Hemp Powder: Here's Why It's the Future of Protein

Yes, proteins are the “building blocks” of our body and are a valuable supplement, but where does their value lie? What's making the nutritional world tune in to hemp as a great alternative protein source?

Made up of amino acids, proteins are vital components of cells in the human body and play a crucial role in:

• building or repairing tissues
• production of hormones, enzymes, and other body chemicals
• building muscles, and regenerating bones, skin, cartilage, and blood

Our bodies need protein in relatively large amounts as compared to some other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. While we can get proteins from meat, eggs, fish, milk, and plant-based sources, protein from just diet might not meet our daily nutritional needs, especially if we participate in high-intensity exercise or training. Thus, it should not be surprising for you to learn that protein supplements have a high demand – especially among athletes, bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts, or those who want to maintain a healthy weight – doesn't that sound like millions of people in this increasingly health-conscious world?

Why Are Plant-based Proteins Gaining in Popularity?

• High amounts of saturated fats in processed meat and red meat
• Intolerance towards lactose
• Increase in adoption of either vegetarianism or a veganism lifestyle

Plant-based protein can be extracted from various sources that include peas, brown rice, and hemp.

What Is Hemp Protein Powder?

Hemp protein is obtained from the shelled seeds of the hemp plant. These seeds are cold-pressed to expel most of the oil and milled and sifted to remove some of the fiber.

Hemp seeds are known for their nutrition-rich profile and some people even consider them as a super-food. Moreover, it is one of the best sources of plant-based protein.

Is Hemp Protein Powder A Complete Protein?

Out of the 20 amino acids required by our body, nine are classified as essential. The food that contains all of these nine essential amino acids is a complete protein or whole protein.

Meat, poultry, eggs, fish, and dairy products are the sources of complete proteins. Unlike most of the plant-based protein sources, like peas, grains, nuts, and beans, that are considered incomplete as they lack one or more essential amino acids, hemp contains all these nutrients and is considered a complete protein source.

Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder - What You Need to Know

Hemp protein is jam-packed with macro and micro-nutrients required by our body and has several nutritional benefits (Obtained from the seeds of industrial hemp which contain only traces of THC, hemp protein offers all the benefits without any psychotropic side effects.

• The amino acid profile of hemp protein is similar to soy and egg whites, which are high-quality protein sources. Hemp protein offers all the benefits provided by a protein including weight management, healthy muscles, and quick recovery after exercise.
• Hemp contains the proteins albumin and edestin, which our body can digest easily. Studies reveal that 91-98% of hemp protein is digestible. You should look for cold-pressed hemp protein as heat processing reduces its digestibility by 10%.
• Hemp protein has high fiber content unlike other highly refined plant-based protein powder, and this is linked to many health benefits such as healthier gut bacteria and better management of blood sugar.
• It contains significant amounts of Omega-6 and Omega-3 in the right ratio of 3:1 and is a rare vegan source of essential fatty acids.
• Hemp has plenty of minerals, including magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and copper.
• Hemp seeds are known to contain Iignanamides – compounds with strong antioxidant properties that protect your body from oxidative damage associated with chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
• Most of the fat in hemp protein is unsaturated, which is excellent for heart health.
• As it is naturally free from lactose (milk sugar in dairy products is most commonly known to trigger digestion issues in humans), it's gentle on the stomach.

What are the Health Benefits of Hemp Protein?

Hemp protein is a high-quality vegan protein, it contains all nine essential amino acids in addition to fiber, healthy fats, and minerals. Hemp is the ideal choice for customers who prefer less processed protein sources. The benefits of hemp protein powder include:

• Research shows that 91–98% of the protein in ground hemp seed is digestible due to the presence of the proteins edestin and albumin, which your body breaks down quickly.
• Hulled and unhulled hemp protein powders can contain different amounts of fiber depending on whether additional fiber was added. Most hemp protein powders contain 7–8 grams of fiber per 1/4 cup (30 grams).
• Hemp protein powder contains roughly 10% of the original fat content present. A 1/4-cup (30-gram) serving provides 3 grams of fat, most of which is unsaturated and improves heart health.

