Hemp protein sprouts vs greens

[Sam (UK)]

I have searched high and low for information regarding the protein levels of hemp sprouts verses the greens. I'm assuming the sprouts will be a similar level to the dry seed. However I would like to know if the protein content increases/decreases once grown into a green, anyone have any idea? Taking into account the greens would be harvested just above the soil (without seed).

[Arky]

Hi Sam, I don't know the exact figures but I suggest to you that you are making a big (potential) error in forming the assumption that the protein content of a dry seed is equivalent to it's protein content once sprouted (at whatever stage. There's a whole lot of biochemistry going on in a sprouting seed, even in the early stages.

I realise you're not talking specifically about cereal grasses when you mention greens (and I'm not implying that cereal grasses are necessarily the same, biochemically, as other sprouted greens, including hemp greens), but the following videos are nonetheless worthy of consideration, and one should also bear in mind the assimilability of a seed or plant's protein content, whatever that measurable content might be. This is a critical point. So, even if a hemp seed, for example, did retain identical levels of protein once sprouted (but prior to reaching the green stage of growth), that same quantity of protein might be far more usable by human physiology than it was in the dormant seed.

Anyway, you asked an interesting question and although I regret I don't have exact figures for you, I hope you'll find the following videos informative, on a general basis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QuOCwVV6g0 (this is a commercial video but don't let that put you off, it's informative nonetheless - fast forward to approximately 2:30)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UluPey05VEQ

[Sam (UK)]

Wow thanks Arky that was a really informative reply, I should have known not to make any assumptions at this point as I have read before about assimilability.

The videos were interesting too, I had also read that some grains when grown to grass increase in protein (and its assimilability). Now I just need to confirm if Hemp is the same.....

The reason behind the question is because I do a lot of strength/weight training and I'm looking for the healthiest and most suitable type of food to consume straight after a workout. I don't consider commercial protein powders in their various types to be particularly healthy or natural for long-term consumption. I do make sure I am eating protein rich food throughout the day too.

[Arky]

Ahh, hemp protein in relation to workouts..well if that's the case, I'm sure (if you haven't already done so) that you'd enjoy reading Mike Nash's 'Aggressive Health'. It's a shamelessly-commercial book (and justly criticised for being so) but, if you can look past that, and the inconsistencies of the writing/editing/spelling etc., it nonetheless remains a very informative book and well worth the asking price (about 16 quid inc p+p, on Amazon UK at this point in time).

I bought it a few years ago, so my edition is probably less commercialised than the current edition (he uses the book as a vehicle for promoting his website, where he sells a huge range of various supplements at rather high prices), BUT, as I said, please don't let that dissuade you from buying and reading the book itself. Just get it and read it; you'll find plenty to make it worth your while.


...I agree with you that just because cereal protein levels are claimed to increase as the grain grows into grass does not necessarily mean that the same will be true of hemp. I think we both see eye-to-eye on that.

Personally, I have found that not all hemp seed likes to sprout, but I never searched all that hard for alternative suppliers of hemp seed because I'm mostly content with just sprouting cereal grasses, sunflower greens and pea greens. Your post has made me reconsider the issue of hemp again, so I may try to sprout it again in the near future.

I wish you all the best in your sprouting efforts, and please add to this thread in future if you find any interesting info on sprouted hemp and the protein levels etc., as I'm always eager to learn.


All the best.

[Sam (UK)]

Excellent recommendation I will purchase the book right away! I realise how complex nutrition can be but I guess that's what makes it so intriguing and interesting.

It has been difficult trying to research hemp because of the vast websites regarding its 'recreational use'. Either way most would consider it a superfood so I will be eating it regardless :)

Thank you very kindly for your time.

[Arky]

Yes, I agree, Hemp does get far too much recreational attention, considering it's multitudinous other uses, nutrition included.

Mike Nash raves about sprouted hemp for building lean muscle etc. (at least he does in my 2005 edition of his book). Now, it is worth pointing out that since I bought the book, I now notice (visited his website today for the first time in ages) he has started selling SunWarrior protein powder, which is bio-fermented sprouted whole grain brown rice. For entirely business reasons, this may have skewed his outlook on the (much cheaper, non-proprietary) alternative of sprouting your own hemp, so perhaps he is quieter about his enthusiasm for sprouted hemp in his latest edition of the book. Since I don't have the latest edition of the book, I can't know for sure.

