Subject: Hemp protein...better than whey?
Protein supplements are one of those topics that really seem to make
people draw lines in the sand...and sometimes multiple lines!
You'll have some people who believe you don't need any protein
supplements at all, while others swear by them.
Then you'll have the proponents of whey protein, who believe no other
protein even comes close in quality and benefits...and others who believe
whey protein simply clogs up your guts and isn't digested well enough
to even be useful.
Me, I think protein supplementation is beneficial (though not 100%
necessary in all cases, especially if you get plenty of good-quality
food-based protein).
I'm also a big believer in rotating your supplemental protein sources. I
think whey DOES have a lot of benefits (especially a good quality whey),
but you shouldn't forget about egg, casein and vegetable-based proteins
such as hemp and pea proteins.
So today, I've got an article for you about the benefits of hemp protein,
from my friend Dale Buchanan of Dale's Raw Foods (he makes the BEST
raw food protein bars I've ever tasted).
Really good info, especially if you've not considered hemp as a protein
source before.
I've used hemp protein myself on many occasions (just fyi, you don't inhale it...
you're supposed to eat it ;) and found it to be excellent stuff.
I would say hemp is right alongside whey in terms of protein quality.
Nick
P.S. On a related note, Dale is currently having a Fourth of July Sale on his
bars, proteins and other products right now...you can save up to 32% on
bundle offers.
Use the coupon code JULY4TH at checkout to get the discount.
These bars are AWESOME. I just ordered 4 boxes myself a few minutes
ago (going to try his new Key Lime Quinoa flavor). If you've tried these,
you know how good they are. If you haven't, this is a great time to try 'em
out.
Click here to check out the bars and order yours now...
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The Benefits of Hemp Protein
Hemp seeds have the most complete edible and usable protein
in the vegetable kingdom.
Proteins serve such functions as acting as enzymes, antibodies, and the
structural components of tissues, hormones, and blood protein. The main
function of dietary protein is to supply the building blocks called amino acids
so that they can be used to reconstruct other proteins needed for the growth
and maintenance of body tissue.
Proteins are often classified as structural (fibrous) or biologically active
(globular). Structural proteins include collagen, keratin, and fibrinogen,
which are the main constitutents of bones, skin, hair, ligaments, feathers,
and hooves! Biologically active proteins are mainly globulins and include such
things as hormones, hemoglobin, antibodies (immunoglobulins), and enzymes.
Although the body can make globular proteins out of any protein that enters the
body, it is much more efficient for the body to make globulins out of globular
starting material.
What makes globular proteins so special is that they are precursors
to some of the most vital chemicals in the body:
- hormones (which regulate all the body processes);
- hemoglobin (which transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxide);
- enzymes (which catalyze and control biochemical reactions);
- antibodies (immunoglobulins which fend off invading bacteria, viruses,
and other pathogens, as well as toxins or antigens as they enter the body).
The total protein content of hemp seed is about 65% of the globular
protein edestin, which closely resembles the globulin found in the
human blood plasma.
It is easily digested, absorbed, and utilized by humans and vital to maintaining a
healthy immune system. Edestin has the unique ability to stimulate the manufacture
of antibodies against invasive agents and is nearly phosphorus-free, which is
important for kidney ailments. The other important protein in hemp seed is
albumin, which is also a highly digestible protein because of its globular shape.
Albumin is a major free radical scavenger and is the industry standard for protein
quality evaluation.
Hemp protein contains all 21 known amino acids, including the 9 essential ones
adult bodies cannot produce. Proteins are considered complete when they contain
all the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities and ratios to meet the body's
needs.
Proteins are potential allergens, which also include soy, dairy, or peanut
proteins. However, no hemp seed allergies have ever been reported.
Several oilseeds also contain anti-nutritional factors; for example, the trypsin
inhibitors in soybeans; but none of these factors are known to occur in hemp
seeds.
Hemp seeds also contain fewer oligosaccharides, present in beans and which cause
intestinal gas. A significant number of people are becoming allergic to soy products,
possibly because most are from genetically engineered crops or grown with the use
of chemicals. On the other hand, because hemp seed does not require chemicals or
genetic alteration, it rarely, if ever, causes sensitivity.
Hemp seed protein can supply any diet with a vegetarian source of essential fatty
acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre, chlorophyll, and a complete, balanced
gluten-free source of the essential amino acids.
Protein Content Compared
Soybeans | 35.0% |
Hemp seed shelled | 31.0% |
Hamburger beef | 27.1% |
Blue fish | 26.0% |
Cheddar cheese | 23.5% |
Chicken | 23.5% |
Hempseed - whole | 23.0% |
Almonds | 18.3% |
Wheat flour | 13.3% |
Egg | 12.0% |
Tofu | 8.0% |
Rice | 7.5% |
Skimmed milk | 3.7% |
Essential Amino Acids Compared
Essential Amino Acid | Hemp Seed | Egg Whites | Tofu | Human Milk | Cow's Milk |
Leucine | 18.80 | 9.50 | 5.9 | 2.78 | 3.44 |
Lysine | 9.10 | 6.48 | 5.7 | 3.12 | 2.72 |
Threonine | 10.30 | 4.77 | 3.7 | 0.62 | 1.61 |
Phen + Tyro | 21.90 | 6.89 | 4.8 | 1.21 | 1.70 |
Valine | 14.20 | 8.42 | 4.3 | 1.39 | 2.40 |
Meth + Cyst | 9.60 | 4.20 | 1.0 | 0.65 | 0.86 |
Isoleucine | 11.40 | 6.98 | 4.1 | 0.75 | 2.23 |
Tryptophan | 3.90 | 1.64 | 1.2 | 0.23 | 0.4 |
Using Hemp Protein Powders
Dale's Raw Foods uses a hemp protein powder that supplies at least 50% protein
by weight and supplying 15 grams of protein per 30 gram serving. It's no
coincidence that Dale's Raw Protein and Dale's Raw Protein Bars contain Hemp
protein.
While hemp protein may contain more total fat than many other protein powders,
it should be stressed that almost all of this fat comes from the essential polyunsaturated
fatty acids Omega-6 and Omega-3.
Hemp is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having what is
considered to be an optimal 3:1 balance of omega 6 to omega 3 essential fatty
acids. A pound of hemp seed would provide all the protein, essential fatty acids,
and dietary fiber necessary for human survival for two weeks. For this reason it
is used in many parts of the world for treating malnourishment. The information
in this article was supplied by http://www.innvista.com/
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