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The Top 5 Health Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder

An image of a hemp leaf and powderHemp protein powder is one of the more popular kinds of nutritional supplement for building muscle. It contains lean protein, good fats, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Moreover, this powder benefits your muscles, digestion, heart, and metabolism. It retains many of the key health benefits associated with hemp seeds in an easy-to-eat form. This article covers five of the most important health benefits of this popular protein powder.

What Is Hemp?

This protein powder comes from a Cannabis sativa plant variety. While some parts of the cannabis plant are used to affect a change in behavior, feelings, or mood, hemp is made with a non-psychoactive part of the plant. According to the FDA, food ingredients with hemp seeds contain only very tiny amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The THC component of Cannabis sativa causes psychoactive effects. THC is mainly found in hemp flowers, leaves, and stems.

Hemp fibers are another non-psychoactive part of the plant used in fabric, cordage, and for other purposes.

HempĀ protein powder is an industrial product made from pounded and pulverized hemp seeds. ItĀ serves as a nutritional source without the psychoactive effects of Cannabis sativa. Hemp seeds without the hull can be eaten, a practice used by the Egyptians and dating back centuries. Hemp seeds can also be turned into milk or cooking oil with a nutty flavor.

Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp has many benefits. Considered a vegan protein, it is a good source of essential nutrients. Hempā€™s positive effects on the body are not limited to vegans or athletes. It also has some significant benefits to improve your health.

Lean Protein for Strong Muscles

Your body needs protein to build tissues and repair cells. Itā€™s vital for growth and development. You can find protein in animal meats, eggs, dairy, beans, and legumes.

Hemp protein powder is a complete source of lean protein as it contains nine essential amino acids. It does not contain harmful fats and cholesterol compared to animal meats. Moreover, it helps regulate your brain and nerve functions.

A study shows that hemp is similar to eggs, containing albumin and edestin. Both proteins contained significant amounts of all the essential amino acids your body needs.

Be advised though, that while protein is essential, a diet too high in protein can increase your risk of kidney stones.

Minerals for the Whole Body

Hemp protein powder contains iron,Ā manganese, zinc, and magnesium. All these minerals contribute to keeping your body healthy. Here are three of their specific benefits:

  • if you lack iron.
  • Magnesium supports nerve and muscle function and helps in energy production. Magnesium deficiency can result in a higher risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
  • Manganese helps build bones and connective tissue. It aids in blood clotting and regulating blood sugar, too. A deficit in manganese can lead to bone problems and impaired glucose tolerance.

Antioxidants to Ward Off Illnesses

An image of hemp leaves and powderYou can get antioxidants from hemp protein powder, such as vitamin E and A Hemp seeds also have a compound called lignan amides. As an antioxidant, lignan amides have bioactive and protective properties. A study reveals that lignan amides not only have antioxidant properties, but they also have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects.

Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which causes inflammation. This condition is linked to the development of chronic health problems. A study revealed antioxidants may decrease the risk of heart diseases like atherosclerosis. Another study found growing evidence linking oxidative stress to diabetes. Antioxidants directly work against oxidative damage like nerve dysfunction among people with diabetes.

Additional Benefits of Hemp Seeds

Hemp protein powder is made from dried hemp seeds with most of the oil extracted. This means that, depending on your brand of protein powder, you can get some additional benefits from eating whole hemp seeds instead.

Unsaturated Fats for a Healthy Heart

There are saturated fats and unsaturated fats. Two important varieties of unsaturated fats are omega-6 and omega-3s. One study shows the Western diet has an imbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in a ratio of 15:1. This means the diet lacks good fats like omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, Westerners have a higher risk of developing cancer, heart problems, and autoimmune diseases like arthritis.

In contrast, hemp seeds have a ratio of 3:1 of omega-6 and omega-3 fats. Hemp protein powder retains some of these good unsaturated fats, which may help keep your heart healthy. Moreover, omega 3 fats can also help reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels in some people. Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, is also known to ease premenstrual syndrome in women.

