18 Incredible Benefits of Hemp Protein: Why It’s the Best Vegetable Protein Source!

hemp benefits muscle building protein

If you’re on the lookout for the best vegetable protein source, you might want to consider hemp protein.

Protein powders are popular supplements among fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, and anyone looking to adopt a healthier diet.

These powders can be derived from plant or animal sources. But when it comes to plant-based options, hemp protein is widely regarded as the best.

Wondering what makes hemp protein so special? Let’s find out.

Hemp Protein: The Superior Choice for Vegetarians and Vegans – Here’s Why!

Hemp protein is produced from healthy and ripe hemp seeds. First, the hemp seed oil has to be extracted from the seeds by cold pressing. As a by-product of this technique, hemp cakes are formed.

These hemp cakes are then milled to create hemp flour, which is a good source of dietary fiber. Sieving the hemp flour multiple times creates a fine, protein-rich powder.

Hemp protein powders are highly nutritious dietary supplements that are filled with essential amino acids, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants.

All these powerful constituents make hemp protein powders much more than just a protein source for bodybuilding.

Making hemp protein a regular part of your diet offers immense health benefits. 

18 Amazing Health Benefits of Hemp Protein

Check out these 18 amazing health benefits that make most people choose hemp protein powders over other types of protein powders.

1. A Complete Protein Source

Hemp protein is one of the few vegan sources of complete proteins as it contains all 9 essential amino acids necessary in the human diet.

Though the exact proportion of amino acids in hemp is still being researched, there are studies claiming that hemp protein has an amino acid profile similar to that of soy proteins and egg whites, both of which rank among high-quality protein sources. 

Though the nutrient value of hemp is dependent on cannabis strains and their geographical location, hemp protein usually has about 40% protein, omega fatty acids, and fiber.

Hemp protein powder also tends to be less processed than other protein powders.

2. Easy to Digest

Though protein sourced from animals tends to be easier to digest than plant-sourced proteins, scientists have observed that 91-98% of hemp protein is digestible. The amino acids in hemp have high bio-availability and are easily absorbed and utilized by our bodies.

Researchers believe that the easy digestibility of hemp proteins is due to the presence of rapidly degradable proteins such as edestin and albumin.

Since exposure to heat during its production can reduce the digestibility of hemp protein by about 10%, hemp cakes derived from cold-pressed hemp seeds are preferred for manufacturing hemp protein powders.

3. High Proportion of Dietary Fiber

A high-fiber diet helps improve digestion, balance blood sugar levels, and regular bowel movements.

Hemp protein powders are good sources of dietary fiber and they have much more fiber content than other vegetable protein sources.

4. Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Though hemp protein powder is made from the hemp cakes that result from squeezing out hemp oil, some fats are retained in this by-product of the cold-pressing.

Hemp protein powder contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids in an ideal ratio of 3:1, omega 6, and omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for health.

5. Offers Antioxidants and Minerals

Hemp proteins contain many minerals that are essential for our health, as well as, lignanamides, which are compounds with potent antioxidant properties that help protect us from free radical damage.

A diet rich in antioxidants can help strengthen our immunity.

6. Increases Energy Levels

The breakdown of fats releases much more energy in comparison to carbohydrates in foods.

The fatty acid and protein content in hemp seeds are broken down slowly and they provide a steady stream of energy.

7. Strengthens the Immune System

Hemp protein powder contains edestin and albumin.

These globular proteins are found in the blood plasma and are essential for the synthesis of various enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, as well as, fibrinogen, a protein that is required for thickening blood.

8. Improves Muscle Regeneration

Since hemp is a complete protein that offers all 9 essential amino acids, hemp protein powder is an ideal choice for post-workout meals, for athletes and bodybuilders.

These amino acids are vital for muscle repair and regeneration.

9. Increases Muscle Mass

The combination of albumin and edestin, along with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in hemp protein, helps prevent muscle loss.

When used as a dietary supplement, along with regular exercise, hemp protein powders help build muscle mass faster.

10. Relieves Inflammation

Hemp protein contains an essential fatty acid known as GLA or gamma-linolenic acid.

This helps reduce inflammation.

11. Improves Digestion

Many people suffer from lactose intolerance, though some are more tolerant than others. The intake of protein sources with lactose can create many digestive discomforts and allergies.

Hemp milk is free from common allergens such as gluten, soy, and lactose. Its high dietary fiber content also helps improve digestion

12. Promotes Heart Health

Arginine is an amino acid with antioxidant properties.

Hemp has many nutrients that promote heart health, including arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber.

13. Reduces Hunger

The high fiber content in hemp protein powder leaves us feeling full for longer.

This reduces hunger pangs and food cravings.

14. Cleanses the Colon

The high proportion of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber aids the natural cleansing of the colon.

This helps decrease the risk of hemorrhoids, constipation, and diarrhea.

Toxins also get cleared from your system.

15. Regulates Cholesterol Levels

The essential fatty acids present in hemp help reduce the levels of unhealthy fats in the body.

This also decreases the plaque (cholesterol deposits) formation in your arteries.

16. Boosts Metabolism

The protein content in hemp improves metabolism and boosts weight loss, especially when combined with regular exercise.

This contributes to faster muscle mass formation and strength.

17. Reduces the Risk of Osteoporosis

The deficiency of essential fatty acids (GLA and EPA) increases your risk of osteoporosis, a disease in which the quality and density of your bones decrease dramatically.

The omega-3 content of hemp can help reduce bone breakdown in osteoporosis. Many studies have proven that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for skeletal health.

18. Improves Scalp Health

The essential fatty acids and vitamin E content of hemp seeds help reduce itching.

Regular intake of hemp protein powder benefits scalp health as it contributes to moisturizing and strengthening your scalp.

3 Delicious Hemp Protein Recipes

Hemp protein powders are commonly used in protein shakes for pre-workout or post-workout meals. But there is a lot more you can do with this versatile ingredient.

Find the below mentioned three recipes at Get Your Protein Fix with These Delicious Hemp Protein Recipes

1. High-Protein Hemp Brownies

2. Pomegranate and Hemp Protein Chia Pudding

3. Hemp Protein Waffles

Couldn’t find these recipes? Click on: Get Your Protein Fix with These Delicious Hemp Protein Recipes

About Anju Mobin 104 Articles
The Nutritionist Wordsmith with a Chocoholic Edge! Anju is not just a writer; she's a brush-wielding, coffee-sipping, chocolate-loving wordsmith! With a Fine Arts degree in one hand and a Home Science degree in the other, she blends creativity and nutrition to craft content that truly nourishes the mind. Whether she's painting a vivid picture with words or brewing up engaging web content, she pours her heart into every project. When she's not busy whipping up articles, you'll find her nurturing orchids to bloom in her garden, baking scrumptious treats, and indulging her chocoholic tendencies with dark delights. She is the founder and managing editor of Fitness Hacks.