As far as healthy and beneficial macronutrients are concerned, you simply can’t ignore protein as one of the most beneficial nutrients out there. Protein is found in a variety of different foods and nutritional sources and it plays a number of key roles in the various everyday processes within our bodies. So healthy is protein in fact, that it is available in supplement form and is the most popular and the best-selling sports supplement on the planet. There are many different forms of protein supplements, but the two we’ll be looking at today, are whey protein, and hemp protein.
What is whey protein?
Whey protein is a derivative of milk and is actually the by-product left behind when milk is turned into cheese. Whey protein is referred to as a complete protein, because it contains all 9 essential amino acids, and is relatively low in lactose sugar content. Essential amino acids are amino acids that cannot be naturally synthesized by the body, and must therefore enter our systems from foods, drinks, or supplements. There are actually two separate types of protein found within milk, and they are whey, and casein. Of the two, whey protein is less abundant and has been found to offer the highest biological value of any form of protein. Whey protein is composed of compounds known as: Beta-lactoglobulin, Alpha lactalbumin, immunoglobins, and bovine serum albumen. Whey protein is the most popular protein supplement on the planet, and comes in a number of various blends. Some of the benefits of whey protein include:
• A fast absorption rate
• A complete amino acid profile
• Promotes lean muscle mass
• Promotes fat loss
• Increases energy levels
• Promotes increases in strength
• Increases protein synthesis
• Promotes cellular health and function
• Helps reduce blood pressure
• Promotes brain health
• Great source of BCAA’s
Hemp protein
Up next is a look at hemp protein. Of the two, hemp protein is far less renowned and well-known, but never the less, it still possesses numerous health benefits, some of which are not present in whey protein. Hemp protein is a plant-based protein which comes from hemp seeds. As it is plant-based, many vegans and vegetarians tend to favour hemp protein. The protein found in hemp mainly comes from two sources: albumin and edestin. These two proteins are very easily digestible and both are rich in amino acids. Hemp too contains all of the necessary essential amino acids. There are two things that really help hemp protein to stand out against other sources of protein supplement. The first is the fact that it also contains dietary fibre, which can protect against cancer, can lower cholesterol, and can improve digestive health. The second is that hemp protein is the only protein to contain Omega 3 fatty acids, which are incredibly healthy for us. Benefits of hemp protein include:
• Vegan and vegetarian friendly
• Complete amino acid profile
• Contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
• Contains dietary fibre
• Promotes lean muscle mass
• Increases energy levels
• Promotes fat loss
• Promotes increases in strength
• Great source of BCAA’s
• Impressive absorption rate
• Promotes brain health
• Promotes joint health
