Compared to someone who does regular daily exercises, bodybuilders have different dietary needs due to the intensity of the workouts they do.
So what do they need more of than most other people? Protein. Most body builders use supplements or animal based proteins like casein and whey, but plant based proteins are a great alternative for those who are trying to avoid any unnatural ingredients in supplements and/or prefer to eat vegan or vegetarian. One of the most popular plant proteins on the market right now is hemp protein.
Most people need about 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily, which is easy to do with a well-balanced diet. Bodybuilders on the other hand, need about double that amount so they’re looking at around 0.63 to 0.77 grams of protein per pound of body weight every single day. That can be a bit more challenging which is why they need to add a little something extra to their diets.
Hemp is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids that are vital to the human diet. One study found the amino acid content of hemp is similar to that of soy and egg whites, both of which are known for their high levels of healthy protein. It’s also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Because it’s plant derived, it’s suitable for vegans but it’s also considered hypoallergenic making hemp protein suitable for anyone that has one of the common food-based allergies or sensitivities such as nuts, egg, dairy, gluten, and soy.
In contrast to animal proteins, hemp has relatively low levels of leucine, a branch-chain amino acid that is used to synthesize proteins and build muscles. However, because it’s plant derived, it’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It’s also considered hypoallergenic making hemp protein suitable for anyone that has one of the common food-based allergies or sensitivities such as nuts, egg, dairy, gluten, and soy.
Are you using hemp protein to build muscles or just for regular gym gains? If you’ve tried it before, we’d love to know your thoughts on the subject. Drop us a line in the comment section and let us know what you think!