Why Hemp CBD Protein Has the Fitness Industry Intrigued
CBD can help boost our bodies own ability to recover which some people think is better than other anti-inflammatories. Image Credit: By evrymmnt on shutterstock
Protein powders are more popular than ever, thanks to fitness bloggers, competitive athletes, and health coaches promoting them all over the internet. Nutritional supplements like these have helped turn fitness into a billion-dollar industry. The list of workout-enhancing products is already a long one, but a recent addition has captured the fitness world’s attention: .
Hemp protein powder itself is nothing new — the health benefits of hemp have been well-known for years, as the plant is an excellent source of healthy fats and essential amino acids. However, adding a dose of CBD can make hemp protein supplements even more effective for both casual gym-goers and hardcore workout warriors. It’s little wonder then, that it’s become an increasingly common sight in fitness stores around the country.
You may have slowly walked past them with a skeptical eye, or happily bought a bag or two already — and if you’re like most people, your decision was probably based on a gut reaction more than anything else. With so much hype around the benefits, it can be hard to separate the science from the marketing.
Obviously, that’s not ideal if you’re serious about what you put in your body. So without further ado, here’s the real scoop on hemp CBD protein.
What’s In It?
One vital thing to note — and quite possibly the reason why its popularity as a fitness supplement has seen a surge in the past year — is that CBD is no longer on the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) list of prohibited substances, having been removed in early 2018. Therefore, competitive athletes can now consume protein products that contain CBD without having to worry about failing a drug test. For casual fitness enthusiasts, the WADA’s decision doesn’t have such major implications, but it does mean that they can trust it to be safe.
Whether you’re an Olympic marathoner or an on-and-off Zumba-class attendee, you can rest assured that CBD protein does not contain psychoactive effects. While hemp is a member of the cannabis sativa family of plants, it contains extremely low amounts of THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects normally attributed to cannabis.
On the other hand, hemp CBD protein does contain a great deal of essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 and omega-6 acids. Some of these, like gamma-linolenic acid, can be hard to get through a standard diet alone. Since hemp is one of the most complete plant proteins, it can be especially useful for those who don’t consume animal products. Hemp CBD protein is also high in fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system (this is especially helpful for those who are trying to slim down as they tone up).
How Does It Help Athletes?
The presence of CBD also helps boost the body’s ability to recover. Scientific studies have shown that CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory — one that can help lessen (or even prevent) swelling and soreness. CBD has also been touted as a post-workout pain reliever<, thanks to its ability to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates the response to pain. The best part? CBD doesn’t appear to have any long-term side effects, so fitness buffs can sleep easy (though it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor to avoid any unforeseen complications with your current medications). Speaking of sleep, CBD can help athletes get the rest they need to reach their peak performance — or just make it to Saturday morning spin class on time. Research shows that CBD can promote rapid-eye-movement sleep, commonly known as REM sleep, which is the most restful and regenerative type of sleep. CBD can also help regulate a healthy sleep-wake cycle by preventing daytime sleepiness. If you’re suffering from insomnia, the science says CBD may be able to calm your racing mind. There are certainly some potential drawbacks to protein powder enriched with hemp CBD as well — some people find its nutty taste to be unpleasant, while the lack of regulation of CBD products can make it hard to evaluate the claims of a particular brand. Thanks to its nutritive and recuperative powers, it does seem like hemp CBD protein is here to stay.
