Nutritional Benefits of Hemp Protein
Hemp is a non-animal food that provides high-quality protein and is found in a variety of sources. Hemp is primarily used by vegetarians and vegans, but any population can benefit from this food.
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Nutritional Profile
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Hemp contains protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin E, phytosterols, and trace minerals, which makes it a nutritionally beneficial food choice. Two-thirds is edistine, which bolsters the immune system and aids in digestion, and the other one-third is albumin.
Amino Acids
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Hemp is considered a "complete" protein because it contains all 20 amino acids, including nine essential ones that must be consumed because the body does not produce them.
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Fatty Acids
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Hemp contains high concentrations of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in an ideal ratio of 1:3. Hemp oil contains two beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA).
Food Products
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Hemp can be eaten as seeds, sprouted, ground into meal baking meal, or drank as tea or milk. Other sources are protein powder, oil, nut butter or "ice cream," or it can be added to tofu, bread, cereal and waffles.
Potential
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GLA and SDA acids in hemp oil can treat atopic dermatitis, according to clinical trials at the University of Kuopio in Finland. The fatty acid profile reduces cardiovascular disease risk and some cancers, and can improve rheumatoid arthritis and bipolar disorder.
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References
Resources
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