The Cannabis sativa plant, commonly known as hemp, has been around for centuries and is one of the most versatile crops known to man. Not to be confused with marijuana, another cannabis plant that can contain up to 90% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), hemp contains negligible amounts of THC, the psychoactive chemical that gets people “high.” [1]
The earliest use of hemp dates back to the Stone Age, with archaeologists finding traces of hemp fiber in Chinese pottery shards that were over 10,000 years old. [2] Hemp fiber, which is said to be the strongest and longest plant fiber in the world, was a common raw material used by ancient civilizations. Thanks to its high resistance to rot and abrasion, many artifacts made using hemp fiber can be found in museums today in surprisingly mint condition.
Hemp fiber was also used for many other things, such as building ships and making everyday items like paper, clothing and rope. In fact, next to wood, hemp fiber was the most used material for shipbuilding in the ancient world. [3]
The seeds of the hemp plant have also proven useful to humans in various ways. For instance, archaeological findings suggest that the ancient Chinese used hemp seeds and hemp seed oil as food and medicine long before they learned how to make paper from hemp fiber. [4]
The ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks also used hemp and its different parts for medicinal purposes. [5] In ancient Persia and India, religious texts referred to hemp and its seeds as “Sacred Grass” and the “King of Seeds” because of their usefulness and exceptional qualities.
In America, hemp quickly became a staple crop after its introduction in the early 1600s, and the oil extracted from its seeds became the most consumed lamp fuel before the discovery of hydrocarbon fuels. [6]
Today, hemp is still widely cultivated around the world and has found even more innovative uses. While hemp fiber has been turned into plastic, batteries, concrete and even cars, hemp seed oil has found its way in many personal care products, such as shampoos, lotions, moisturizers and cleansers. [7]
Meanwhile, hemp seeds have risen in popularity as a superfood and a versatile culinary ingredient. Aside from boosting the nutritional value of recipes, hemp seeds are also used to make hemp milk, a plant-based alternative to cow’s milk, and hemp flour, a gluten-free substitute to all-purpose flour.
Hemp seeds can also be made into hemp protein powder, a nutritional supplement that offers a variety of health benefits and can help people on plant-based diets meet their daily protein needs.
Why you might need help getting protein
Protein is an important biomolecule that offers structural support to various tissues of your body, such as your muscles, skin and bones. When these tissues get injured, your body requires protein to heal and repair them. Protein also plays an important role in your body’s immune defenses and helps transport oxygen from your lungs to your vital organs. [8]
Protein is composed of smaller biomolecules called amino acids. According to studies, about 500 of these exist in nature, but humans only make use of 21. [9] Some of these amino acids – 12, to be exact – are naturally produced by the human body (nonessential), while the remaining nine can only be obtained from external sources (essential), such as foods and supplements.
The nine essential amino acids you need to get from your diet are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Together with nonessential amino acids, they serve as the building blocks of many important proteins your body needs to function properly. These include over a thousand different enzymes, more than 50 different hormones, the hemoglobin in your red blood cells and the antibodies that protect you from harmful threats.
If you’re a vegan or a vegetarian, many plant-based foods can provide you with high amounts of protein, but not all of them are reliable sources. Some plant-based foods like beans, lentils and peas are rich in protein but lack one or two of the essential amino acids you need. [10] Plant-based protein is also generally harder for the human body to break down and absorb than animal-based protein, thanks to structural differences and the presence of antinutrients. [11]
Fortunately, there are supplements like organic hemp protein that can help vegans and vegetarians meet their nutritional needs. As a complete protein, organic hemp protein contains all nine essential amino acids, plus a wide range of other important nutrients. Research shows that organic hemp protein is also a high-quality protein, meaning it can be easily digested by our bodies despite coming from a plant-based source. [12]
The health benefits of organic hemp protein*
Hemp protein is derived directly from hemp seeds, which have been processed to remove their oil content. What’s left of the seeds after oil extraction is ground up into a fine powder to produce this nutritional supplement. Versatile and convenient with a slightly nutty taste, hemp protein powder can be added to shakes and smoothies or included in your favorite recipes to boost their nutrient content. [13]
Here are some of the impressive benefits offered by organic hemp protein powder:
Supports a healthy cardiovascular system
Hemp protein powder is not only rich in protein, but it also contains essential fatty acids that are good for your heart. [14] Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid also found in nuts, is known for its ability to support healthy blood vessels. Maintaining optimal blood vessel function is important for a healthy cardiovascular system. [15]
In a study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, researchers found that the body can convert ALA into small amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). [16] These two omega-3s are essential fats that can support healthy heart and brain functions. [17]
Aside from ALA, hemp protein powder also contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid commonly found in plant seeds. According to a study published in the Journal of Oleo Science, GLA can support optimal cardiovascular function by helping you maintain healthy blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are already within the normal range. [18]
Supports a healthy digestive system
Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t break down into sugar molecules. Hence, it passes through your body undigested. [19] But what’s great about dietary fiber is that, along the way, it helps move food through your digestive system, which helps with your digestion and supports regular bowel movements. Because hemp seeds are high in dietary fiber, adding hemp protein powder to your daily routine can help you maintain a healthy digestive system.
