Dr. Christian Löfke, researcher and product developer at BioBloom in Austria, explains why hemp protein is gaining a reputation as nutraceutical product
Hemp seeds are mainly cultivated due to their high content of edible oil, rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids. However, up to 25% of the total seed weight comprises of the protein content. After oil extraction the protein content in the press cake can even increase up to 2-fold. The main constituents are legumin type protein which accounts for around 70% of the total protein content, followed by albumin. Interestingly, the bio-functionality of hemp proteins moves more and more towards nutraceuticals for improved health benefits (Fig. 1) in addition to being an excellent nutritional food source.
Hemp protein provides a balanced amino acid profile for human consumption including all essential amino acids. The essential amino acid profile is comparable to other high-quality proteins, such as casein and soy protein and has an exceptionally high amount of arginine with approximately 12% by comparison with less than 7% for most other food proteins. Arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide that relaxes the blood vessels and enhances blood flow. This contributes to the maintenance of a normal blood pressure and shows cholesterolemic and atherogenic potential.
Proteins consist of a chain of amino acids determining the structural and functional properties of the molecule. By enzymatic digestion of the protein, the amino acid chain is cleaved into short sequences of 2-20 amino acid residues. These short residues are called peptides. This enzymatic hydrolysis can take place in our stomach or can be done in vitro employing commercially available proteases. Besides their better solubility and uptake in our body as a protein source, these peptides can modulate certain physiological processes comparable to hormones.
One of the main risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is high blood pressure. A key regulatory network controlling blood pressure is stirred by the Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). Synthetic ACE inhibitors have been wildly used as an antihypertensive medication with a vast number of side effects such as a dry cough, fatigue, and headaches. In recent years hemp protein-derived peptides were identified as suppressors of the ACE activity with positive regulatory impact on the blood pressure. These peptides could be used as initial treatment or for mild hypertensive course of disease.
Taken together, hemp protein and their peptides have a potential as a bioactive ingredient in functional food preparations for better health.
BioBloom: Producer of certified and quality-tested CBD full extracts and all-natural products
BioBloom knows of the potential of hemp protein and have produced their own product. BioBloom´s natural power is a 100% natural and vegan organic hemp protein powder. Natural power contains valuable essential amino acids as well as a high percentage of fibre and important minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc and copper.
BioBloom produces a wide range of products – all of them are 100% natural and without any artificial additives. BioBloom’s CBD/CBDa oils are 100% natural full extracts, they are available in natural CBD/CBDA concentrations of 1%, 4%, 6% and 8% and 10%. They are free of any additives and enrichment with CBD-isolate.
Many physicians and pharmacists in Austria and Europe already rely on the pure natural hemp extracts from BioBloom and use them in the treatment of their patients. The BioBloom certified organic CBD oils are also available in pharmacies and selected shops in many European countries. In a comparison test of 46 European CBD products by the independent patient association ARGE CANNA, the BioBloom products were among the test winners and in recognition of their quality the patient association also awarded them the AC seal of quality.
Innovative Product Development
The product range at BioBloom also includes the unique hemp tea with hemp from the BioBloom fields which is picked and processed exclusively by hand. The main component of the organic hemp flower tea is CBDa, which makes the tea especially helpful for people who have trouble sleeping. In addition, the BioBloom brand also includes hemp food products such as organic hemp oil from peeled hemp seeds and hemp seeds, peeled & ready to eat.
The BioBloom CBD Natural Cosmetics are 100% vegan, cruelty- and palm oil-free, GMP certified and free of any additives. All cosmetics products contain natural CBD and only plant-based ingredients such as marigold extract, hemp oil, shea butter etc. The organic cosmetics series includes a body lotion, face cream, hand cream and a SOS balm. Moreover, BioBloom produces 100% natural and plant-based food supplements.
“We see it as our mission to produce high-quality organic natural products. We draw upon decades of experience in organic agriculture and combine millennia-old cross-cultural knowledge of the traditional medicinal plant hemp with innovative knowledge in the field of organic agriculture and production,” say the three CEOs Elisabeth Denk, Christoph Werdenich and Thomas Denk with conviction.
Please note: This is a commercial profile
