For as much education currently happening regarding marijuana and its health benefits, the dialogue around hemp can seem rather stilted. Perhaps due to its long association with head shops and stoner culture, hemp products get a bad rap. If you asked around, chances are you’ll encounter just as many people who don’t know the difference between hemp and marijuana as those that do.
But hemp contains numerous advantages all its own, particularly in the health department. Nowhere is this clearer when it comes to hemp protein, which is generally recognized as the most complete plant protein. It’s also a superfood, in that ingesting will supply your body with numerous health advantages. Hemp protein contains all 20 amino acids found within the body, including the nine essential amino acids.
Hemp protein is made by grinding down hemp seeds into a usable powder. Friendly reminder: It won’t get you high. Instead hemp protein will just ingest your body with all sorts of healthy minerals and fiber. Here are the 7 benefits of using hemp protein.
Anti-Inflammatory
Hemp protein contains all the essential fatty acids in the ideal ratio your body craves. Better yet, hemp has the hard-to-find gamma linolenic acid (GLA). These work together with other nutrients to reduce inflammation, especially after a taxing workout.
One study published in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism found that arthritis symptoms were reduced by 20% due to consuming the GLA in hemp protein.
Weight Watcher
If you’re trying to lose weight, you need protein. That’s why when trimming fat, it’s important to start your day with some source of protein to get your metabolism moving. Ingesting hemp protein in a smoothie will go a long way to ensuring healthy protein levels.
Hemp protein is also well-known as an appetite suppressant. It helps you feel full for longer, meaning you won’t be as likely to grab for the potato chips or sweets.
Healthy Heart
There’s an amino acid found in hemp protein called arginine. Inside your body it transforms into nitric oxide, which improves circulation and blood flow of arteries to the heart. It’ll also lower your blood pressure and therefore reduce your risk of heart disease.
Hair Care
Also found in hemp is Vitamin E, which has antioxidant qualities that will also prevent heart disease. But Vitamin E, working with those essential fatty acids, is a natural conditioner to your scalp, alleviating dry, itchy, or irritated symptoms.
And thanks to the perfect ratio of omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 in hemp, it will increase healthy hair growth while also adding a natural sheen and luster to your hair.
Increased Productivity
You may want to reconsider that afternoon coffee and replace it with a dosage of hemp protein. Hemp is full of iron, zinc, and magnesium, which can provide useful energy, especially if you’re on a plant-based diet. As we’ve mentioned, hemp protein also contains all the healthy fatty acids which can give you twice as much energy as carbohydrates. And because it’s a protein, it takes longer to digest, meaning your energy boost will last longer as well.
Fiber Rich
When using traditional protein powders like whey, you’re also introducing lactose into your body. Lactose can have multiple effects to your digestive processing, especially if you’re lactose intolerant. Just a little lactose can leave you feeling bloated or gassy all day.
But hemp powder contains no lactose due to it being a plant-based protein. Instead hemp will actually boost your digestive system, as it’s rich in whole food fiber. Hemp’s effects have been compared to superfoods like chia and flaxseed. oosting just as much as chia and flax, hemp seeds are a good way to ensure you get enough whole food fiber into your diet.
Strengthen Immune System
Hemp contains the globular plant proteins edestin and albumin, which produces antibodies, hormones, fibrinogen, and enzymes. Those globular proteins also help enzymes function properly in the blood plasma, strengthen the immune system and reducing the risk of illness.
