When you think of high-quality plant protein, hemp seeds may not be the first thing that comes to mind - but they should be. Hidden within these small, nutty seeds are two powerhouse proteins: albumin and edestin. Together, they make hemp one of the most digestible and complete plant-based protein sources on the planet.

So, what exactly are albumin and edestin - and why should you care? Let’s break down the facts.

Meet the Proteins: Albumin & Edestin

Albumin: The All-Rounder

Albumin is a water-soluble globular protein. You might recognise it as the primary protein in egg whites or even human blood plasma. In hemp seeds, it plays a similar nutritional role, providing a full range of essential amino acids.

One of albumin’s key benefits is its fast digestibility - it breaks down quickly in the body, making it an excellent source of quick, accessible protein. This makes it especially beneficial for athletes and anyone looking to support muscle recovery and repair.
However, albumin is a bit sensitive to heat, which makes it more suitable for raw or minimally processed hemp products.

Edestin: The Hemp Hero

Now here’s where hemp seeds really shine. Edestin makes up 60 - 80% of hemp seed protein. It’s a hexameric globular protein - a complex structure that resembles proteins naturally found in the human body. This means it’s incredibly easy to digest and absorb.

Edestin is particularly rich in arginine, an amino acid that supports heart health, immune function, and tissue repair. Unlike albumin, edestin is heat-stable, making it perfect for cooking, baking, and food processing.

Why These Proteins Matter

Together, albumin and edestin make hemp protein a complete protein - containing all 9 essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own. That’s a rare trait in the plant world, and it’s one reason why hemp is quickly becoming a go-to for vegetarians, vegans, and health-conscious eaters.

Nutritional Highlights:

  • Easily digested by the body
  • Rich in amino acids, including arginine, methionine, and cysteine
  • Supports muscle repair, immune health, and enzyme production
  • Free from common allergens like soy or dairy


Hemp Protein vs. Other Plant Proteins

Many plant proteins - like soy or pea - require additional processing to boost digestibility or complete their amino acid profile. Hemp, thanks to albumin and edestin, does all this naturally.

Plus, because hemp protein is less likely to cause bloating or digestive discomfort, it’s often better tolerated by those with sensitive stomachs.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a clean, plant-based protein that your body will love, hemp protein is hard to beat. Its secret lies in the powerful combination of albumin and edestin - two proteins that offer digestibility, a complete amino acid profile, and functional benefits that go far beyond basic nutrition.

So next time you sprinkle hemp seeds on your salad or mix a scoop of hemp protein into your smoothie, know that you’re feeding your body something truly special.