Hemp Protein Powder Ideas for Healthy Nutrition
There are many benefits to using hemp protein powder over traditional protein powders. Protein powders are used by bodybuilders, athletes, and daily people trying to increase muscle mass or gain weight.
Hemp protein powder is one of the most popular kinds of protein. It is made by pressing hemp seeds to create a fine powder. Hemp protein has a nutty, earthy taste and is a complete, high-quality vegan protein. It is made up of all nine essential amino acids and healthy fats, minerals, and fibre.
Hemp protein powder is generally used to create a protein shake or is added to smoothies. However, it can be used in a variety of baked goods, breakfast recipes, and dinners. This article will share the benefits of hemp protein powder and how you can add it to your lifestyle.
About hemp
The word ‘hemp’ is used to classify the variations of Cannabis that contain no more than 0.3% THC content. The term hemp has been used to describe non-intoxicating Cannabis harvested for industrial use for some time. There is evidence recorded of hemp’s use throughout history.
This includes the discovery of the material created from hemp over 10,000 years ago. Some believe hemp was the first crop ever cultivated by mankind. It can produce vital resources such as rope, clothing, food, housing material, paper, and much more.
Due to this, hemp has been the catalyst for man’s earliest innovations.
Why hemp protein is an excellent part of a healthy diet
There are many reasons why hemp protein is an excellent part of a healthy diet. Here we will mention some of the benefits of adding hemp protein to your lifestyle.
Hemp is a complete protein
Hemp protein is a complete protein. It contains the nine essential amino acids humans need to get from food. A study discovered that hemp’s amino acid profile compares to two other high-quality protein sources: soy and egg whites.
Along with being a complete protein, it contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Research has discovered that BCAAs can stimulate muscle growth or muscle growth synthesis. Also, they speed up post-workout recovery by reducing muscle pain.
The components of hemp can also help improve energy and can help with weight loss.
Hemp protein powder is easy to digest
Hemp is easy to digest, which is surprising since animal proteins usually are more easily digested than plant-based proteins. Still, research has shown that 91-98% of the protein in hemp is digestible. This means your body can use nearly all of the amino acids in the hemp profile for crucial bodily functions.
These include maintenance and repair.
Great source of fibre
Having a high-fibre diet has been linked to health benefits. These include healthier gut bacteria, improved blood sugar, and lower risk of bowel cancer. Most hemp protein powders are rich in fibre, providing the daily recommended intake for both men and women.
One of the only plant-based proteins with so many nutrients
What makes hemp powder stand out is it’s one of the only plant-based proteins that provide you with many nutrients. It does this without the allergens and chemicals. When compared to meat protein, you will discover you can unlock more benefits with hemp.
Hemp protein powder contains no chemicals, phytates or added sugar
Given that it is a plant-based protein, it does not contain any chemicals or phytates. Additionally, it has no added sugar, giving you the ability to control how much you need. Hemp is an excellent part of a healthy diet due to its abundance of good components.
Boosts immune system and energy levels
Using hemp protein powder is an easy yet effective way to give your body a nutritious boost. Hemp seeds contain the globular proteins – albumin and edestin. Antibodies, enzymes, fibrinogen, and hormones are all made from globular proteins. These globular proteins make up the fluid in a portion of the blood plasma.
As a result, these proteins can be essential in supporting a healthy immune system. Since hemp protein contains all the necessary fatty acids, they produce twice as much energy as carbohydrates.
Additionally, proteins take much longer to break down in the body, so this causes energy to be released slower.
It not only improves energy levels but helps you sustain energy throughout the day.
Contains unsaturated fats
The protein powder is made from hemp seeds which are pressed to remove their oils. However, it still contains approximately 10% of the original fat content. The protein also has the ideal 3:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.
The typical Western diet provides an unbalanced 15:1 ratio of these fats. Consuming hemp protein can correct this imbalance and may improve heart health. The fat content in hemp protein can be great for those looking to add heart-healthy unsaturated fats to their lifestyle.
Hemp protein powder tastes good
Many people enjoy the nutty, earthy flavour of hemp. It compliments many different foods and drinks. If you are not a massive fan of the flavour, protein powders come in various tasty flavours.
How to use hemp protein powder
You can shake, stir and mix hemp protein powder into any recipe or drink. To get the most from hemp, add it to your everyday lifestyle. If you enjoy coffee or shakes, add in your protein powder.
If you enjoy making baked goods, mix a scoop of hemp protein powder into your recipes. To discover the best way to utilise hemp protein powder, ask yourself why you are using it. The protein should be used for your daily protein intake, your health, and to achieve your daily vitamin intake.
No other plant-based protein powder on the market gives you all of the above. It’s nutrient-dense which means you can use it in many ways. It is a fine powder with a nutty taste and can be blended with anything. There are tons of foods that compliment the flavour of hemp protein.
