Hemp Protein - NutraPedia

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Hemp Protein: An Overview

1. Studied Conditions

Hemp protein has been studied for various health-related conditions, including muscle repair, metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and general nutrition. Research has focused on its potential as a plant-based protein source and its effects on dietary supplementation.

2. Efficacy in Treating Conditions

The effectiveness of hemp protein in treating specific conditions is not well-established due to limited clinical research. While it may contribute to muscle repair due to its protein content, more studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic benefits for specific health conditions.

3. Health Benefits

Hemp protein offers various health benefits, including:

  • High-quality plant-based protein, which is beneficial for vegetarians and vegans.
  • A good source of fiber, which can aid in digestion.
  • A complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
  • Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.
  • Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall nutrition.

4. Downsides

While hemp protein is generally considered safe for most people, there are potential downsides, including:

  • It may contain less protein per serving compared to other sources like whey or soy.
  • Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions.
  • The taste may be unpalatable to some people.

5. Genetic Variations

Currently, there is limited research on the interaction between hemp protein and specific genetic variations. As with any dietary supplement, responses can vary based on individual genetic makeup. However, no significant evidence suggests that hemp protein is specifically beneficial or harmful for any particular genetic variations.

Summary of Hemp Protein Research

Protein Quality and Digestibility

Analyses revealed that plant-based proteins such as hemp have lower essential amino acid contents compared to animal-based proteins. Hemp protein specifically had only 5.1% leucine content, significantly lower than the content found in animal proteins and human muscle protein. The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of most essential amino acids was also higher in animal proteins than in plant proteins, with hemp showing lower SID values compared to other proteins.

Impact on Body Composition

Supplementation with protein, including hemp, has been studied for its effects on body composition. One study indicated that collagen peptide supplementation in combination with resistance training improved body composition and muscle strength more than training with a placebo. This suggests that protein supplementation can be beneficial for improving body composition and muscle strength, but the study did not directly assess hemp protein.

Nutritional Value

Hemp protein products were found to contain about 78% total amino acids by weight, with essential amino acids making up 36% and branched-chain amino acids 18%. This composition is similar to raw and cooked brown rice, except for a slightly lower glutamic acid content in the hemp protein products.

Dietary Recommendations

While specific findings on hemp protein are limited in the provided text, general recommendations suggest that consuming protein above the current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) may help prevent hip fractures and maintain bone mineral density (BMD). The role of dietary protein in maintaining bone health across the lifespan and the potential of dietary protein to contribute to bone health is emphasized.

References:


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