Is Hemp Protein Good For Building Muscle?

Written by Ben Carlisle

Last updated on: Oct 18, 2022

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Hemp protein is a nutrient-rich supplement option that offers numerous health benefits. It is an excellent source of protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.

 

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If you're into fitness, you've probably heard that hemp protein is a great source of protein for building muscle. But does that mean it's actually effective? And are there any other benefits to taking hemp protein? Let's take a closer look at this supplement and find out.

Hemp is Not Marijuana

Before you discover the value of Hemp, it's important to clarify the fact that Hemp has nothing to do with marijuana.

Hemp and marijuana are sometimes confused because they both come from the cannabis plant (1). However, there are important differences between the two. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that is grown for industrial purposes, while marijuana is a type of cannabis plant that is grown for its psychoactive properties.

Hemp has a long history of being used for industrial purposes, such as making rope and fabric. The plant is also known for its environmental friendliness, as it requires little water to grow and can actually help improve the soil in which it is grown. Marijuana, on the other hand, is grown for its THC content, which is the compound that produces the "high" associated with marijuana use.

Beneficial Elements in Hemp Protein

Hemp protein contains the following:

Amino Acids

Hemp protein is a complete source of all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) that our bodies cannot produce on their own (2). EAAs must be obtained through our diet, and they are vital for muscle growth and recovery.

Hemp protein has good levels of the branched-chain amino acids; leucine, isoleucine, and valine (3). This trio of essential amino acids play an important role in the growth and repair of muscle tissue. Additionally, they have been shown to help reduce exercise-related fatigue.

Essential Fatty Acids

Hemp protein is also a good source of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 (4). These fats are important for various bodily functions, including hormone production and cell growth.

Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to help reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for recovery after strenuous exercise.

Fiber

Hemp protein contains both soluble and insoluble fiber (5). Soluble fiber can help to slow digestion and keep you feeling full for longer, while insoluble fiber helps to promote regularity and prevent constipation.

Both types of fiber are important for maintaining a healthy digestive system, which is vital for overall health and well-being.

Antioxidants

Hemp protein is a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin E and selenium (6). These nutrients help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to inflammation and disease.

Vitamin E is also important for maintaining healthy skin and hair, while selenium is essential for proper thyroid function.

How Hemp Protein Helps Build Muscle Mass?

Hemp protein is a popular choice for people looking to build muscle mass. So far, research indicates that hemp protein may be helpful for building muscle mass. One study showed that participants who were supplemented with hemp protein had greater gains in lean body mass than those who took whey protein supplements.

Another study found that consuming hemp protein before resistance training helped increase muscle strength and size.

But how does it work?

Hemp protein is a plant-based protein that is derived from hemp seed. Hemp seeds are high in protein and essential fatty acids, making them an ideal source of nutrition for athletes and bodybuilders.

Hemp protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. Hemp protein is also rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are essential for muscle growth and recovery.

In addition to its high protein content, hemp protein is also a good source of fiber and other important nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, and iron.

So, how does hemp protein help build muscle mass?

Hemp protein provides the body with the necessary building blocks to create new muscle tissue. The protein in Hemp helps to repair and rebuild damaged muscles, while the essential fatty acids support the growth and development of new muscle cells.

The fiber in hemp protein also plays an important role in muscle building. Fiber helps to slow down the digestion of protein so that the body can better absorb and use it for muscle growth.

There is no doubt that hemp protein is a powerful tool for muscle building. However, like all protein powders, it is important to choose a quality product that is free of contaminants and fillers.

When used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program, hemp protein can help you build muscle mass and improve your overall health.

How to Use Hemp Protein to Build Muscle Mass?

The answer to the question depends on your goals. If you're looking to gain muscle mass quickly, you may want to use hemp protein powder in conjunction with other forms of protein, such as whey protein (7). If you're looking to build muscle mass over time, you can use hemp protein on its own.

Also, it's important to consume enough calories of hemp protein. Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than you burn. To build muscle mass, you need to consume more calories than you burn. To do this, you need to eat a balanced diet that includes healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

When to Use Hemp Protein to Build Muscle Mass?

If you're looking to build muscle, you may want to consume hemp protein before your workout. This will give your body the amino acids it needs to build muscle during your workout.

If you're looking for a post-workout recovery drink, you may want to consume hemp protein after your workout. This will help your body repair and rebuild muscle tissue.

Ultimately, the best time to consume hemp protein is whenever it works best for you and your goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to protein timing. Experiment with different times and see what works best for you.

Other Benefits of Hemp Protein

Hemp protein is not just beneficial for muscle growth. It offers many other benefits, including:

Easy on the Stomach

Hemp protein is an easily digestible, complete protein that contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs (8). This makes it a great choice for people who are looking for a protein source that is gentle on the stomach.

High in Fiber

Hemp protein is also a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. This combination can help to keep you feeling full and may aid in digestion.

A Good Source of Essential Fatty Acids

Hemp protein powder is a good source of essential fatty acids, including both omega-3 and omega-6. These fatty acids are important for maintaining heart health and keeping inflammation at bay.

It May Aid in Weight Loss.

Because hemp protein is high in fiber and essential fatty acids, it may help you lose weight. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full, while fatty acids help to promote a healthy metabolism.

Packed with Nutrients

Hemp protein powder is a nutrient-rich food. In addition to protein and fiber, it also contains magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a plant-based source of protein to help build muscle mass, hemp protein may be a good choice for you. Be sure to look for a product that is organic and unsweetened, as some brands add sugar or artificial sweeteners. You can find hemp protein at most health food stores or online.

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References

1. https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2021/01/nist-study-will-help-labs-distinguish-between-hemp-and-marijuana

2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276936163_Protein_concentration_and_amino_acid_profile_in_hempseed_and_flaxseed_meal

3. https://www.chiasisters.co.nz/pages/hemp-protein-powder-nutritional-information

4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351477864_Nutrition_and_health_benefits_of_hemp-seed_protein_Cannabis_sativa_L

5. https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-10013908

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7891210/

7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315038556_The_benefits_of_hemp_powder_supplementation_during_resistance_training

8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996918307427


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