Introduction
Proteins are considered the building blocks of the human body. It is one of the most essential nutrients for optimum bodily functioning. We are aware that protein drinks are necessary for building and maintaining a muscular physique. Both hemp and whey proteins help us get the protein we need every day, but they are very different.
Hemp protein is a protein derived from plants. It is highly digested and contains just over 50% protein. Whey protein is a protein derived from animals. Since it is generated from plants, it is more eco-friendly and sustainable. Whey protein, on the other hand, is generated from cow milk. It has a high protein content and is great for athletes and others with active lives. However, because it is sourced from animal products, its sustainability and environmental friendliness are diminished. Individuals who are vegan or lactose intolerant should use animal-based proteins such as hemp protein rather than whey protein.
The Daily Recommended Allowance for protein, which is determined by characteristics such as age, height, physical activity, and weight, is difficult to attain for a great number of individuals due to their lifestyles. A protein deficit can cause hair loss, a decrease in body mass, and skin issues, as well as alter the body's metabolism. This has led to the popularity of protein extracts, which are mostly available in powder form, such as hemp and whey protein supplements.
The following are some of the health advantages of protein powders:
- Weight management
- It facilitates muscular growth.
- It helps heal injured muscles and tissues.
- It provides extra nutrition to the body.
Hemp Protein Vs Whey Protein
The primary distinction between hemp protein and whey protein is that hemp protein is derived from plants, whereas whey protein is derived from animals. Hemp protein is abundant in fat but has poor biological value, whereas whey protein has less fat but has a high biological value.
Hemp protein is a plant-based substance derived from hemp seeds. Lactose-intolerant individuals might benefit from this milk supplement. It provides an abundance of healthy nutrients, including fibre, lipids, Omega 3 fatty acids, and more. Even though it should be eaten in moderation because it is high in fat and could make you gain weight quickly.
Whey protein is a kind of animal protein extracted from cow's milk. This protein is rich in nutrients, but it is not good for lactose-intolerant individuals. This protein is ideal for maintaining a muscular physique. It can burn body fat, but it is not entirely natural because it contains additives.
Why You Must Consume Protein?
Protein is a vital essential for human health. It is one of the three micronutrients our bodies require, along with protein and carbohydrates. Protein has a function in every area of the human body. For instance, it aids in muscle maintenance and promotes healthy bones and skin.
Protein Needs
The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for protein is 0.8 grammes per kilogramme of body weight for typically healthy people (2). For instance, a person weighing 200 pounds would weigh 91 kilogrammes (200 lb/2.2 = 91 kg) and consume 73 grammes of protein per day (91 kg x 0.80 = 73 grammes of protein).
Research indicates that older people require 1.0 to 1.2 grammes of protein per kilogramme of body weight. To understand more, please refer to our page on protein requirements for older adults. There are occasions on which a person might require additional protein. For example, if the patient has wounds or pressure injuries, is recovering from surgery, etc., There are various conditions in which a person needs less protein.
Consult your physician and/or a registered dietitian to establish how much protein you require based on your specific condition.
Protein Powders
As a dietician, I suggest obtaining protein mostly from food. However, protein supplements and protein powders serve a vital purpose. Some people cannot get enough protein from their diet alone.Protein powders can make it easier for people to get the right amount of protein into their bodies.
There are several varieties of protein powders. They generally derive from either animal or plant sources. Casein and whey protein powders are derived from dairy, which is an animal source. Soy, pea, and hemp protein powders are some of the various plant-based protein powders.
Difference Between Hemp Protein and Whey Protein in Tabular Form
| Parameter of comparison | Hemp protein | Whey protien |
| sources | This protein comes from plants. | This protein comes from animals. |
| Quantity of protein available | It is composed of 50% protein. | It is composed of 99% protein. |
| Sustainability | As it is derived from plants, it is eco-friendly. | This is less environmentally friendly as it is derived from animals. |
| Quantity of fat | It has a greater quantity of protein. | Less protein is present in it. |
| Biological value | It possesses little biological importance. | Comparatively, its biological value is greater. |
| Effect on body weight | Due to its high calorie and fat content, this protein causes weight gain. | This protein may both burn fat and preserve muscular mass. |
| Lactose Intolerance | This protein is lactose-tolerant and may be consumed by lactose-intolerant individuals. | Lactose-intolerant individuals should avoid ingesting this protein. |
What is Hemp Protein?
Hemp protein powder is used as a dietary protein supplement. This protein is derived from plants. It is the process of extracting hemp seeds. It is natural and has no artificial additions.
Being additive-free, it is easy to digest. Individuals with lactose sensitivity can consume this protein without experiencing any digestive troubles and satisfy their protein requirements. Due to its eco-friendliness, hemp protein has become quite popular among vegans.
This plant-based protein is extremely nutrient-dense, including many components. This protein consists of all nine necessary amino acids. Iron, fibre, fat, vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, and calcium are found in hemp protein. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.
However, not all of its attributes are positive, since its high fat content might contribute to weight gain. Therefore, consumption should be restricted, and caloric intake should not exceed the required level.
One of the least processed protein sources, hemp protein is produced by crushing hemp seeds into a powder. It produces a natural taste profile that is both smooth and nutrient-dense.
