The long-standing belief that muscle growth couldn’t be as effectively achieved with plant-based protein as with animal-derived protein has recently been questioned. A study published earlier this year in the Journal of Nutrition demonstrates that plant-based proteins promote muscle growth just as efficiently as animal-based ones.
In the study, 24 young, healthy men engaged in strength training exercises for three days, focusing on one leg, while adhering to a high-protein diet during this period. The protein in the diet was either entirely plant-based or animal-based. As part of the study, another group performed muscle-strengthening exercises for five days and followed the respective high-protein diets for ten days. The study revealed that irrespective of the diet, both groups experienced comparable muscle fiber growth and muscle strength improvement throughout the experiment.
Lower muscle growth potential, long associated with plant proteins, has often been attributed to the absence of specific amino acids such as leucine, lysine, or methionine in the plant-based protein sources. However, hemp protein contains all these amino acids crucial for muscle growth. Hemp protein, with its extensive amino acid profile, encompasses a total of 20 amino acids, including all the essential amino acids that humans must obtain from their diet. In terms of amino acid composition, hemp protein is akin to egg white and soybean. Notably, hemp protein is allergen-free and gluten-free, making it an excellent dietary addition for anyone with muscle growth goals.
Contemporary plant-based protein supplements are of exceptional quality. FoodFarm offers various hemp protein products tailored for different purposes: hemp powder (35% protein), sprouted hemp powder (35% protein), and hemp protein concentrate (65% protein). The 65% hemp protein concentrate will soon be available in an even smaller particle size, making it even more versatile for a wide range of applications.