[Sam (UK)]

That's useful to know thanks, I did notice him using 'Sunwarrior powder' (made from sprouted barley and rice) and I'm aware that barley and rice in their seed form are not as nutritious as hemp yet significantly cheaper.

I wont be making any assumptions on dry seed data but maybe because sprouting and growing involves so many variables people are hesitant to publish data for fear of inaccuracy. I will keep digging...

[Arky]

...maybe because sprouting and growing involves so many variables people are hesitant to publish data for fear of inaccuracy...

You hit the nail on the head there, Sam. Also, there's not much profit to be made from letting the public know they can attain remarkable nutrition from unpretentious sprouted hemp seeds. Same, of course, goes for wheatgrass - the medical industry doesn't care to publicise the fact that (aside from the vile taste of tray-grown grass) grass is an unbelievably potent substance with the power to nourish, cleanse, detoxify, aid healing, and even aid growth, and all without any physiological side effects, even at high doses.

Coming back to the sprouted hemp, in addition to the intimidating aspect of variability which you mentioned, there is, of course, the strong dissuading factor of archaic attitudes towards hemp's potential THC content, even on governmental levels, so those seeking to promote it's use, sprouted or otherwise, for animal or human consumption, are in the minority, even if they have the sincerest of intentions. If I am a cattle farmer, and I have the inclination and financial resources to consider sprouting some hemp and sending it off for a series of lab analyses, then am I going to go ahead and do that or am I going to think to myself: "damn, even if I do find that sprouted hemp is the perfect food for my cattle, I'm going to face an uphill struggle to get permission/licenses etc. to actually grow the damn stuff in worthwhile quantity". In which case, it's easier just to go back to feeding sprouted grains.

I mention cattle as an example, simply because, aside from the work of Dr. Hagiwara, much of the best scientific research on the sprouted cereal grains has, over the years, been done with livestock and other animals. Therefore, were it not for the aforementioned archaic attitudes towards hemp, I would have suggested to you that your research efforts might best be focused upon agricultural and livestock studies. As it is, I think you're correct that you are going to face rather a paucity of available research in the literature.

If you're a wealthy man, then why not sprout some hemp and send it to a lab for analysis? Joking aside, I think I recall reading in her book 'Green For Life' that Victoria Boutenko did this, to find out the nutritional profile of a few different kinds of leafy green plants. Just be sure to make it explicitly clear that you are NOT asking them to assess the THC content of the seeds, or they may get the wrong idea about your intentions and the next thing you know, there'll be a knock at the door and a man/woman with an intimidating-looking I.D. badge may be asking if you can accompany them "for a chat..."

Good luck, and do let me know if you find anything interesting!

[lusterwings]

I'd also like to know more about the nutrition of sprouted hemp. For some reason, I have this gut feeling it's just sooooo wonderful, as hemp as a plant is of course.

I bought a sprouting kit from an online store, and even got the sprouting jar which I am now using to sprout lentils.

The bigger sprouting kit is a layered tier thing that allows several types of seeds to be sprouted, and effectively drained.

Has anyone else had much luck sprouting hemp? What do they taste like?

[Sam (UK)]

Arky: Sorry I have been busy and not had chance to reply. I have to say I actually love the taste of my tray grown wheatgrass every morning, but would force it down even if i did not :)

Totally agree with your points on THC levels of hemp perhapse governments should be wise enough to offer grants to farmers for lab testing or equipment to test their crop. I havent had much luck finding further data but lab testing costs are reasonable I am prepared to take that option. And hey i dont see why i shouldnt request THC content levels! Thanks for your knowledge so far, I will keep you posted.

lusterwings: Pleased to hear you have started you sprouting journey :) I dont consume lentils / legumes myself as I have heard much info similar to this: http://www.thebestdayever.com/news/c...fe-on-legumes/

Im sure they are perfectly safe in moderation but I am just trying to keep to the most ideal / perfect diet I can (which is different in everyones eyes).

[Sam (UK)]

UPDATE: I came across an article describing the greens as 'hemp leaf' (common for making tea). I did some further searches using this description and finally have started finding some nutritional info :)

Here is one of the sites:
http://www.yeonggwang.jeonnam.kr/02e...lty/songpyeon/

I will keep digging...