, but it’s extremely easy to consume and can be added to the things you already eat or drink daily.
Best Hemp Protein Powders
We’ve talked a lot about hemp protein, but now it’s time to take a look at some of our favorite powders available today. The number of brands is growing rapidly as more people demand it, making your decision even more difficult.
We hope to make this decision a little easier for you.
Hemp Protein +Fiber by Just Hemp Foods
Just Hemp Foods has a hemp protein powder that also includes fiber. Each tub has 14 servings, with each serving containing 130 calories, 11 grams of protein, 13 grams of fiber, 280mg of potassium, and 0.6 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Hemp Protein +Fiber by Just Hemp Foods will also contain high traces of manganese, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, magnesium, and copper. The only downside is it’s only available unflavored, but it is Non-GMO certified and gluten-free.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON JUST HEMP HEMP PROTEIN +FIBERNavitas Organics’ hemp protein powder is a gluten-free, cold-pressed product. It will come in a little more expensive than the previous, and you’ll get about three fewer servings per tub (11 total). Each serving will contain 120 calories, 13 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fiber.
This is a good option for someone looking for less calories, but a little more protein. It’s not as rich in minerals but does contain high traces of Magnesium and Iron. It’s a USDA Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free product.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON NAVITAS ORGANICS ORGANIC HEMP POWDERHemp Seed Protein by Nutiva
I really like this hemp protein powder by Nutiva. They have several different options, including vanilla and chocolate flavors in a 15g formula and a Hi-Fiber formula. In their 15g formula, you’ll get 15 grams of protein per serving, as well as 120 calories, 8 grams of fiber, and a high amount of iron.
If you’re more after the fiber, their Hi-Fiber formula has 12 grams of fiber. The catch is it will only contain 11 grams of protein, but that’s the trade-off.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON NUTIVA HEMP SEED PROTEINHemp Protein Powder by Lean Hemp
If you want a little extra calories in your protein powder, Lean Hemp provides 160 calories per serving. It’ll also come packed with a whopping 20 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and 520mg of potassium.
As far as vitamins and minerals go, it contains high amounts of manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, niacin, and thiamin. It’s truly my favorite out of the ones we’ve listed today but is also the most expensive.
GET THE BEST PRICE ON LEAN HEMP HEMP PROTEIN