Supports a healthy immune system
According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the most abundant protein in hemp seeds is the seed storage protein, edestin. [20] Edestin is structurally similar to the globular proteins found in your blood, which are important for blood clotting as well as the healthy functions of your liver and immune system. [21] Thanks to this similarity, edestin in hemp can support a healthy immune system. [22]
Supports healthy muscle recovery
Intense training or exercise can cause microscopic tears in your muscles. To repair those muscle fibers and help you build more muscles, your body needs an adequate supply of amino acids to create the necessary proteins. [23] This is where a complete protein source like organic hemp protein comes in handy. Organic hemp protein can provide you with all the essential amino acids your body can’t produce to support healthy muscle recovery after strenuous exercise.
Supports maximum athletic performance
Hemp protein powder can not only help you after, but also while you’re engaged in physical activities. In a study published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, researchers reported that protein supplementation increased the natural protein production of participants undergoing resistance training. Protein supplementation also benefitted the athletes by helping them maintain healthy lean muscle mass. [24]
Supports sensible weight management plans when accompanied by a healthy diet and exercise
According to a study published in the journal Nutrition Bulletin, consuming fiber-rich foods can help you feel full for longer. [25] This can stop you from snacking between meals and may even help you reduce your food intake. Because hemp protein powder is rich in dietary fiber, it can support reasonable weight management plans when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Where to find lab-verified organic hemp protein powder
Protein is one of the most important nutrients you need to get from your diet. While animal products are excellent sources of high-quality and complete protein, they often contain unhealthy fat that can harm your health in the long run. [26]
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to animal-based protein that delivers more benefits, try organic hemp protein powder. This plant-based protein also contains all 21 amino acids that your body needs for optimal protein synthesis. What’s more, hemp protein naturally contains other essential nutrients, such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 and E, and minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
For the cleanest, lab-verified hemp protein powder on the market, look no further than Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Protein Powder. Sourced from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, one of the oldest and most versatile plants on the planet, our premium hemp protein powder is packed with a wide variety of essential and nonessential nutrients that can support the healthy functions of your cardiovascular, digestive and immune systems.
Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Protein Powder is also an abundant source of highly digestible and bioavailable protein, so it’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians and people who live an active lifestyle. As a complete protein, this nutritious powder supplement can provide excellent support for your body so you can achieve maximum athletic performance, enjoy healthy muscle recovery and attain your sensible weight management goals.
Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Protein Powder is made from 100% pure, ethically-sourced organic hemp seeds. It contains no fillers, sweeteners or flow agents of any kind. Our high-quality hemp protein powder is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, non-China and certified Kosher and organic. It is also meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Support a healthy and active lifestyle by securing your daily protein needs with organic hemp protein powder!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not recommended to treat, cure or diagnose any disease.
References
[1] https://www.mjfactcheck.org
[2] https://www.cannabistrades.org
[4] https://ministryofhemp.com
[5] https://ministryofhemp.com
[6] https://extension.okstate.edu
[7] https://news.green-flower.com
[8] https://www.uofmhealth.org
[9] https://askabiologist.asu.edu
[10] https://health.clevelandclinic.org
[11] https://www.foodunfolded.com
[12] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[13] https://www.healthline.com
[14] https://link.springer.com
[16] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[18] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp
[19] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu
[20] https://www.frontiersin.org
[22] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[23] https://www.thekitchn.com
[24] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[25] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
[26] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com