Hemp is an excellent source of protein. It boasts a complete spectrum of natural organic proteins, with all 20 amino acids used in the human body, including all eight essential amino acids. Hemp is also free of oligosaccharides, the component that can cause gas and upset stomach.

Hemp protein is made by milling (grinding) the seed of the plant Cannabis sativa. This genus of hemp is certified free of THC, the commonly known active ingredient in the drug marijuana–you can’t get “high” by eating hemp protein. Agricultural demand for Cannabis sativa, made into food products and textiles, is increasing in Canada.

Packed with Protein

The proteins found in hemp are similar to proteins found in the human body. This is important because hemp provides the correct amino acids in the right quantities to help our bodies make the proteins it needs. Hemp protein consists of globulins (edestin) and albumin. These are two of the three most common types of proteins found in the human body, and hemp has more of these than any other plant-based source of protein. Hemp is also a quality source of the amino acids arginine and histidine, required for growth, and it is a good source of branch-chained amino acids, needed for repair and growth of lean body tissue.

Essential Healthy Fats

Hemp protein provides the essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6 in a healthy 3:1 ratio. Hemp is also one of the few sources of the hard-to-get gamma linolenic acid (GLA), another important source of omega-6 EFAs. All these essential fats are found abundantly in hemp and are great sources of energy. Essential fats found in hemp may reduce food cravings and inflammation and improve circulation.

Get Your Fibre

Hemp is also an excellent source of dietary fibre. Each 30 g (2 Tbsp) serving of hemp protein delivers 8 g of fibre, almost one-third of the total daily requirement of 30 g. This plant protein also provides antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll.

Certified organic hemp protein is vegan, gluten free, kosher, and non-genetically modified. It contains no sugar, no saturated fatty acids, no trans fat, no cholesterol, and no THC. Hemp is usually very safe for those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, lactose, and sugar. In fact, there are no known allergies to hemp foods.

A great source of complete proteins, dietary fibre, and essential fatty acids, hemp is a nutritional powerhouse.

Health Benefits of Hemp Protein

• Increased energy/productivity
• Improved metabolism
• Reduced food cravings
• Reduced cholesterol and blood pressure
• Improved immune system

Organic Hemp Protein Shake

Hemp protein has a gourmet nutty flavour and is easily blended into a rich, delicious shake.

2 Tbsp organic hemp protein powder
1 cup (250 mL) water
1 ripe banana
1 handful blueberries
1 tsp greens drink powder

Jennifer Walker, BSc (Nutr.), has worked in the health food industry for 14 years in product development, sales, and marketing.

Source: alive #283, May 2006