We always strive to achieve a healthy life for ourselves and our loved ones. And now that we are living with a health crisis, overall well being has become more important than ever. In such a case, proper exercise, the right amount of sleep and most importantly a healthy diet have reached the top of our lists. When we talk about a healthy diet, we always try to include all the nutrient-dense foods to get the most out of our daily meals. Kale, spinach, nuts, eggs, fish and the list goes on. But there is one more addition to the list of superfoods that not a lot of people are aware of. Cannabis.
Cannabis will meet most of your body’s nutrient requirements if consumed in the correct amount using proper ways. Before you get excited, just remember to get an MMJ card, if your state requires you to, before buying cannabis.
Not sure yet? Let me give you some reasons why cannabis is a superfood that should be on your plate.
It is loaded with essential amino acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of life because they are responsible for creating proteins in our bodies. Along with this, amino acids are also important to help repair any damaged tissues, for proper absorption of nutrients, muscle growth and maintaining a healthy immune system. And these are only a few of the many roles that amino acids play in our bodies.
Our body needs 20 types of amino acids out of which 9 are essential that cannot be produced by our body. So we have to compensate for the lack with our diet. Cannabis is a complete protein because it contains all 20 of them. You can also find 8 of the essential amino acids in hemp seeds which are easily available in the market.
It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Another essential nutrient that our body needs are fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fatty acids cannot be produced in the body which is why you have to meet the right amounts with your diet. Cannabis is one of those superfoods that can help you meet the appropriate level. It is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Each of which has crucial roles to play in our body.
Fatty acids promote body growth by helping in protein production. They help in maintaining brain health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They can also act as an anti-inflammatory and help reduce pain. Hemp seeds are a good source of omega fatty acids. The ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in hemp seeds is 2:1 or 3:1 which is considered an ideal ratio. In fact, some even believe that hemp seeds can be a great alternative to fish.
Storehouse of Fiber
We are always told to eat a lot of fiber in our diet. It is important to maintain a good bowel movement, proper digestion and healthy bacteria growth in our body. If all these factors are met, our body is also able to maintain physical and mental well being. Fiber helps you manage weight and cholesterol levels which reduces risks of heart problems. This is why many people believe that a high fiber diet is connected to a longer life. That’s how the craze of the Mediterranean diet started.
Looking at all the benefits, we fill our portions with whole wheat, vegetables, fruits and everything we know is rich in dietary fiber. But do you know what else contains loads of fiber? Cannabis.
The leaves and seeds are a rich source of dietary fiber mainly insoluble fiber that is known to ease digestion and maintain bowel health.
Nutritional advantages of vitamins and minerals
Along with all the major nutrients, vitamins and minerals are needed in small amounts but are equally important for the body’s health. You can introduce them to your body with supplements or with the help of superfoods. Apart from the vegetables and fruits you know already, cannabis is also rich in vitamins and minerals. Here are a few of the vitamins and minerals found in cannabis.
Vitamin C: Good for immunity
Vitamin A: Maintains eye health
Vitamin K: Helps with blood clotting and wound healing.
Folate: Cell growth and function.
Iron: Boosts hemoglobin
Calcium: Maintains bone health
Zinc: Improves the working of the immune system.
You get the medical properties of cannabinoid acids
Raw or non-decarboxylated cannabis contains THC and CBD in its acidic forms called cannabinoid acids form THCA and CBDA. These acids are not intoxicating but they have many health benefits of their own.
THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid helps with inflammation, reduction of disease causing cells, reduces nausea and prevents appetite loss. THCA is also known to have neuroprotective abilities which makes it a medical aid for neurodegenerative diseases. CBDA on the other hand is also anti-nauseatic. But it is most commonly known for its mood uplifting abilities. It increases the levels of serotonin that develops positive feelings which can help people with mood disorders or severe anxiety and depression.
You can benefit the most from CBDA and THCA when consumed in a raw form. You can blend it into a smoothie with all of your favorite fruits or have it as a salad. The taste might not be your cup of tea but it’s worth all the nutritional benefits.
Enjoy the benefits of terpenes
Cannabis is loaded with different types of terpenes, depending on the strain you have. Terpenes have therapeutic benefits too. But you may not be able to take the full advantage of these properties when you smoke or turn it into an edible. Eating it raw or vaping at low temperature is the best way to enjoy the anti-inflammatory, sleep-inducing, anti-anxiety and pain relieving properties of cannabis.
Conclusion
When you are using cannabis for its nutritional value, you can make use of the whole plant.
Leaves, seeds, stems or buds, you can use everything to make yourself healthy. But before you enter a dispensary to buy cannabis, make sure you are aware of the rules of your state. You must have a valid medical card if your state laws ask for it. If you already have one, check whether it is expired or not. If it is, get an MMJ card renewal. It takes no more than 10 minutes when done online.
So get a medical card and start experiencing the benefits of cannabis today.
