Hemp Protein Benefits and Side Effects

Hemp protein powder is a nutrition supplement obtained from hemp seeds. Cannabis Sativa, the treasury of this protein, is known for many beneficial and healthy properties. Its seeds are very useful for human health and nutrition. Hemps seeds contain a considerable amount of healthy proteins, which are similar to those normally found in human body. The proteins obtained from hemp seeds are natural and organic, consisting of all twenty amino acids, including the eight essential. Essential amino acids can not be produced by our bodies, so we need to get them from the food we eat. Hemp protein supplements are great source of these.

Hemp seeds and protein powder obtained by mining and grinding seeds are extremely nutritional. They provide our body with amino acids our organism needs in order to actually produce proteins. It contains edestin and albumin, the two proteins commonly found in our body.

Other useful nutrients, such as histidine and arginine, then essential fatty acids, such as omega 3, omega 6 and linolenic acid are very important to our overall body condition. Those elements are rarely found in just one type of food; hemp seeds and products derived from them are one of those precious resources.

Hemp protein benefits

Hemp protein supplements are found to be beneficial to our health, in general. They can help us boost our immune system and reduce the risk of many health problems and diseases.

Hemp protein is good for our metabolism; it increases its power and reduces food cravings, so it is also recommended for people who try to lose weight. Hemp protein is known to be an energy booster, as well. It enhances our energy and makes us more active and productive.

The last, but not the least, hemp protein is very beneficial to our cardiovascular health. It reduces the risk of high blood pressure and regulates its level. It also lowers the level of cholesterol in our blood, protecting our heart and improving our overall health condition.

Hemp protein side effects

All protein products and supplements should be taken in recommended doses, according to an expert’s advice. Don’t use it on your own, because you could make damage instead to benefit from its healthy properties. The best advice is to consult your doctor, a nutrition or/and a fitness expert to find out whether you should use it at all, in the first place. An expert would know what dosage and frequency would be appropriate for you.

Hemp protein is of a natural origin, so it is generally considered safe. However, there are still no guarantees that it is completely safe for everyone. While there were no seriously harmful effects from hemp protein, there could still appear some side effects.

  • Slow recovery

Hemp protein is generally high in fats. Compared to other protein supplements, such as whey and casein, for example, hemp protein is quite fatty. It contains 6 gr of fat per one serving. It is true hemp powder contains useful and beneficial fatty acids, but its high fat content actually decreases the speed of other nutrients absorption in body. This affects the speed of recovery after workout.

  • Low protein content

Compared to whey and casein, hemp protein generally provides you with less protein. According to researches, it contains about 15 gr of protein per one serving, while our body needs 20 to 25 gr to get recovered after an effort and for muscle tissue to grow.

  • High carbo hydrate content

Compared to other protein powders, hemp protein is quite high in carbo hydrates. So, it won’t benefit your training, especially if you want to get a definition and lose weight. The general advice for people who use protein supplements and have to create their workout plans is to use less hemp protein and more whey instead.

  • Gastrointestinal upset

People who suffer from gastrointestinal problems should avoid use of hemp protein in their diet. It is known to cause diarrhea, abdominal ache, bloating, loose stoles and such. It is high in fiber, which is bad for people with generally sensitive intestines. These side effects may however spontaneously withdraw over time in people with no such issues.

  • THC metabolites content


Hemp protein contains this psychoactive chemical in low concentration. However, some studies found traces of THC metabolites in urine in subjects consuming hemp protein. This is not particularly harmful for our body, but it raised some other questions. There has been a lot of speculation whether regular and frequent consumption of hemp protein could lead to testing positive on drug test.

However, the conclusion of one particular scientific research confirmed levels of THC remained low in people who used hem protein for long periods. They concluded there is no actual risk of testing positive.

Speaking of THC levels, there are rare individuals extremely sensitive to this chemical. There is a possibility of its side effects, such as hallucination, if hemp protein is consumed in doses greater than suggested or common. So, keep to your doctor’s and fitness coach’s advice. Never take more of hemp protein than recommended and always consult an expert before you include it in your diet plan.

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