nutritional profile, digestibility, health benefits, sustainability, pollution, and versatility; Comprehensive comparison of hemp and fish protein.
Anyone thirsting for seafood is interested in the health benefits of fish. They catch it or buy it, cook it, put it in burgers, and even consume it raw. Being a high-quality, low-fat protein, fish deserves all the love and attention.
But do you know something miraculous? You can achieve greater health benefits, minus all the hassles that go into growing, processing, and preparing fish. Just two to three tablespoons of hemp seed protein powder can do the trick.
hemp seed powder It is a superior plant protein that even surpasses animal proteins such as fish. Its positive effects on the human body and the environment are uncountable. But don’t take my words seriously.
Let’s put the hemp seed benefits into perspective, by comparing it with fish protein. In this blog, we will focus on fish nutrition facts and hemp seeds; And some pressing issues related to the production and consumption of fish seed versus hemp.
“Protein” is a very vague term and cannot be adequately analyzed. So let’s break it down into some of the basic components that must be present for any food group to be considered healthy. We’ll also look at what these nutrients mean for your body.
- Amino acids
Since the human body cannot store protein, it needs to be taken in regularly through meals. Your body converts the protein you consume into amino acids. Of the twenty amino acids, 9 of them are considered essential. It cannot be synthesized from other amino acids.
hemp seeds It is considered a complete source of protein as it provides all nine essential amino acids. It is particularly high in methionine, cysteine, glutamic acid and arginine. Because it contains a high content of arginine, hemp seed powder is good for the heart.
Fish is a complete protein source, too. It is abundantly available in proline, arginine, lysine, alanine, histidine, glutamic acid, and taurine. Thanks to these amino acids, your tissues heal and grow quickly.
Protein content in 100g
Hemp seeds (hulled) – 31.6 g
fish (mackerel) – 18.6 g
- Omega fatty acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 are polyunsaturated fats that form the cell walls in our bodies. These are essential fatty acids. They provide energy for the heart, lungs, immune system, and blood vessels. The biggest challenge is striking the right balance between them. An imbalance between the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 leads to chronic diseases.
Huge hemp seeds 80% PUFA content. The ratio of linoleic acid (omega-6) to alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) between 2:1 and 3:1. The ratio of Omega 3, 6 achieves the perfect balance for optimal human health.
Fish is usually high in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two types of omega-3 fats. This has countless benefits for your body, from liver health to mental health. However, fish do not achieve the right balance between omega-3 and omega-6. This means that you will have to rely on alternative sources of omega-6.
Content of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) in 100g
Hemp seeds (hulled) – 38.1 grams
fish (mackerel) – 3.35 grams
- Dietary fiber
Dietary fiber is not broken down or digested in the digestive system. These exist in two forms – soluble and insoluble. They help with indigestion and prevent constipation, by promoting healthy bowel movements. Dietary fiber adds to the mass of food, which makes you feel full with only small amounts of food. In this way it helps in controlling weight. It also stabilizes blood sugar levels and promotes gut health.
Hemp seeds are a high-fiber food. It contains a good 20%-80% of soluble and insoluble fiber. Hemp seeds with the intact shell contain twice as much fiber as the hulled or hulled version, also known as hemp hearts.
On the other hand, fish contains little or no dietary fiber. Thus, you cannot expect any of the benefits related to the fiber that hemp provides.
Dietary fiber content in 100 grams
Hemp seeds (hulled) – 4 grams
fish (mackerel) – 0 grams (not important)
- vitamins and minerals
Vitamins facilitate reproduction, growth, and energy processing in cells. They work together with metals. Minerals help in the proper use of vitamins. They also strengthen bones, transmit nerve impulses, produce hormones, heal cells, and maintain a normal heart rate.
Hemp seeds are a good source of vitamins A, B, C, D3, and E. Among the minerals, they mainly contain iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc and folic acid.
Fish is rich in vitamins A, B2, B12, D, E and K. They contain minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, iodine, sodium, magnesium and potassium.
Nutritional benefits shouldn’t be your only concern when consuming protein. Where they come from, how they affect the environment, what are unwanted substances, and how they affect your body are basic questions you should ask.
- digestion in the body
Fish is relatively easier to digest compared to other animal proteins. Thanks to its low fat content. Its digestibility is about 94%. However, the body still needs to break down cooked fish into protein compounds that consume energy.
Hemp contains edestin and albumin – two types of high-quality proteins – which are easy to digest. Your body can extract 91-98% of hemp protein with minimal waste of energy. Since it is lactose-free, it is also suitable for people with lactose intolerance.
- Health benefits
Fish usually offers the following health benefits to your body,
- Strong Heart Health – Low chance of blood clots, blood pressure and stroke
- Vision development – excellent eyesight
- Brain function and neurological stability
- Avoid the risks of depression, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and diabetes
- Reduced Inflammation – Relieves Arthritis and Asthma
- Reduced risk of autoimmune diseases
The health benefits of hemp protein powder are expected to be as follows:
- Maintain lean body mass for a slim body
- Improving brain health and neurological diseases
- Promote heart health and maintain blood pressure
- Managing chronic diseases by reducing inflammation
- Improve skin conditions
- Helping PMS and menopause symptoms
- Helping digestive health
- pollution risk
Mercury levels in the oceans are catastrophically rising. The ever-increasing water pollution is to blame. Fish caught in the ocean are exposed to this mercury pollution. And through seafood, dangerous levels of mercury make their way into our bodies. Outcomes – epilepsy, neurological and developmental retardation, and cancer.
Hemp, which is grown organically in the soil, is free of pesticides and fertilizers. This is because hemp is resistant to weeds and pests. So you can rest assured, no pollutants will enter your body through hemp seed powder.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Fish farming is not a sustainable practice. 70% of the world’s fish is now fully exploited or depleted, According to the United Nations. Oceans are running out fast, serving 8 billion people. That day is not far away when all stocks of edible fish will finally collapse.
Hemp is not only sustainable, but also benefits the environment by replenishing the soil with nutrients. Since it is carbon negative, it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it generates in its life cycle. Its carbon footprint is negative.
- versatility of use
All fish consumption processes involve the use of heat. Heat makes omega oils toxic. Not to mention the hassle that comes with preparing the fish.
Cold pressed hemp seed protein powder. It removes all the hassles of cooking. Eaten raw, it has an earthy taste. It can be combined with any food or drink of your choice, and you won’t even know you ate it. But your body will thank you for it.
According to our analysis, hemp seed protein is clearly taking the crown. While there are many similarities with fish as a protein, when it comes to nutrition balance, nutritional content, sustainability, contamination risks, and versatility, hemp seed protein is ahead.
Hemp protein powder It has always been a better alternative to other plant proteins. And now it’s proven to be superior to mainstream animal protein like fish as well.
You don’t need to give up fish completely, but it’s time to think about the benefits of hemp protein. Hemp protein powder is an alternative and sustainable source of protein. While we care about our health and our taste buds, let’s not ignore the health of the planet either.
Resources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323037#nutritional-benefits
https://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/8-benefits-of-hemp-seeds-as-a-protein-source-ways-to-use-it/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10681-004-4811-6
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hemp-protein-powder#dosage
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/omega-3-6-9-overview
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308044#how-to-incorporate-more-hemp-into-your-diet
https://www.doh.wa.gov/communityandenvironment/food/fish/healthbenefits
https://www.nutrasciencelabs.com/blog/hemp-powder-heres-why-its-the-future-of-protein
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-health-benefits-of-fish#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11
