What is the Difference Between Hemp Protein and Whey Protein

The main difference between hemp protein and whey protein is that the source of hemp protein is plant as it is derived from Cannabis sativa plant whereas the source of whey protein is animal as it is derived from cow’s milk. Furthermore, hemp protein comes with protein plus heart-healthy fats and fiber while whey protein comes as a very concentrated form of protein.  

Hemp protein and whey protein are two forms of dietary protein that originate from different sources. Both types of proteins are capable of providing all of the essential amino acids in variable amounts. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Hemp Protein
     – Definition, Content, Importance
2. What is Whey Protein
     – Definition, Content, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Hemp Protein and Whey Protein
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Hemp Protein and Whey Protein
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Cannabis sativa, Cow’s Milk, Dietary Protein, Essential Amino Acids, Hemp Protein, Whey Protein 

What is Hemp Protein 

Hemp protein is a protein supplement derived from the hemp seed, which contains 30% of fat and 25% of protein. Also, 80% of fat in hemp seed consists of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Hemp seeds are rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3, vitamin B, and fiber. Therefore, the protein content of the hemp protein is around 25%, which is somewhat low. However, it provides healthy fats and fiber to the body. Moreover, a scoop of hemp protein contains 111 calories, 14 g of protein, and 4 g of fat. 

Figure 1: A Bunch of Dried Hemp Seeds

Furthermore, the two main types of proteins in hemp protein are edestin and albumin. These are easily digestible and provide most of the essential amino acids to the body. They especially provide a higher amount of arginine.

Figure 2: Hemp Protein

Also, the amino acid profile of the hemp protein is similar to that of egg white protein and soy protein. Therefore, one can consider hemp protein as a high-quality protein.  

What is Whey Protein 

Whey protein is one of the most widely used protein supplements produced from the concentrated proteins isolated from whey. Here, whey is the liquid by-product of cheese production. The proteins of whey are concentrated by filtering out the lactose and ash from the mixture. Therefore, the resultant product is highly rich in proteins. The two main forms of proteins in the whey protein are the alpha-lactalbumin and beta-albumin. Also, whey protein is considerably rich in branch-chain amino acids. In addition, it provides all the essential amino acids to the body. One scoop of whey protein contains 103 calories, 17 g of protein, and about 1 g of fat.  

Figure 3: Whey Protein

However, one of the drawbacks of whey protein is the presence of traces of lactose. During the processing, all the lactose traces are filtered out from whey. But, the final product may contain lactose. Therefore, whey protein is not suitable for people with lactose intolerance.  

Similarities Between Hemp Protein and Whey Protein 

• Hemp protein and whey protein are two sources of dietary proteins. 
• Both contain proteins in a higher concentration. 
• Also, both provide all essential amino acids. 
• Besides, these proteins can be used as nutritional supplements for athletes, bodybuilders, and for anyone who needs to increase muscle mass and gain weight. 

Difference Between Hemp Protein and Whey Protein 

Definition 

Hemp protein refers to the powdered protein supplement derived from the hemp plant while whey protein refers to a mixture of proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production. 

Origin 

The main difference between hemp protein and whey protein is that the hemp protein has a plant origin while whey protein has an animal origin. 

Source 

The source of hemp protein is the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant while the source of whey protein is cow’s milk.

Amount of Protein

An important difference between hemp protein and whey protein is that the hemp protein contains a lower amount of protein while whey protein contains a higher amount of protein. 

Type of Protein 

One other difference between hemp protein and whey protein is the type of protein in them. The two main types of proteins in hemp protein are edestin and albumin while the two main types of proteins in whey protein are alpha-lactalbumin and beta-albumin.

Fat Amount 

Moreover, hemp protein contains a higher amount of fat while whey protein contains a lower amount of fat. This is also an important difference between hemp protein and whey protein.

Significance 

Additionally, the hemp protein contains protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fiber while whey protein contains highly concentrated protein. 

Flavor 

Hemp protein has a natural, earthy, and nutty flavor while whey protein is usually flavored with vanilla, banana, strawberry, cookies, and cream. 

Biological Value 

Furthermore, hemp protein has a lower biological value (87) while whey protein has a higher biological value (104). Therefore, the efficiency of the use of hemp protein by the body is low while the efficiency of the use of whey protein by the body is high. 

Weight Gain 

Another difference between hemp protein and whey protein is that hemp protein leads to more weight gain since it has more calories and fat while whey protein burns fat and maintains muscles. 

Lactose Intolerance 

Hemp protein is good for people with lactose intolerance while whey protein may not be so since it may contain lactose. This is another difference between hemp protein and whey protein.

Conclusion 

Hemp protein is a dietary protein source with a plant origin. It originates from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Although hemp protein contains a lower amount of proteins, it contains healthy fat and fiber. In comparison, whey protein is the concentrated form of protein isolated from whey. Therefore, it has an animal origin. Moreover, the amount of protein in the whey protein is high. Hence, the main difference between hemp protein and whey protein is their origin and content. 

References:

1. Julson, E., “Hemp Protein Powder: The Best Plant-Based Protein?” Healthline, Healthline Media, Available Here
2. Nordqvist, Joseph. “Whey Protein: Health Benefits, Side Effects, and Dangers.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 Nov. 2017, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Hemp bunch-dried out -seeds close up PNr°0063” By D-Kuru – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0 at) via Commons Wikimedia  
2. “Hemp cacao nibs” By TudorTulok – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia  
3. “whey-protein-1034149” (Pexels License) via Pexels