Find out how effective this protein is and whether it triggers protein synthesis and a positive energy balance for mass growth. With active sports, it is extremely important to pay increased attention to the amount of protein compounds consumed. To progress, athletes have to consume large amounts of food, which is not always possible. An even more pressing problem of protein deficiency concerns vegans who do not consume animal products. To solve this problem, athletes are forced to pay attention to sports nutrition. Today we will tell you how and when to use hemp protein in bodybuilding.
Hemp protein in bodybuilding: what is it?
You probably know that there are now several types of protein supplements available in sports food stores that are made from different products. The seeds of this plant are used for the production of hemp protein. They are pre-squeezed using low temperatures to completely remove oil from the raw material.
After that, the seeds must be crushed and excess fibers removed. This allows you to increase the concentration of protein compounds in the final product. Often, a wary attitude towards hemp protein is associated with a negative attitude towards the plant itself. For many, hemp is associated with drugs. However, the varieties of cannabis used in the food industry do not contain these substances.
Note that hemp is actively used in various industries. In the course of research, scientists have found that even biofuel can be made from this plant. However, back to the question of hemp protein in bodybuilding. It is quite obvious that this type of sports nutrition is primarily aimed at athletes who preach vegetarianism.
Hemp protein contains 21 amines, and 9 of them belong to the irreplaceable group. This type of protein supplement can be a great alternative to soy, as hemp is better absorbed by the body. Here are the main advantages of this type of protein over other plant-based ones:
- The peculiarity of crop cultivation does not make it possible to use genetically modified plant varieties, which makes hemp protein as safe as possible for the body.
- The molecular structure of the hemp protein compounds is simple enough and easier for the body to process.
- Unlike soy protein, the use of hemp by athletes cannot lead to a decrease in testosterone production.
- Hemp oil contains about 80 percent of the total amount of omega fats.
- Hemp is a great source of micronutrients.
- Due to the presence of plant fibers, hemp protein compounds are absorbed in a short time.
In 2012, scientists conducted a study, the purpose of which was to study the process of assimilation by the body of various types of protein compounds. As a result, they stated that hemp protein contains all the essential amines. However, three of them (leucine, lysine and tryptophan) are found in small amounts. If we talk only about the use of hemp protein in bodybuilding, then leucine is extremely important for accelerating hypertrophy processes, and in terms of the content of this amine, it is significantly inferior to whey or egg.
Athletes have been using hemp protein for a long time and most often it is completely safe for the body. At the same time, occasionally there are complaints of problems with the digestive system. To make the use of this supplement completely safe, it is not recommended to combine it with anticoagulants. This is due to the high content of omega fats in hemp and due to the slowdown in platelet synthesis, bleeding is possible.
Admittedly, hemp protein in bodybuilding can be a great alternative to other types of protein supplements. Moreover, its cost is very attractive, and its effectiveness has been proven in the course of numerous studies. Thanks to the supplement, athletes can regulate the energy value of the diet. For vegetarians, hemp protein is the best choice.
With just two tablespoons of hemp protein, about 15 grams of protein compounds can be supplied to the body. As mentioned above, this type of protein also contains amines of the BCAA group, albeit in slightly smaller amounts in comparison with whey.
Novice athletes are often interested in why amines from hemp protein are so important for the body. The answer is quite simple, because amines, like carbohydrates, can be used by the body as an energy source. The protein compounds found in hemp are less involved in the processing of the liver. Scientists are sure that about 18 percent of all the energy expended by the body during training comes from BCAA.
How to properly use hemp protein in bodybuilding?
How the supplement is used depends on the personal preference of the athlete. Some athletes note the bitter taste of protein and can only take it in combination with fruit. This allows not only to improve the taste of the product, but also to enrich it with microelements. At the same time, many builders use hemp protein in the classic way, mixing it in a shaker with water or milk.
It is not necessary to prepare sports cocktails from this additive, but simply add the powder to various dishes, for example, cereals or soups. It is difficult to give specific recommendations here and you should show your imagination to find the best way to use it. As for dosages, in this matter you can rely on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Protein in sports
The topic of protein supplementation in sports is inexhaustible. Many words have already been said about this, but the discussion of the issue continues. This is quite understandable, because with a deficiency of protein compounds, it is simply impossible to gain muscle mass. Moreover, in such a situation, there is a high risk of muscle destruction.
It must be said right away that people often share two identical concepts. In their opinion, protein is a chemical and harmful substance, but protein is extremely useful for the body. You must remember that protein and protein mean the same nutrient - protein compounds that are found in many foods. All additives in this group are produced without the use of chemicals. Moreover, they are often safer compared to products that can be bought in regular supermarkets.
Why does the body need protein compounds?
The importance of protein compounds for the body is indicated only by the fact that all tissues are created precisely from amines. However, this is not all, because protein is necessary to create a scaffold of all cells, the so-called cytoskeleton. In the body, various substances are synthesized from amines - hormones, enzymes, antibodies, etc.
If we talk about sports and bodybuilding in particular, then, first of all, protein is necessary for gaining muscle mass and protecting muscles from destruction during drying or losing weight. Under the influence of training, the processes of muscle tissue hypertrophy are activated, but with a deficiency of proteins, there is no need to talk about any growth.
If ordinary people need only normalize their nutrition program to meet the body's needs for protein compounds, then this is not enough for athletes. It is quite obvious that with an increase in body weight, the need for protein compounds also increases. As a result, it becomes physically impossible to consume so much food. It is in such a situation that you have to pay attention to sports nutrition.
How and how much protein to take in sports?
Today we have repeatedly said that athletes need to consume protein compounds in sufficient quantities. The whole question is how much of this nutrient should be supplied to the body every day. Recall that protein compounds in the body are broken down into amines, from which the necessary proteins are then synthesized.
If experienced bodybuilders know exactly how many nutrients should be present in their diet, then beginners often have problems with this. Many beginners do not pay enough attention to nutrition at all. This approach is fundamentally wrong, because without a properly organized diet, even the most competent training program cannot be effective.
You can find specific numbers on the network, but it should be remembered that each person's body has its own characteristics and it is impossible to average everything. The need for protein compounds, like other nutrients, depends on many factors, for example, the frequency and intensity of exercise, body weight, physical activity at home, etc.
Simply put, to determine the individual need for protein compounds, all these nuances must be taken into account. As a starting point, you can use the generally accepted values - from 2 to 3 grams for each kilogram of mass. Here it must be said that more than half of the proteins must enter the body through food. Often, beginner builders may not use supplements of this type at all at first. However, as your body weight grows, you will have to pay attention to sports nutrition, because the body has certain restrictions on the amount of processed food.
More information on hemp protein in the following video:
