Dietary protein can come from different sources, whey protein is an animal derived protein from milk and hemp protein is a plant based source derived from the seeds of cannabis / hemp. Nutritional breakdown of hemp seeds says that hemp contains 42% of fats, 30% of protein and 18% of carbs. The hemp seed protein primarily contains edestein and albumin. Both high storage proteins have all 9 essential amino acids (which our body can’t produce) and are easily digested, resulting in efficient nutrient absorption. Hemp has a similar amino acid profile to soy and egg white protein and is therefore considered a high-quality protein. At Hemptyful, hemp protein is made from crushed, defatted hemp seeds, to obtain a fine powder of hemp protein. We thus get a clean plant based protein that required no herbicides and pesticides during its growth. Hemp protein also has the lowest carbon footprint as compared to any other protein source, it being plant based, and cultivation of hemp itself being more sustainable.
Whey protein has been prevalent in the industry since a long time for its high nutritional value and easy digestibility, it comes in various forms like whey isolate, whey protein concentrate etc. and each has its own absorption rate and amounts of lactose. Whey also provides all 9 essential amino acids and has proved its effectiveness in improving muscle to fat composition in the body. It also has 0 fiber and very low in anti-oxidants. While whey has high presence of proteins and better absorption rates, it often requires heavy processing involving the use of chemicals like hexane and different acids, which takes it away from being a whole food, stripping of any other nutritional value that it might have originally had.
Hemp is an all- rounder protein. It is an excellent source of cysteine, methionine, arginine and other amino acids that support physical performance and general well-being. It also has healthy dose of essential vitamins & minerals like iron, magnesium, vitamin B1 etc. A scoop of hemp powder (pure hemp powder and not hemp concentrate or isolate) may have less protein when compare to whey (13g vs 20g) but also has less carbs, contains more fiber, iron, magnesium and healthy fats. It also has anti-oxidants and a perfect balance of omegas. One also need not worry about lactose intolerance which has been widespread in India but relatively unknown. If one doesn’t eat animal foods or has trouble digesting milk, hemp protein is surely the way to go. It’s a simple, effective way to boost your daily protein intake, get more fiber in your diet and fill up on omega-3s.