Hemp Protein Health Benefits | 5 Ideas To Use Hemp Protein

Have you ever taken advantage of the benefits of Hemp protein?  If so, you’re not alone!  Being a complete plant-based protein has given Hemp the upper hand in the supplement race.  From smoothies to baking, Hemp protein has secured itself a place in the daily diet in contemporary society.

The nutritional content of Hemp seed meets ‘superfood’ criteria, and we’ll tell you why Hemp protein also meets the mark a bit later on.  Did you know that Hemp could at as a key crop if the world ever faces famine?  That’s right.  Some researchers suggest that between Hemp and Honey, we’d survive. 

This week we’re going to take a closer look at the benefits of Hemp protein, how it’s made, and 5 ideas on how to use it throughout your day!

Read on to learn more.

5 Hemp Protein Recipes 

Peanutbutter Hemp Protein Bar

Ingredients

• 85 g Hemp hearts
• 75 g Maple syrup or honey, pure
• 1 tbsp Peanut butter
• 100 g 70-90% dark chocolate
• 100 g Plant based protein powder - plain or vanilla
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 105 g Coconut oil, Virgin

Method

1. Mix together all ingredients except the chocolate
2. Lay the mixture in the tray you’ll be storing it in
3. Melt and drizzle the chocolate on the top layer, spread evenly.
4. Place in fridge to solidify

Banana Hemp Protein Smoothie

Ingredients

• Frozen bananas
• Almond milk
• Peanut butter
• Hemp protein powder.

Method

1. Add all ingredients into a blender in a balance that appeals to your taste palette 
2. Blitz
3. Put in cup and enjoy

Hemp Protein Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Almond milk
• 1/4 cup Hemp protein powder
• 1 tbsp Maple syrup, pure
• 1/4 tsp Baking powder
• 1/4 cup Oat flour
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 tbsp Coconut oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp Flaxseed, ground

Method: 

• Whisk together almond milk, flaxseed, and maple syrup.
• Stir in protein powder.
• stir in oat flour, baking powder, and salt
• Melt coconut oil (microwave or stovetop)
• Add coconut oil into the batter.
• Heat oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
• Pour ¼-1/3 cup batter into the pan.
• Flip the pancake when bubbles appear
• The other side should be ready in 20-30s
• Repeat with the remaining batter.
• Serve with desired toppings. 

Hemp Protein Balls

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cups vegan protein powder
• 1/3 cup raw cacao
• 4 packets stevia
• 2 tbs. chia seeds
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tbs. applesauce
• 3 tbs. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbs. coconut sugar

Method:

• Combine the hemp protein powder, raw cacao and stevia in a bowl. 
• Add chia seeds and apple sauce and stir well.
• Add coconut oil, vanilla extract, salt and coconut sugar. Stir until wet.
• Form into 1 tbs. sized bites using the palm of your hand to form balls.
• Keep cold, store in the fridge.

Green Hemp Superfood Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon barley grass powder
• 1 teaspoon maca powder
• 1 tablespoon hemp protein powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2 large kale leaves
• 1 large ripe banana
• 1 medium-sized apple
• 250ml (1 cup) water or plant-based milk

Method:

• Peel the banana, chop it into pieces.
• Prepare apple chunks
• Destalk kale and tear it into pieces.
• Blend all ingredients together to the perfect consistency
• Enjoy immediately and savour every sip.

How Is Hemp Protein Made?

The process starts with cold-pressing Hemp Seeds in order to extract the oil, what remains is the ‘hemp seed cake’.

The 'cake' is then milled and turned into powder hemp flour first, then it is further sifted to finer powder that is higher in protein – What remains is pure Hemp Protein.

The Nutritional Content Of Hemp Protein

Hemp protein contains the same nutritional content as Hemp seed due to Hemp protein simply being finely-ground Hemp seed. Therefore, Hemp protein is loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino & fatty acids that offer significant health benefits in contrast to lesser, yet more popular alternatives.  

This is some of the nutritional content in Hemp protein!

• All 9 amino acids – A complete protein
• Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids
• 33g of plant-based protein per 100g of powder
• Vitamin D3 – The only plant-based source!
• Various key dietary minerals
• 7-8g fibre per 30g of powder 
• 91-93% Digestibility
• Perfect ratio of Omega 3, 6, & 9 for the human body

Health benefits of Hemp protein

Improves brain health 

Hemp protein is packed with brain-friendly antioxidants that may help prevent cognitive decline.  The high Omega-3 and Omega-6 content offer similar benefits, as the brain requires these to function at optimal capacity. This makes Hemp a brain-friendly superfood!

Assists muscle recovery (contains all 10 amino acids) 

Hemp protein contains all 10 essential amino acids, which means that it’s a complete protein.  Being the only plant-based complete protein gives it a unique edge over other natural protein options.  Additionally, 25-35% of the weight is protein, making it a great option for muscle recovery.

Supports cardiovascular health 

The naturally high levels of polyunsaturated fats (Omega-3, Omega-6) offer remarkable benefits to the cardiovascular system.  This benefit comes around when the Omega oils act on the body to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. On top of that, it also contains tocopherols, which are compounds that prevent heart disease.  

Boosts skin health

Some research has shown that a deficiency in Omega-3 could be a cause for acne.  In a study about the changes that diet may have on skin conditions, the authors found that eating more Omega-3 could help improve skin health - however, more research is needed to determine the extent. 

Promotes positive gut health

Hemp seed contains a special type of fibre called ‘resistant starch’ which is a prebiotic that your gut simply loves!  This type of fibre slows down digestive processes & acts to make sure that every little bit of protein is absorbed into the bloodstream rather than being wasted.

Reduce Inflammation The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid content in Hemp are thought to work together to reduce inflammation.  Additionally, Gamma-linolenic acid is an Omega-3 polyunsaturated fat that has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory in animal studies.  It works in a very complicated way, and may not have this impact on everybody.