Hemp Protein Vs. Other Proteins - Sources

With a variety of benefits, hemp tops the list when compared to other protein sources.

Hemp Protein Vs. Whey Protein

• Whey protein delivers more protein per serving. However, it doesn't contain any fiber and is low in antioxidants.
• Hemp protein delivers less protein per serving. However, it contains more fiber, antioxidants, minerals, phytonutrients, fatty acids, and healthy fats.
• Hemp protein can benefit those who are allergic to dairy products or lactose-intolerant, while whey protein, except some lactose-free formulas, can't be consumed by these people.
• The following chart gives a comparison between Hemp and Whey Protein:

Hemp vs. Pea Protein:

• Pea protein contains a complete range of amino acids except for methionine.
• Pea protein delivers more protein per serving but doesn't contain any fibers like hemp protein.
• Quality-wise, pea protein is superior and is nutritionally similar to casein and eggs, while hemp protein is nutritionally related more to plant foods like nuts, seeds, and grains.
• Pea protein has higher protein digestibility than hemp protein.
• Pea protein has a neutral flavor and blends well with liquids, while hemp protein is gritty with an earthy flavor and may mix better with foods like yogurt and fruit smoothies.
• The following chart gives a comparison between Hemp and Pea Protein:

Hemp Protein Vs. Rice Protein

• Rice protein profile is almost similar to that of pea protein.
• Rice protein contains many essential amino acids; however, it is low in lysine.
• Hemp protein contains all the essential amino acids and is a complete protein source.

Hemp Protein Powder Nutritional Profile

Hemp protein powder is packed with proteins, dietary fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and chlorophyll without any saturated fat, sugar, sodium, or cholesterol. A serving of 30 grams of high-quality organic hemp protein powder contains –

• Calories - 120
• Protein - 12 grams
• Carbs – 11 grams
• Fat – 3 grams
• Fiber – 5 grams
• Magnesium – 260 mg. (65% DV)
• Iron – 6.3 mg. (35% DV)
• Potassium – 380 mg (11% DV)
• Calcium – 60 mg (6% DV)

Hemp Protein - Trends

The global hemp protein market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% between 2019-2024. The United States is the leading market for hemp protein in the North American region. This can be attributed to the major advancement for the hemp industry in the United States that came in 2014 with the passage of the US Farm Bill. This bill allowed states to conduct hemp pilot programs.

The controversies surrounding animal-based proteins during the past couple of years and the emergence of veganism have increased the market revenue for hemp protein powder. The minimal processing and chemical-free consumption patterns that are associated with hemp protein powder have made it relevant in the existing market.

As leading manufacturers in the hemp protein market try to make the most of the opportunities posed by emerging economies like India and China to grow their revenue base, companies are including hemp protein in products like nutrition bars, tortilla chips, pretzels, and beer.

Hemp Protein Powder Dosage

A general guide that lists hemp protein powder daily intake for groups with different activity levels -

How Can NutraScience Labs Help You Create a High-Quality Line of Hemp Protein Supplements?

Now that you're a hemp protein powder guru, you can easily see why now is the perfect time to enter the market with your own supplement product. But, how do you get started?

This is where the team at NutraScience Labs can assist you…

With over 120 years of nutraceutical manufacturing experience, our knowledgeable and friendly team will work with you every step of the way to create and flavor your hemp protein powder for success. What's more, we can also provide you with award-winning supplement packaging and labeling services and a full suite of fulfillment solutions. Over the years, these in-house services have saved over 2,300 brand owners time, money, and stress & have helped them go to market faster than their competitors!

To learn more about how we can help you create your own line of high-quality hemp protein and other dietary supplements, call us at 855-492-7388 or send us your request to receive a free nutraceutical manufacturing quote.