Hemp seeds: high quality protein

Proteins are an essential nutrient. In the human body – whose weight is 15-20% protein – they are part of structures such as collagen or keratin and muscles, but they are also made up of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), enzymes, antibodies, the hemoglobin, hormones and much more. Without proteins we could not exist.

Just like humans, hemp seeds contain about 20-25% protein. These proteins not only contain all the essential amino acids, but also in a very good ratio to each other, so its amino acid profile is very good.

Hemp seed proteins: properties

Hemp proteins are also rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are especially important for building or repairing muscle. The three BCAAs are valine, leucine and isoleucine and belong to the essential amino acids, that is, those that the body cannot produce on its own, but has to obtain them from food.

In addition, hemp proteins shine with particularly high levels of the amino acid L-arginine, which is associated with promoting blood circulation. and, therefore, with the reduction of blood pressure.

Contains the following amounts of amino acids per 100 g, with the daily dose of 30 g:

Glutamic acid: 8.3 gArginine: 5.3 gAspartic acid: 4.6 gLeucine: 3.0 gSerine: 2.3 gValine: 2.2 gPhenylalanine: 2.1 gGlycine: 2.0 gAlanine: 1.9 gProline: 1 0.7 gLysine: 1.7 gIsoleucine: 1.7 gThreonine: 1.6 gTyrosine: 1.4 gHistidine: 1.2 gMethionine: 1.1 gCysteine: 0.9 gTryptophan: 0.4 g

Proteins with high bioavailability

Hemp proteins have good bioavailability, or the ability to be used by the body. It is composed of two types of protein: about 65% globular edestin and 35% albumin. The albumin of hemp proteins is of the highest quality, very similar to egg white proteins, but here it is of vegetable origin. Albumin is extremely easy to digest.

However, what is most interesting about hemp proteins is the high percentage of globulin. Globulins are the third most common group of proteins in the human body. They form antibodies, for example, which are important components of a strong, active immune system. Human blood plasma also contains numerous globulins with very different functions.

Often these are carrier proteins, such as transcobalamin, which binds to vitamin B12 and transports it throughout the body. There is also a globulin that binds to hemoglobin and carries it to its breakdown site. Transferrin is the globulin that is responsible for transporting iron in the body, and the well-known lipoproteins, which carry fats through the body, as well as blood coagulation factors, belong to globulins.

Therefore, hemp proteins can be very easily converted into endogenous proteins, without leaving much waste. Because it is precisely the acid breakdown products of unusable proteins that put pressure on the body, for example on the liver, kidneys and blood count massively.

Hemp proteins for healthy muscle development

Isolate protein products, such as whey proteins, which are often used in sports circles, are considered high-quality protein sources. But also they have huge drawbacks.

When consumed in large amounts for muscle growth, They can cause a kind of intestinal poisoning, since they generally lack fiber and other by-products that would contribute to proper protein digestion.

Then the proteins stay in the digestive system for too long, which it can promote putrefaction, hyperacidity and deposits in the intestine. The result can then be muscle breakdown, as the body is no longer able to maintain its anabolic muscle metabolic state with this unfavorable gut condition.

It makes much more sense to consume protein than not only provide amino acids, but also fiber, essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. All these accompanying substances boost the metabolism of proteins in their entirety and optimize their digestion. Acid-base balance can remain stable and the body can remain in an anabolic (tissue building) muscle state.

Hemp proteins with an optimal pattern of fatty acids

However, hemp proteins do not deliver these accompanying substances randomly, but once again perfectly. hemp proteins They are accompanied by around 11 grams of oil for every 100 grams of protein. Hemp oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in the optimal ratio of 3:1 for humans.

Today’s diet, on the other hand, has a ratio of up to 1:50 or more, which is a significant excess of omega-6s. Such an unfavorable ratio of fatty acids can promote chronic inflammatory processes.

Hemp minerals and vitamins

Hemp seeds too contain significant amounts of zinc, iron and magnesium, essential minerals which are often deficient today. These three minerals are known to be very important for many bodily processes. Since many people are deficient, which can manifest as hair loss, anemia, inflammatory problems, etc., any healthy food that provides the desired micronutrients is welcome.

minerals and vitamins per 100 g of hemp protein:

Magnesium: 750 mg Iron: 23 mg Zinc: 12 mg Vitamin: B6 1.5 mg Vitamin B1: 1.3 mg Folic acid: 220 µg

macronutrients of hemp (per 100 and per 30 g):

Protein: 47.7g, 14.31gFiber: 23.7g, 7.11gFat: 13.9g, 4.17gCarbohydrates: 5.4g, 1.62g

The caloric content of hemp per 100 g is 385 kcal. With a daily ration of 30 g, the caloric intake is 115.5 kcal.

Scientific references: