Hemp is one of the oldest crops in the world. In the past, it was known primarily as a supplier of raw materials and a source of food – until it became associated with drug trafficking. Even today, this bad reputation is still attached to the hemp plant.

Foodstuffs made from the plant therefore do not seem very trustworthy to many people. Also the question whether hemp protein is unhealthy comes up again and again.

Properties of hemp protein

A look at the characteristics of hemp should help to clear up the prejudices. First and foremost, the drug cannabis is derived from plant species with higher THC content. This is the substance responsible for the intoxicating effect after consumption. Foodstuffs may (in Germany) consist exclusively of plants low in THC.

This also applies to hemp protein. These are legal, non-addictive and even consist of seeds that naturally contain no THC. A fact that may put your mind at ease at this point.

Of course, the non-existent intoxicating effect does not simultaneously rule out the fact that hemp protein is unhealthy. However, many other positive properties paint a different picture:

Amino acid profile

The basic building blocks of all proteins: these are amino acids. Eight of them are particularly important for the human body. So-called essential amino acids (EAA) are indispensable for us. Because our body cannot produce them itself, they must be ingested through food. Hemp protein contains all eight of these indispensable protein building blocks!

An absolute advantage, because these are among other things (!) Responsible for:

• Maintenance & building of muscle tissue
• Support of healing processes
• Supply of energy
• bone growth
• Metabolic processes
• Sense of satiety
• Mood and attention enhancement

The amino acid complex BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) is also found in the vegetable protein. It consists of three of the essential protein building blocks mentioned above, namely: valine, leucine and isoleucine. This is especially interesting for athletes and sportswomen, because these branched-chain amino acids significantly accelerate muscle building.

Last but not least, there is a high percentage of arginine – another indication that hemp protein is not as unhealthy as it is said to be. It is a semi-essential amino acid – that is, one that can be formed by the body, but is not sufficient in the event of illness, for example. Then it must be added through food.

Arginine dilates the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Thus it is important for the prevention and therapy of atherosclerotic heart and vascular diseases.

This is what Hemp Powder looks like.

Biological value

How fast proteins can be metabolized (i.e. converted to endogenous protein) is determined by the biological value. One orients oneself thereby at a value of 100, which corresponds to an egg and is considered high.

In principle, the value of animal proteins is somewhat higher than that of plant proteins. Hemp protein, for example, has a biological value of about 60.

But before you jump off now because this is too little for you: You can combine vegetable proteins with each other in an uncomplicated way. This way you can increase the biological value. (By the way, the amino acid profile can also be perfected in this way, if the amount of certain building blocks is increased in the process).

Hemp Protein: Nutrients

That hemp protein is unhealthy sounds very distant, if you take a look at the ingredients. In fact, the protein contains quite important of them:

Our body cannot produce the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids itself. They have a positive influence on cholesterol levels. Hemp protein is a good source of these fatty acids.
The dietary fibers relevant for a healthy diet can also be found in the protein. These are important for healthy digestion. They also slow down the absorption of cholesterol and sugar into the blood.

In addition, oat protein contains zinc, iron, important vitamins (B1 & B6) and minerals.

Compatibility

The vegetable protein is considered to be very digestible. Overall, it has a very low allergenic effect. Even with intolerances hemp protein is anything but unhealthy: it is lactose and gluten free.

When is hemp protein unhealthy?

In principle, rather healthy properties can be attributed to the vegetable protein. But as with everything, the quantity is just as crucial as a varied diet.

Hemp protein becomes unhealthy when you overdo it. But this is basically true for all proteins. The human body can absorb a certain daily amount without harm. Exactly how much that is depends on the individual and, for example, on your weight. Before taking protein in the form of hemp protein powder, pea proteins or even animal protein sources, you should therefore inform yourself in detail. Too much of a good thing in this case can mean damage to the liver and kidneys.

In addition, you should pay attention to the origin. In that your hemp protein is not unhealthy or harmful to health, you can only be sure if you trust the producer. For example, we at naVitalo make sure that all raw materials are free of genetic engineering. In addition, these are microbiologically controlled and correspond to the best BIO quality. No matter where you get your vegetable proteins: These are properties that you should absolutely pay attention to.

There are many reasons why people limit their meat consumption. These include health aspects as well as animal welfare and environmental protection. The moral dilemma: giving up meat for good reasons and liking the texture and taste are two different pairs of shoes.

The demand for plant-based alternatives is therefore growing all the time. But here, too, consumers are choosy. In the end, many former meat lovers measure the product against real meat.
As a manufacturer, it means achieving the appropriate consistency in addition to taste. Find out what oat protein textures have to do with this and why they are considered a good substitute below.

What are oat protein texturates?

In order to give plant proteins a meat-like texture, they are processed into so-called texturates. In other words, they are changed in texture and consistency.
To do this, you put oat protein as a viscous mass into an extruder. Under great pressure and heat, this is pressed through an opening. It then cools and hardens. You can determine how the final product looks by shaping the opening.

The textured oat protein can finally be soaked in water and processed further. This produces meat-like structures, which are a good basis for vegan nuggets or cutlets, for example.
Protein texturates can be found in common supermarkets, for example, as an alternative to minced meat. They are often made from soy. However, oat protein is often the better choice, as we explain in the next step.

Oat Protein Powder.

What are the advantages of oats as a meat substitute?

With so many plant-based alternatives to choose from, why should it be oat protein? In fact, the grain brings many benefits. So it’s no wonder that it’s becoming increasingly popular in meat substitute products.

One reason is that demand for soy products is declining. One reason is that many people are allergic to it. This mostly affects birch pollen allergy sufferers, as a cross-reaction can occur with them. On the other hand, the cultivation of soybeans is associated with genetic engineering.

Here, oats are clearly superior: This is considered very well tolerated and can be grown locally. As a result, it has a good carbon footprint.

But the grain is also impressive from a health perspective:

Oat fiber contains a lot of protein, healthy fats and antioxidants. Above all, however, oat protein texturate is a good source of iron – even better than steak, for example.

A high amount of dietary fiber ensures that you stay full for a long time after eating it. The soluble fiber beta-glucan is also particularly helpful in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Burger with Oat Protein Texturates.

Protein texturates from other plant proteins

Oat protein texturates don’t appeal to you? Fortunately, there are other alternatives that can be made into meat substitutes.

Pea protein is another popular plant-based alternative used for this purpose.

Basically, before choosing the right product, you should make clear which properties are particularly important to you. We attach great importance to BIO quality, sustainability and the use of GMO-free ingredients. Therefore, naVitalo has specialized in the production of appropriate products.

With our assortment, we mainly address food manufacturers. If this applies to you and you would like to receive more information about oat protein, please contact us.

Rice is a cereal with many advantages. Above all, you benefit from the many possible applications. Whether as a cooked grain, vegan rice drink or protein powder – you have a few options open to you.

We would like to go into a little more detail on two of them in this blog post: Syrup powder and maltodextrin from rice are often used, especially in food production. Find out exactly how they are used there and what the benefits are below.

What are rice syrup powder and maltodextrin?

Rice naturally contains a lot of starch. This is the basis for the production of both products:

Maltodextrin is produced by the splitting (hydrolysis) of starch into sugar. This happens during a biochemical process and by special enzymes. Often, the dual sugar is obtained from corn starch, but rice is also an excellent choice. Maltodextrin is one of the carbohydrates. Purchased ready-made, you get a product with a powdery consistency.

The production of rice syrup powder also uses an enzymatic process. In this process, the starch is liquefied, saccharified and dried again by spraying. Here, too, you get – as the name suggests – a powder.

Both products are made from 100% rice. So it sounds pretty similar up to this point – but it is above all in the properties and intended use that decisive differences become apparent.

Syrup Powder and Maltodextrin from Rice.

Advantages and properties

Maltodextrin and syrups can be found in the ingredients of many common foods. These include baked goods, cornflakes, frozen products and even medicines. Thereby they convince with quite different characteristics:

Maltodextrin from rice is neutral in taste.

Similar to pure dextrose, the carbohydrate passes quickly into the blood via the intestines. This means a rapid supply of energy. This is particularly positive for sportsmen and sportswomen. However, because blood sugar levels rise quickly after consumption, diabetics should avoid maltodextrin.

In addition, it is water-soluble and gives liquids a creamy consistency and serves as a foam stabilizer. It is also used as a carrier for flavors.

Maltodextrin is also a proven means of increasing calorie intake. That is why it is also used in the medical field for people who are severely underweight.

Rice syrup powder, in contrast, tastes slightly sweet.

It assists in the binding process, enables improved elasticity and plasticity. It also reduces sugar crystallization.

Both products are gluten-free and therefore suitable even in case of intolerance.

Rice Syrup Powder and Maltodextrin with a lot of benefits.

Maltodextrin and rice syrup powder in the food industry

The properties of both rice products can be deduced: Both are used for better consistency. However, syrup powder is mainly used to sweeten food.

Since both products are purely vegetable, they are often found in vegan foods. But food manufacturers don’t just rely on them there. Both maltodextrin and rice syrup are used in:

• Baby and sports foods
• Baked goods and desserts
• Beers and alcoholic beverages
• Spices, spice mixtures, flavors
• Sauces and dressings
• beverage powders
• energy drinks
• frozen products
• medicines

What to look for when buying rice products

When using maltodextrin or syrup powder made from rice, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the grain used. There are still areas where rice is grown on soil that contains contaminants. Arsenic, which is found in groundwater, is often absorbed by the plant in the process. When consumed in large quantities, this becomes a problem – especially for children.

