Along with fats and carbohydrates, protein is an essential building block and macro-nutrient for living a long and healthy life!
Protein powder is a simple, effective and healthy way to make sure you are getting the correct amount of protein your body needs, and hemp protein powder is generally one of the best protein powders available! It's a great supplement that is used widely as it helps build muscle, repair damaged tissues and regulates enzymes and hormones.
Hemp protein is made by grinding pressed hemp seeds into a fine powder and is fast becoming one of the most popular proteins available. It has a distinctly earthy, nutty taste and is one of the highest-quality gluten-free plant-based proteins available, containing all nine essential amino acids, along with fibre, many healthy fats, essential vitamins and minerals.
Many people take it daily to augment exercise performance, muscle development and recovery; however, protein powder is not just for gym fanatics and athletes. Depending on many factors such as your age, general activity levels, body weight and diet - protein powder is a great dietary addition for many different people to improve health and overall wellbeing.
Nowadays, there are loads of different protein powders available in Australia from many different manufacturers and retailers - and in all honesty, not all of them are great quality and can even impact your health!
Read on below as I take you through everything you need to know from how to best use it, what it's especially great for and all of its evidence-backed health benefits, through to our favourite brand and where to buy it!
What You'll Find In This Article:
- What Is Hemp Protein?
- How is Hemp Protein Powder Made?
- What Are The Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder?
- How to Use Hemp Protein Powder?
- Is Hemp Protein Better Than Whey Protein?
- Is Hemp Protein Powder Good for Weight Loss?
- Is Hemp Protein Powder Good for Building Muscle?
- Will Hemp Protein Powder Show on a Drug Test?
- Does Hemp Protein have Any Potential Side Effects?
- What's The Difference Between Hemp Protein & Hemp Flour?
- Where To Buy The Best Hemp Protein Powder in Australia?
What Is Hemp Protein?
Hemp is an amazing plant that is part of the species Cannabis sativa, which also includes marijuana, but is distinctly different and has zero psychoactive effects or ability to get you 'high'.
Hemp protein is a plant-based protein made from pressing and finely-grinding hemp seeds. It is a naturally gluten-free & vegan-friendly protein - making it a popular option for plant-based eaters and those with dietary restrictions.
There are a number of other plant-based protein powders including soy, rice, pumpkin & pea protein as well as dairy-derived protein powders such as whey and casein protein, however, hemp protein is fast-becoming one of the most popular for the many reasons outlined in this article!
Hemp protein is an incredible source of 'bio-available' protein, with about the same amount of protein by weight as beef or lamb. Hemp seeds contain all of the essential amino acids humans need from food making it one of the rare 'complete' plant proteins.
How is Hemp Protein Powder Made?
Hemp for protein is made by first cold-pressing high-quality whole hemp seeds to separate the seed component from the hemp oil. Once this is achieved a fine powder is then collected by cold-milling and sieving to remove the larger fraction (note: there should be no use of heat, chemicals or solvents).
What you are left with is a concentrated product that is not only extremely nutritious, packed with fibre and rich in Omega-3 & Omega-6 essential fatty acids - but also up to 50% protein by weight!
What Are The Benefits of Hemp Protein Powder?
Beyond being an exceptional protein powder, the health benefits of hemp are potent and wide-ranging.
The amino acids, Omega 6 & Omega 3 from hemp protein have been shown to have many positive effects, such as helping alleviate inflammation and reducing heart disease and arthritis risk factors.
Hempseed is rich in a particular amino acid called Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) which has been found in one study to help alleviate some symptoms of PMS & menopause such as breast pain, depression and water retention. Other studies indicate (GLA) can also help regulate hormone imbalances and inflammation, typical of menopause.
It's also exceptionally rich in fibre, which is widely known to be crucial for good digestion and gut health. Furthermore - it's packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron, and zinc â all of which contribute to a stronger immune system, healthy cell function and overall wellbeing.
How To Use Hemp Protein Powder?
With a smooth delicious nutty flavour, hemp protein is one of the most versatile proteins available. It lends itself perfectly for smoothies and shakes, baking, soup and burger, as well as mixing with yogurt, cereal or fruit.
One of our favourite ways to use it at The Bircher Bar is in a banana, blueberry and coconut milk smoothie, loaded with medicinal mushies, tonic herbs and a great latte powder for added flavour and stacked health benefits.
It's never fun to find clumps though, so make sure you mix it thoroughly with a blender, smoothie shaker or whisk - depending on how you choose to use it.
