Hemp powder is a type of protein powder that is used by many as a nutritional supplement. The seeds of the hemp plant are ground up into a coarse powder. The powder is very high in protein and can be added to fruit juice, smoothies, and other such beverages. Aside from protein, the powder is believed to have other nutritional benefits. It is readily available in health food stores and online.
The plant from which hemp seeds are harvested is also known as cannabis sativa. Some people might recognize the name as associated with the marijuana plant, but the seeds harvested to make hemp protein powder do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives marijuana its psychotropic properties. Hemp powder is perfectly legal and has no psychotropic effects. The tall, thin hemp plant is actually very useful and produces many other products. For instance, hemp fiber is used to make a number of clothing products, and hemp oil can be used in skin care products and other nutritional supplements.
Some people might be turned off by the color, texture, and taste of hemp powder. It is a dark, mossy green, has a coarse, gritty feel, and carries a bit of a musty taste. When it is mixed with a drink, it tends to give the beverage a dark green tint. The earthy taste, however, can often be masked or vastly improved by adding the powder to thick fruit or dairy-based drinks, such as strawberry-banana smoothies or chocolate milk shakes. Some companies produce a version of the powder that comes preflavored in an attempt to improve the taste.
While the taste, texture, and color might discourage some people from trying hemp powder, many find the nutritional advantages to far outweigh any unpleasantness. The powder contains both edistin and albumin, which are two extremely beneficial types of protein. These types of protein serve to build and strengthen muscle fiber, aid in the production of certain types of hormones, and work to enrich the blood.
In addition to beneficial amounts of protein, the powder also contains a balance of “good” fats, namely omega 3, omega 6, and omega 9. Not many foods contain all three essential fatty acids in such an ideal balance. Hemp powder also contains a good amount of fiber and several other essential minerals, such as manganese and magnesium.
A variety of health and nutritional stores carry hemp powder. It is also available for order online through various companies and distributors. Organic versions of hemp powder can be found, too, and are considered by some to be preferable to and more nutrient-rich than versions that are overprocessed or heavily flavored.