We all need a certain amount of protein to stay healthy – protein is essential for the growth and repair of our bodies and serves as a valuable source of fuel. Those who sometimes struggle to obtain sufficient quantities of protein from their food, including vegans, vegetarians and rawfood enthusiasts, often turn to protein supplements to make up the shortfall. Protein powders are also extremely popular with serious athletes such as endurance runners and body builders, who tend to require more protein than most. Organic hemp protein powder is a particularly abundant source of protein that, with regular consumption, offers a number of compelling health benefits, making it suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy a healthy, balanced diet.

What is hemp protein powder?

Hemp protein powder is derived from the hemp plant – one of the oldest plants on earth belonging to the mulberry family. It is thought to have originated in Central Asia and has been used by a variety of cultures including the ancient Indians, Mesopotamians, Sumerians, Persians, Egyptians and indigenous tribes of Central America, since the Stone Age. The hemp used to make hemp protein powder comes from industrial hemp, which contains only a tiny amount (< than 1%) of THC, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana, and has virtually no psychoactive effects. And, as hemp protein powder contains no gluten, it’s ideally suited for those on a gluten free diet.

Hemp protein powder – five compelling health benefits

Organic hemp protein powder is one of the richest sources of readily digestible vegetable protein in the world, with a similar nutritional profile to milk, meat and eggs. It’s also packed with vitamins (especially vitamin E), minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, platinum, phosphorus, sulphur, boron, nickel, germanium, tin, iodine, chromium, silver and lithium), fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, alpha, beta and gamma globulin as well as every essential amino acid. Which is why enjoying hemp protein powder on a regular basis can help you achieve some or all of the following health benefits:

1) Increased energy levels

Hemp protein powder is loaded with essential fatty acids and in a 3:1 ratio – exactly the right ratio for the human body. Fatty acids are ingested by our bodies as triglycerides and after being broken down in a process of oxidation, produce twice as much energy as carbohydrates or proteins. In addition, these fatty acids help control and regulate our metabolic reactions. If our body suffers from low blood glucose or increased metabolic demand due to physical exercise for example, then it requires more energy and the oxidation of these fatty acids must be increased to meet the additional demand.

2) Sustained Weight loss

Hemp protein powder is rich in fibre – according to the NHS, many of us Brits don’t get enough fibre. On average, most of us obtain only about 14g of fibre a day, when we should be aiming for at least 18g. Fibre not only promotes a healthy digestive system, it also encourages a prolonged feeling of fullness, which reduces our appetite and ultimately leads to sustainable weight loss. Adequate fibre intake is also believed to help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

3) Muscle development, repair and recovery

Thanks to the extremely high quantities of Edestin (readily digestible plant protein) that it contains, hemp protein powder actively promotes healthy muscle development and makes it particularly suitable for body builders. It also aids both muscle repair and recovery, which is why hemp protein powder based drinks are the beverages of choice after a punishing session at the gym.

4) Reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Hemp protein powder contains a generous amount of magnesium – a compilation of data from 22 studies published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that magnesium is extremely effective at lowering blood pressure. Indeed the study revealed that taking a magnesium supplement may reduce systolic blood pressure by three to four points, and diastolic blood pressure by two to three points. Hemp protein powder also contains Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a unique type of Omega-6 fatty acid that reduces the tendency of platelets to form clots within small blood vessels, dramatically lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. The Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences recently published a report, which indicated that GLA can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides whilst simultaneously increasing healthy HDL cholesterol levels.

5) Improved immunity

GLA is also believed to exert a powerful influence on the chemical messengers that provoke immune response to stressors in the body and works to combat a wide range of age-related disorders. Hemp protein powder is high in alpha, beta and gamma globulin too, which boosts our immune system, restores old and damaged tissue, aids in the creation of brand new tissue and helps keep our body strong and healthy.

How to enjoy hemp protein powder

Organic hemp protein powder boasts a temptingly creamy, faintly nutty flavour and is delicious stirred into all of your favourite shakes, smoothies and juices. It is also a versatile superfood ingredient that can be added to an endless selection of raw puddings and desserts.

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