This protein has become quite popular among people who are lactose intolerant or who follow a plant-based diet for personal reasons.
Hemp is a full source of protein. It contains all nine necessary amino acids. In contrast to whey protein, hemp protein does not include as much of each necessary amino acid as whey protein does. Yet, research on the amino acid content of hemp protein indicates that it has a similar composition to other protein sources, such as egg white and soy.
Another benefit of hemp protein, especially for vegans, is that it is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the heart. Each scoop of hemp includes around 8 grammes of fibre and 2 grammes of omega-3 fatty acids.
Is Hemp Protein Powder Good?
Vegans and anyone with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance can use plant-based protein formulations. For instance, hemp protein powder is derived from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. According to a 2018 study published in Today's Dietician, these small seeds are abundant in fibre, phytosterols, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fatty acids; 20 to 25 percent of their composition includes protein.
According to research, hemp seeds are beneficial to cardiovascular health due to their capacity to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Similar to egg whites and soybeans, their amino acid composition is highlighted in the same article. Hemp seems to have a lot of the amino acids cysteine, methionine, arginine, and others that are good for health and improve physical performance.Depending on the brand, one scoop contains variable quantities of the following nutrients:
- 113 calories
- Protein content per serving is 12.6 g.
- 7 g of carbohydrates.
- 4.8 grammes dietary fibre
- 3.4% of calories are from fat.
- 15% of the daily calcium requirement
- 23 percent of the recommended daily iron allowance
What exactly is Whey Protein?
Casein is derived from animal sources. It is a product of animal milk. It includes the nine necessary amino acids. This protein can aid in body development and boost immunity. Consuming this sort of protein can safeguard the body's muscular tissue. Whey protein powder has a high quantity of immunoglobulins not found in other protein sources. This protein is preferred by physically active individuals. But people who are sensitive to lactose should not eat whey powder because it has a lot of lactose in it.
Whey is not completely natural. Many additional ingredients are added to it, and as it is so popular with the general public, fake flavours are frequently added to provide variation. Whey protein is a milk-derived protein obtained from animals. It is produced using the same method as cheese.
During the cheesemaking process, milk is heated to eliminate harmful microorganisms. The increase in temperature separates milk into curds and whey. From there, the whey is taken out and turned into a powder that is high in protein but low in calories.
Complete proteins are those that include all nine essential amino acids required by the human body. There are twenty distinct amino acids, but only eleven are produced by the human body. The remaining nine amino acids, known as "essential" amino acids, must be obtained through diet. Whey protein is a complete protein because it naturally has all nine of the necessary amino acids, just like other animal products.
Whey is rich in BCAAs, which aid in muscle maintenance and development and improve the immune system. There are two distinct varieties of whey protein available:
- Whey Protein Concentrate from Whey
- 30-90% pure protein
- greater quantities of lactose.
- Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)
- 90-95% pure protein.
- very low lactose content.
The Main Differences Between Hemp Protein and Whey Protein in Points
- Hemp protein is a plant-based protein obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant's hemp plants and seeds. On the other hand, whey protein is derived from animals, and its primary source is cow's milk.
- In terms of protein content, hemp contains 50% protein whereas whey contains 99% protein.
- Hemp protein includes a large quantity of fat, whereas whey protein contains less fat.
- Due to the high fat content of hemp protein, the user will gain weight swiftly. On the contrary, whey protein can aid in fat burning and muscle toning.
- A person who is lactose intolerant can consume hemp protein without any problems. However, they cannot absorb whey protein.
- Hemp protein is considered to be good for the environment because it comes from plants. On the other hand, whey protein that comes from animals cannot be considered to be good for the environment.
- Hemp protein contains no additives and is thus 100 percent natural, unlike whey protein, which contains hexane and artificial flavours, making it not 100 percent natural.
Amino Acid Content
While hemp protein contains a few necessary amino acids, whey protein contains more.
Protein Content
Hemp protein powder has 50% protein, whereas whey protein powder contains 99% protein. Therefore, the body uses whey protein more for muscle growth.
Fat Content
Whey protein has both saturated fats and cholesterol, while hemp protein only has unsaturated fats, which are good for keeping your bowels healthy and preventing illness.
Calorie Content
Since hemp protein contains more calories, it may not be optimal for fat loss. On the other hand, whey protein has few calories and is great for building muscle and getting rid of fat because of this.
Additives
The powdered hemp protein is extracted without the use of chemicals or processing processes, making it more natural. To get a high protein concentration and isolate lactose in whey protein, however, producers use a hexane chemical agent.
Comparability of Hemp Protein with Milk Protein
- Both have vital minerals and amino acids.
- Both help in muscular development.
- Both are efficient in addressing protein requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing one as the superior protein is unlikely, as neither is suitable for everyone. People should choose a protein that meets their needs and preferences. As a result of the recent rise and growth of veganism, hemp protein has become quite popular owing to its eco-friendliness. Nonetheless, most athletes choose whey protein because it aids in body maintenance.
Whey includes fewer antioxidants and no fibre, but it is rapidly digested and hence provides more protein per serving. But people who can't handle lactose should stay away from whey because hemp protein is a good alternative.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268005X1831083X
- https://caloriebee.com/nutrition/Is-Hemp-Protein-Better-Then-Whey-Protein