No matter how you decide to add hemp protein powder to your lifestyle, it should benefit your health overall. Let’s share some of the easy and useful methods to use hemp protein by adding it to foods and liquids.
What liquids can I mix hemp protein powder with?
You can add hemp protein powder into almost any liquid you can drink. Below are some examples of liquids you can mix with your hemp protein powder.
- Water
- Dairy-free milk
- Milk
- Shakes
- Smoothies
- Apple cider vinegar
- Juice
Let’s discuss how to add hemp protein powders to these liquids for the ultimate protein punch.
Water
Water is an important way to begin your day. It hydrates you more than any other beverage, giving you enough energy to get through the day. By combining hemp protein powder and water, you can easily add your necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein to your water.
If you look for other ways to hydrate besides drinking traditional water, you can add it to other water drinks. For example, you can combine the protein with Powerade, coconut water, and other electrolyte drinks to up your protein intake.
Milk or milk substitutes
Many people enjoy using hemp protein powder since it is an alternative to whey protein, which contains dairy. Hemp makes for an excellent dairy-free alternative and can be combined with milk and non-dairy milk. The nutty flavour blends well with almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and even hemp milk.
This makes for a quick method to get your protein. If you do not have a milk allergy and have a sweet tooth, add a scoop to some chocolate milk.
Shakes & Smoothies
Shakes and smoothies are an excellent and yummy way to consume your hemp protein. You can test out fun and new flavours every day. It’s relatively easy to make smoothies and shakes each day.
If you are using fruit, you can freeze it in plastic bags. Then, add the protein powder and blend the smoothie. You can also add other pre-packaged ingredients to your protein shakes.
Coffee
If your busy schedule does not allow you to make shakes and smoothies, coffee is your best bet. Coffee is one of the quickest ways to get that energy boost in the morning. Additionally, the nutty flavour of the powder compliments the coffee.
Juice
If you are not a coffee fan, try to mix your protein powder with juice. You can add the powder to any juice – orange, cranberry, apple, and much more to start your morning off right. Unlike other chalky protein powders, hemp combines nicely with juice.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another popular morning drink for an energy boost. It has a range of health benefits. You can unlock even more benefits by adding your hemp protein powder to an apple cider vinegar shot.
You can also combine additional healthy ingredients with these shots.
Can I put hemp protein powder in my food?
You can add hemp protein powder to side dishes, dinner dishes, desserts, and sauces. The nutty flavour blends into just about any food and compliments the flavours. Below are some of the food items you can add your protein powder to.
- Breakfast items
- Desserts
- Muffins
- Cakes
- Sauces
- Oats
- Soup and stews
Let’s discuss how to add hemp protein powder to these food items.
Breakfast food items
The most important meal of the day is breakfast because it kick starts your day. You can add your protein powder to any breakfast food item. If you want an easy and quick way, add some to your scrambled eggs.
If you are a fan of waffles or pancakes, add some into the flour mix. You can also make hemp protein powder porridge. Use your regular grains and add a half cup of warm milk and stir in your protein powder.
You can also create overnight oats using protein. There are lots of options out there.
Dinner food items
While breakfast is excellent, some people prefer to add their hemp protein to their dinner or lunch. Soups and stews are great dinner items to add your protein powder to. Combine the powder into your soup pot the same way you would add other ingredients.
Remember that since hemp protein is plant-based, you can create hearty meals full of vegetables packed with protein. If you are making pasta, you can add it to your pasta sauce, whether a homemade or store-bought sauce.
Snacks
It’s easy to add hemp protein powder to your daily healthy snacks. Sprinkle the powder over rice crispy treats, muffins or add it to protein balls. What’s excellent about hemp protein is that it’s allergy-free and plant-based, so it is perfect for recipes that need substitutes.
Baked goods
Baking is not all about the yummy treats you get to eat when you’re finished. It can also be a fun and therapeutic activity during your day. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a first-timer, you can add the protein powder into just about any baked goods.
You can mix hemp protein powder into your favourite desserts, such as cakes, muffins, brownies, and cookies. Just replace around 25% of the flour with the protein powder.
What else?
The best thing about hemp protein is you can use it to ultimately make meals and snacks healthier. You can make your baked goods fit into your healthy diet, so you can still indulge in the occasional treat. When it comes to new recipes, the sky’s the limit.
Particularly when you can create vegan allergy-free recipes. It’s worth mentioning that your hemp protein powder could turn your recipes green. Don’t be alarmed, though; the colour comes from hemp’s natural chlorophyll content, your recipes will still taste delicious.
In summary
Hemp is an easy protein to digest and contains no chemicals, sugar, or phytates. Several studies have backed up the use of hemp protein for a range of health benefits. Using hemp protein is not limited to combining it with milk or water.
You can mix your hemp protein powder into almost any drink. In addition, you can also add it to a wide range of food items. If the protein powder is not for you, you can also add hemp oil to foods and drinks.