Fiber for Better Digestion

Your body needs fiber for healthy digestion. Hemp seed contains both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fibers form bulk in your stool, which prevents cancer development. At the same time, soluble fiber feeds good bacteria in your gut.

One study shows this prebiotic action has anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, eating dietary fiber reduces your risk of colorectal and colon cancers. You are also at a lower risk of constipation, hemorrhoids, and ulcers.

In addition, hemp gives you protein and fiber, which helps you manage your weight.Ā  A study on 89 adults shows they lost more weight on high-protein and high-fiber diets than standard diets.

Some hemp protein powder brands have most of the fiber removed, but other brands retain much of this gut-healthy substance.

Guidelines for Taking Your Hemp Protein Powder

You will need to take different amounts of different hemp protein powder brands. Makers suggest the correct dosage on the label.

However, here are some guidelines on how much protein you may need:

  • The Institute of Medicine sets the RDA estimate of protein needs. For men, it is 56-72 g/day and 40-56 g/day for women.
  • Protein dosages of1.2 to 1.7 g/kg per day are ideal for endurance and strength training.
  • For better recovery, athletes need to consume protein within two hours after their workout.
  • Some brands contain about15 grams of protein for every 4 tbsp serving of hemp powder. This is equivalent to 19% of adults' recommended daily intake (RDI).
  • Some brands contain8 grams of fiber for every 4 tbsp serving. This provides about 29% of the RDI of fiber for adults.

You can mix the powder in plain water or make it into a smoothie. Some add it to baked products, cereals, dishes, and salads.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

For the most part, this type of protein powder is safe and has few side effects.

An image of a woman holding her abdomen in discomfortHigh-fiber hemp protein powder types can cause minor discomfort. Some people may experience bloating, gas, and diarrhea. To minimize these potential side effects, consume less at a slower pace. You can try frequent small servings throughout the day.

Another possible side effect is an allergic reaction. Itā€™s best to know first if you have an allergy to hemp before consuming it. Symptoms include itchiness and swelling of eyelids and lips.

Medical professionals advise people to refrain from taking hemp if they are on anticoagulants. In addition, hemp has been known to pose a risk for bleeding. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to take caution as well.

How Hemp Protein Powder Affects Your Bioenergetics Circuit

Your Bioenergetics Circuit is one of the six NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response circuits. This stress response plays a role in protecting your body from the adverse effects of stress. It supports your "fight or flight" response by releasing cortisol from your adrenal glands. However, chronic stress may cause the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. As a result, Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS) may develop, leading to a range of symptoms and problems.

Your liver, pancreas, and thyroid make up your Bioenergetics Circuit. These organs regulate sugar and insulin levels and energy production. An imbalance in this circuit disrupts how your body creates and uses energy.

Hemp protein powder benefits your Bioenergetics Circuit in three ways:

  1. First, hemp eases symptoms of liver problems due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  2. Second, hemp promotes energy production and reduces tiredness. This is because hemp has iron. It assists in transporting red blood cells to the different parts of your body for energy.
  3. Third, hemp seeds contain GLA, which can aid in regulating the hormonal secretion of the pancreas and thyroid glands. In addition, it can help balance the hormones responsible for anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.

Bottomline

In sum, hemp seeds are rich in fiber, minerals, unsaturated fats, and protein. These offer benefits that extend to a healthy digestive system, heart, liver, muscles, pancreas, and thyroid glands. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties, too. While the processing of hemp protein powder takes out some of these benefits, many are retained.

For more information on how hemp protein might help your health, you can contact us for a free consultation through our Ask the Doctor system, or call the Dr. Lam Coaching team at +1-626-571-1234.

Ā© Copyright 2022 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Lamā€™s Key Question

Hemp protein powder is a good source of lean protein, fiber, minerals, healthy unsaturated fats, and antioxidants. It can help boost your muscle mass and support health energy levels. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

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