It differs between products and your individual needs, but an average serving size of organic hemp protein is about 25 - 30g per day (~2.5 tbsp).
Is Hemp Protein Better Than Whey Protein?
'Better' is a subjective term - but in the case of whey vs hemp protein, there are a number of key differences that you should consider.
Both proteins contain all essential amino acids and deliver high levels of complete protein, however, as a dairy-based product whey can cause digestion and allergy issues in some people. Whey is a powder by-product of milk and cheese production, so also goes without saying - if you practice a vegan diet, it's not going to suit you.
While whey is popular and widely used in health and fitness circles, it doesn't come close to the nutritional benefits that hemp protein powder also provides.
Is Hemp Protein Powder Good for Weight Loss?
Weight loss at the core of it is simply an equation of 'fewer calories coming in than are going out'.
Hemp protein is a great supplement that helps with weight loss as the high protein and fibre levels help you feel fuller for longer, allowing you to limit your calorie intake without feeling like you're starving.
When used in conjunction with a portion-controlled wholefoods diet, hemp protein powder is a great natural supplement to help with weight loss.
Is Hemp Protein Powder Good for Building Muscle?
Hemp protein powder is great for building muscle for a number of reasons.
Protein is an essential building block for muscle growth and is crucial for muscle repair and maintenance. As a complete protein containing all essential amino acids and delivering one of the highest amounts of protein per serve of any plant-based protein - hemp is a great choice for building muscle.
Furthermore - the high concentrations of essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals all contribute to stronger immunity, less inflammation, sustained energy, cell repair and muscle synthesis which means you'll train longer and harder while also recovering better and generally staying healthier!
Will Hemp Protein Powder Show Up On A Drug Test?
Simply put - no, hemp protein will not show up on a drug test.
This is a common question surrounding hemp as it is a strain of the Cannabis Sativa plant, the same family of the plant as Marijuana. While hemp does contain trace amounts of the psychoactive molecule THC, you would have to consume an outrageous amount to trigger a drug test.
Hemp protein powder produced in Australia is laboratory tested and governed by strict regulations to ensure there are only nominal amounts of THC in the product. On that note - I'd recommend avoiding any 'homemade' or non-federally regulated hemp-based foods and products and make sure you're only purchasing from reputable and highly-vetted suppliers.
Does Hemp Protein Have Any Potential Side Effects?
Hemp protein powder is safe for most people to consume, but as with nearly all products - there may be some individuals that experience some minor side effects.
Hemp contains a high amount of fibre, which can cause gas, bloating or diarrhea if consumed in large quantities. If you develop digestive problems while taking hemp protein powder, limit dosage amount, or discontinue use of any hemp protein product for a period and note the differences.
Some people may develop an allergic reaction to hemp protein products, although the symptoms are uncommon and mild.
Animal studies suggest that it may be unsafe for pregnant or nursing women, people with anemia or weak immunity. Keep in mind animal studies are not necessarily a good indicator of how a substance affects the human body - human studies are needed to confirm these claims.
As with any product or substance, listen to your body and if you have any concerns or issues - consult your medical practitioner or GP before consuming just to be safe.
What's The Difference Between Hemp Protein & Hemp Flour?
Hemp protein and hemp flour are definitely not the same things.
Hemp protein, as I've discussed, is the protein-rich powder made from pressing and finely-grinding hemp seeds. Hemp flour (or 'hemp powder'), while produced in a similar way to hemp protein, is a different product with different properties. Hemp flour is made from grinding 'hemp seed cake' - which is the by-product of pressing hemp seed oil out from hemp seeds.
Hemp flour is higher in fibre, but notably lower in protein.
Where To Buy The Best Hemp Protein Powder in Australia?
Without hesitation - there is only one producer of hemp protein in Australia that I consistently use and trust, and that's Hemp Foods Australia.
Located in the pristine Byron Bay Hinterland, Hemp Foods Australia is one of the largest hemp food producers in the Southern Hemisphere - creating some of the best Australian certified organic hemp protein powder, along with other super high-quality hemp foods. They exclusively use mechanical, low-temperature processes for everything they do to produce the most nutritious and highest-quality products possible.
Everything they make is certified organic and processed in a HACCP/GMP & BRC approved facility - operating with exceptional family-based, customer service focused and sustainability-oriented values.
Hit the banner below (or any of the banners in this article) to jump over and shop directly with Hemp Foods Australia!
That's A Wrap
I hope you've got some great info from this article and had your questions answered! If you have any equation, comments or queries - don't hesitate to flick us an email - always happy to help out! :)