Did you know that hemp seeds are one of nature’s best sources for plant-based protein? If you’re looking to increase your protein intake from a natural and vegan source, then hemp protein powder just might be the perfect choice for you.

In fact, hemp protein powder is arguably the best vegan protein powder with 20 amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids that your body is unable to produce on its own and must obtain from dietary sources.

Hemp protein powder is not only a protein powerhouse, but it’s also inherently loaded with more healthy omega fatty acids and fiber than many other common protein powders. It doesn’t stop there — hemp has also been shown to improve fatigue and have positive effects on the immune system — and these are just some of the benefits of hemp protein powder. What are the others? Let’s take a look.

What Is Hemp Protein Powder?

Hemp is a distinct variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, which can be grown to maximize the fibers in the stalk of the plant or seed production. Hemp has barely or even no measurable levels of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid most known for its psychoactive properties.

THC has been researched extensively, and science has shown us that when it’s not smoked, it has substantial health benefits with veritably no side effects. Hemp typically contains about 0.3 percent to 1.5 percent THC, whereas marijuana contains about 5 percent to 10 percent or more THC. So don’t worry — eating hemp certainly will not get you high. Hemp consumption is safe, healthy and legal.

Hemp protein powder and hemp seed oil are both made from the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp protein powder is easy on the taste buds with a faintly nutty flavor.

Hemp seeds are a powerhouse when it comes to protein with at least 20 amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine). Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins, and together, amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of the human body.

Hemp protein provides the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 in a healthy 3:1 ratio. Hemp is also one of the few sources of the hard-to-get gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a healthy, plant-derived omega-6 metabolized differently than other less healthy omega-6s. GLA-rich foods like hemp seeds have been observed to help people with:

  • ADHD
  • Breast pain
  • Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Obesity
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Skin allergies

Hemp Protein Powder Nutrition Profile

Hemp protein powder is made from hemp seeds, which provide a solid nutritional boost similar to flaxseeds. Hemp protein powder packs a health punch of dietary fiber, chlorophyll, minerals and antioxidants without any saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium or sugar.

A serving — about 4 tablespoons (30 grams) — of an organic, high-quality hemp protein powder contains about:

  • 120 calories
  • 11 grams carbohydrates
  • 12 grams protein
  • 3 grams fat
  • 5 grams fiber
  • 260 milligrams magnesium (65 percent DV)
  • 6.3 milligrams iron (35 percent DV)
  • 380 milligrams potassium (11 percent DV)
  • 60 milligrams calcium (6 percent DV)

 

Source: Dr. Axe