HEMP TO YOUR HEALTH

With the battle to grow hemp legally in the US, manufacturers continue to source from their Canadian neighbors to the north. Technically it is legal to grow hemp in the US, but a legal loophole by state governments, such as a state license, is holding up first plantings.

Hemp is a cousin to marijuana, but contains no THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical responsible for the psychotropic effects of marijuana. So now is a good time to take a look at an emerging protein source like hemp as a vegetarian source of protein—an alternative to the traditional dairy milk-derived whey protein supplements normally added to workouts.

"Protein is the fundamental building block for our muscles and it is essential that these same muscles be supplied with a daily dose of high-quality protein. This is especially true for those who are exercising on a regular basis," wrote Mathew G. Kadey, MSc, RD, on the Manitoba Harvest website. Manitoba Harvest (Winnipeg, MB, Canada) claims to be the largest farmer-owned, vertically integrated hemp food manufacturer and ingredient supplier.

Health Attributes

The real health benefits of hemp are that it is an excellent source of good fats and protein. According to Kenneth Jones, writing for Higher Ground Health, "The total protein content of hemp seed is about 65 percent edestin protein, said to be a 'sturdy' protein, that is pure, easy to prepare, and highly stable."

Research into the globulin edestin in hemp seed reveals that it closely resembles the globulin in blood plasma, and is compatible with the human digestive system. It is credited as being vital to -the maintenance of a healthy immune system and is also said to be of value in the manufacture of antibodies. Albumin is a protein manufactured by the liver that is supportive of liver and kidney health. Besides providing the human body with essential fatty acids (omega-3 and -6) and having a favorable unsaturated-to-saturated fat ratio, hemp seed is an excellent dietary source of easily digestible, gluten-free protein.

Higher Ground's website, citing Darrell L. Tanelian, MD, PhD's book Hemp: Nature's Forgotten Nutraceutical, said, "Its overall protein content of 34.6 g/100 g is comparable to that of soy beans and better than that found in nuts, other seeds, dairy products, meat, fish or poultry. Hemp protein provides a well-balanced array of the 10 essential amino acids for humans."

Additionally, the website goes on to report that an important aspect of hemp seed protein is a high content of arginine (123 mg/g protein) and histidine (27 mg/g protein), both of which are important for growth during childhood, and of the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine (23mg/g protein) and cysteine (16 mg/g protein), which are needed for proper enzyme formation.

Hemp protein also contains relatively high levels of the branched-chain amino acids that are important for the metabolism of exercising muscle.

"When purchasing a hemp protein powder you should be looking for a brand that supplies at least 50 percent protein by weight, supplying 15 g of protein per 30 g serving," noted Kadey.

Hemp Support

To get from seed to powder, the hemp seeds are cold pressed to extract the oil, which ensures that valuable enzymes are not destroyed and vitamins, minerals and nutrients remain intact. The pressed hemp meal is then cold milled to separate the protein. A number of companies are using hemp protein powder as a standalone supplement or incorporating it into functional foods.

The product—used in milk shakes, smoothies and baking—provides a 50 percent protein content, achieved through a cold milling process, as well as omega-6 and -3 essential fatty acids.

"Hemp seed protein also contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and is suitable for a controlled carbohydrate diet". The product is cold milled from live, viable hemp seeds. Hemp protein powder is said to be free of the enzyme inhibitor found in some other protein powders that can prevent protein absorption and cause gas, bloating and other digestive problems.

So the next time you reach for your protein supplement, remember the many health benefits of hemp protein.