Hemp protein promoters claim that it boosts metabolism and helps people lose weight, burn fat, and build muscle. Some people who take hemp protein for weight loss say it helps them to feel more satisfied and less hungry, and reduces their sugar cravings. It is acceptable to vegetarians and vegans and safe for people with sensitivities to dairy, soy, and eggs who want to increase their protein and fiber intake for weight loss.
What Do the Advocates Say?*
Weight management experts often recommend a high-protein diet to help overweight and obese people lose weight and keep it off. Vegetarians and vegans may find it hard to reach protein intake goals for weight loss without adding a supplement such as hemp protein. Hemp protein is usually relatively low in protein compared with other protein supplements, but it is high in fiber, which may also have benefits for overweight and obese people trying to lose weight.
*Dieters and weight-management advocates may claim benefits for this supplement based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles.
Hemp Protein
How Much Is Usually Taken by Dieters?
People who use a high-protein diet for weight loss typically aim to get 25–30% of their daily calories from protein; in other words, a 1,500–1,800 calorie per day diet would include 95–135 grams of protein. Most people who use hemp protein to reach this goal use one or two 30-gram servings, with each serving providing about 15 grams of protein, but there is no standard established intake.
Side Effects
Many people experience digestive upset after taking protein supplements. Hemp protein appears to break down more easily than some other types of protein,1 but whether this translates into fewer digestive side effects is unknown. Typical hemp protein supplements are relatively high in fiber,2 which may add health benefits but can also cause digestive symptoms in some people.
Some people are concerned that taking hemp protein regularly could cause urine drug tests to be positive due to the presence of low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in marijuana. One study showed that people given the same amount of THC as would be found in 300 grams of shelled hemp seeds per day for 10 days did not have high enough urine THC levels to cause a positive drug test result.3 Since THC is found in the oil of the hemp seed, hemp protein supplements have even lower amounts than shelled hemp seeds and should not cause positive drug test results.
Although rare, allergies to hemp seeds have been reported.4
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.
Interactions with Medicines
As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
Hemp Protein
Where to Find It
Hulled hemp seeds are about 37% protein, which is high compared to other plant sources of protein.5 The dry seed meal that is commonly used as hemp protein is usually about 50% protein, providing around 15 grams of protein per 30 gram (4 tablespoon) serving. Hemp protein isolate, with up to 90% protein, is made with more intensive processing techniques. Hemp protein may also be hydrolyzed (broken down into smaller amino acid chains) through treatment with enzymes. These various types of hemp protein are used in some protein powders, protein-fortified bars, and meal replacement foods.
The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.
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