Hemp Protein

Hemp protein is an excellent alternative to the usuall protein choices out there such as whey and soy.

It is also a personal favourite of mine. Ever since I decided to go vegetarian I convinced myself whey would be my protein powder of choice.

However I was still caught up in the high protein myth that so many of us seeking hard extra muscle usually allow themselves to believe.

Yes, I do include myself in this category.

For a long time I let the fancy and very persuasive advertisments cloud my own judgement.

Now don't get me wrong, I do believe that athletes, sports persons and a body builders requirement for protein is going to be much higher than those who do not follow such strenuous activities.....

.....but just not as high as we are led to believe by those clever ads!

Remember some of the bodybuilders from this golden era of the sport?

Bodybuilders such as Steve Reeves, Bill Pearl, Vince Gironda etc. They all managed to build marvelouse physiques without the need for whey.

Their focus was on whole foods and smart training.

Now I am moving into a Vegan diet it still concerns me that I may not meet my daily protein needs.

It should'nt as I do understand that getting the required amino acids to build muscles can be found in quite a few plant sources....

....I was actually very suprised to learn just how many sources there are!.

This concern is a hang up of all the marketing hype I guess, one which is still hard to shift.

However a little knowledge is a good thing and the extensive research I have carried out has led me to this conclusion:

First, however, I should mention that I have worked out my own calorie needs. I calculated that my protein intake, based on 30% of my total calories to be approx 28g - 30g of protein at each of my six meals. _{(NB:Find out how I
calculated this here)}

I realised that I can meet this target quite easily and by adding hemp protein to my list of sources I should have no problems achieving my goals.

But how does hemp protein compare to animal sources and is it a good choice?

Hemp Protein - what is it?

Well it is made by milling the seed of the Cannabis Sativa plant. This type of hemp plant is certified free of THC (the active ingredient in the drug marijuana) therefore you can not get high eating hemp protein!! (Did I hear someone say "thats a shame"?)

The benefits include:

Contains all 20 amino acids used by the human body.
Includes all eight essential amino acids.
Proteins found in hemp protein are similar to those found in the human body.
Provides the correct amino acids and in the right quantities to help our body make the proteins it needs.
Consists of Globulins (edestin) and Albumin - two of the three most common proteins found in the human body.
Hemp protein has the highest amount of Globulins (edestin) and Albumin than any other plant protein source.
A good source of amino acids arginine and histidine - necessary for growth.
Good source of branch chain amino acids needed for lean body tissue growth and repair.
Provides essential faty acids omega-3 and omega-6 in a 3:1 ratio (good healthy ratio).
Contains the hard to get GLA (gamma linolenic acid)another essential fatty acid omega-6 source.
The essential fatty acids found in hemp protein may reduce food cravings, reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
Provides antioxidents, vitamins and minerals.
Also a good source of fibre, a 30g serving provides 8g of fibre.

Lets not forget that it does not contain cholesterol, no trans fats, no saturated fatty acids and no sugars. It is also great for those who are gluten, nut, lactose and suger intolerant as there are no known allergies associated with hemp foods.

The taste is quite nutty in flavour and if you are used to the overly sugary whey proteins it could take some getting used to.

But I love it as I have grown rather tired of the artificial, highly sweetened taste of some whey products.

I was quite suprised at how much I liked it! Mixed in with your bowl of oats or made into a delicouse fruit smoothie, protein shake. It really offers an excellent, natural tasting Vegan alternative to other protein shakes as well as being quite filling.

Plus the fact that after consuming it I did not suffer any bloatedness or chronic "gas" problems as I do with whey (much to the relief of my wife). This makes this my number one protein supplement choice.

I have found that buying my hemp protein in either 3lb Hemp or 5lb Hemp makes it much more economic, without the worry of running out of it to quickly before needing to buy a new batch.

I definitely recommend given this a go if you are Vegan or just plain 'fed up' with whey.

Who knows you might just end up loving it as much as I do.