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Did you know that hemp seeds are a source of protein?

Posted by Open HempShop Team on Dec 26th 2023

Did you know that hemp seeds are a source of protein?

Proteins are an essential food for the health and well-being of the body. They are crucial for tissue growth and repair, enzymatic function, nutrient transport, immune response, blood clotting, and many other vital processes.

In the human body, which is composed of 15-20% protein by weight, proteins are part of structures such as collagen or keratin and muscles. Proteins are complex compounds whose fundamental component is amino acids, which can be compared to bricks in a construction.

There are 20 different amino acids that combine to form proteins. Nine of these amino acids are essential, meaning the body cannot synthesize them and must obtain them from the diet. The other 11 amino acids are non-essential, meaning the body can synthesize them from other nutrients.

Hemp seeds are composed of 20-25% protein, which not only contains all essential amino acids but also in the right proportions for maximum utilization. Additionally, they come with healthy fats, vitamins, and essential minerals.

Properties of hemp protein:

  • In addition to the mentioned characteristics, hemp proteins are rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), which are crucial for muscle building or repair. The three BCAAs are valine, leucine, and isoleucine, belonging to essential amino acids that the body needs to obtain from food.
  • One amino acid found in particularly high proportions in hemp proteins is L-arginine, crucial in reducing blood pressure as it is associated with blood circulation regulation.
  • Hemp proteins have good bioavailability, meaning they are easily assimilated by the body and can easily be converted into endogenous proteins.

Other powerful nutrients in hemp seeds:

  • Beyond their valuable protein content, hemp seeds contain other important nutrients such as healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals.
  • They are a valuable source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, excellent for heart, brain, and joint health, with a particularly healthy 1:3 ratio.
  • For every 100 grams of these seeds, 27 grams are fiber, providing digestive benefits and helping reduce the risk of diabetes, heart diseases, among others.
  • Additionally, hemp seeds contain significant amounts of zinc, iron, and magnesium, minerals crucial for red blood cell formation, muscle health, and the immune system, respectively.
  • They are also an important source of Vitamin B6 and B1 and folic acid.

However, despite hemp seeds being safe for most people, it's essential to note that they may contain traces of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Therefore, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying medical condition, it's important to consult with your doctor before consuming hemp seeds.

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