Therefore, be sure to use rice or rice products from microbiologically controlled grains. We at naVitalo also rely exclusively on cultivation without genetic engineering. It is important to us that you, as the producer, receive a product that you can process without worry. Therefore, if you are looking for maltodextrin or syrup powder made from high quality rice, contact us. We will also be happy to answer your questions.

When looking for vegan proteins, you will always come across rice proteins. No wonder, after all, these are considered one of the best alternatives to animal products. This is due, among other things, to their advantageous amino acid profile.

What the composition of the protein building blocks in rice protein looks like and what positive effects it has, you can read here.

What are amino acids and why are they important?

To make it clear how to value the properties of rice protein, let’s first briefly summarize the basics:

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of all proteins. A total of 21 different ones can be found in the human body. These can be divided into three groups: non-essential, semi-essential and essential amino acids.

The former are produced by our body on its own. This also applies to semi-essential protein building blocks. However, in case of illness, injuries or during growth, an additional supply via food is often advisable.

The last group is particularly important: essential amino acids (EAA) are indispensable for the human body. Unlike the other building blocks, however, it cannot produce them on its own. Our task is therefore to absorb them through food.

How important these special building blocks are, you will learn in the next section, because …

These amino acids are contained in rice protein

… all eight essential amino acids are found in rice protein. A clear advantage of the amino acid profile. For this reason, vegan protein is considered a valuable alternative to animal products.

Functions of the essential protein building blocks

These basic building blocks are indispensable mainly because of the functions they perform. The essential amino acids contained in rice protein are responsible for the following processes, among others:

Leucine

• Maintenance & building of muscle tissue
• New formation of proteins in muscles & liver
• Inhibition of the breakdown of muscle proteins
• Support of healing processes
• Important energy supplier

Lysine

• Muscle building
• Build-up of other amino acids
• Bone growth
• cell division
• wound healing

Methionine

• participation in metabolic processes
• reduces colonization of bacteria in the urinary bladder
• supports detoxification
• precursor of taurine, cysteine and glutathione

Phenylalanine

• Precursor of dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline
• Increases attention
• Counteracts depressive moods
• Relieves pain

Threonine

• regulates fat balance and liver function
• Important for the nervous system
• Component of collagen and elastane in the skin

Tryptophan

• Precursor of serotonin
• Increases mood, well-being and performance
• Supports formation of melatonin and niacin
• Reduces hunger pangs

Valine

• Regulation of blood sugar
• Supports protein formation
• Faster absorption of all amino acids in muscles and liver

Histidine

• Growth of tissue repair
• Important for protection of nerves
• Converted to histamine

Rice Protein Shakes with Protein

Branched chain amino acids in rice protein

The essential protein building blocks valine, leucine and isoleucine also form a branched-chain amino acid complex. This is abbreviated to BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acid). Unlike most other building blocks, this complex is not metabolized in the liver.

Especially for athletes and sportswomen BCAA is important. Together, the complex is responsible for accelerating muscle growth and preventing breakdown.

A deficiency of the amino acids can make itself felt. In this case, you feel sluggish or suffer from colds more often.

Here, too, the rice protein amino acid profile can score: It contains quite a high amount of these branched-chain protein building blocks.

The semi-essential amino acid arginine

Also part of the amino acid profile of rice protein: a larger amount of arginine. It can be used as a preventive measure or in addition to therapy for cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis. These are those in which there is storage of cholesterol and other fats in the blood vessels.

In general, arginine is known for its positive effect on blood vessels. This is due to the fact that it is a precursor of the messenger substance nitric oxide, which has a vasodilating effect.
In addition, the amino acid can lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.

The perfect amino acid profile with rice protein in combination

Because all essential amino acids are found in rice protein, it is considered a very valuable source of protein. It is therefore particularly noteworthy among the plant-based alternatives. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement: The amount of building blocks is lower than in whey protein (also: Whey protein), for example.

For a perfect amino acid profile, you can easily combine different vegan proteins! Rice, oat, pea and hemp protein complement each other very well. All three contain essential amino acids in varying amounts. Together, they can definitely keep up with animal proteins.

Pea protein, for example, has a higher value of lysine. This makes it a good complement to rice protein. This in turn can serve with a good tryptophan content.

At naVitalo you can get all the above proteins. Our assortment is mainly aimed at food manufacturers who attach great importance to high-quality food in BIO quality. All our products are plant-based, microbiologically controlled and free of genetic engineering. Do you have any questions? Contact us for a detailed consultation.