Nail the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) Exam 2025 – Fuel Up for a Health-Packed Future!

Hempseed is considered an incomplete protein source because it does not contain adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids required by the human body. While it is rich in certain proteins and provides a good balance of essential fatty acids, it lacks enough lysine, which is one of the essential amino acids.

In contrast, soybean, quinoa, and buckwheat are recognized as complete plant proteins. They provide all nine essential amino acids, making them valuable sources of protein for individuals following a plant-based diet. Soybean contains sufficient amounts of all essential amino acids, making it an ideal protein source. Quinoa is unique among grains as it contains a complete amino acid profile, and buckwheat, although often classified as a grain, is technically a fruit seed and also provides all essential amino acids.

By understanding these characteristics, it becomes clear why hempseed is classified differently compared to soybean, quinoa, and buckwheat in terms of protein completeness.