Why cannabis is the only antioxidant you'll need
We’ve all heard the advice of eating lots of colorful superfoods such as blueberries, spinach and carrots to enjoy the benefits of antioxidant.
However a lot us don’t really fully understand how important antioxidants are – and most of us don’t even know that cannabis is a terrific source of antioxidants.
Antioxidants ward off the attack of harmful chemicals called free radicals on the body, and prevent oxidative stress. Free radicals contribute to aging, cancer and many other diseases. Studies show that the major compound found in cannabis, cannabinoids, are naturally packed with powerful antioxidant properties.
But before we delve into the benefits of antioxidants in cannabis, let’s take a closer look at how antioxidants fight free radicals and oxidative stress.
Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress
Our bodies are continuously under attack from oxidative stress. Oxygen in the body splits into single atoms with unpaired electrons. Electrons like to be in pairs, so these atoms, called free radicals, scavenge the body to seek out other electrons so they can become a pair. This causes damage to cells, proteins and DNA.
Human diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and many others are all associated with free radicals. They are also linked to aging, which has been defined as a gradual accumulation of free radical damage.
Substances that generate free radicals can be found in the food we eat, the medicines we take, the air we breathe and the water we drink. These substances include fried foods, alcohol, tobacco smoke, pesticides and air pollutants.
Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many free radicals and too much cellular damage. Oxidative stress is associated with damage of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Several studies have suggested that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of many conditions, including macular degeneration, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, emphysema, alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ulcers and all inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and lupus.
How antioxidants combat free radicals and oxidative stress
Antioxidants keep free radicals in check. Antioxidants are molecules in cells that prevent free radicals from taking electrons and causing damage. Antioxidants are able to give an electron to a free radical without changing themselves, therefore breaking the free radical chain reaction.
Our body produces some antioxidants on its own, but an insufficient amount to protect against external factors that cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants (too many free radicals and too few antioxidants). It has become necessary to find other sources of antioxidants though food and nutrients to help protect us.
Cannabis as an antioxidant
Numerous studies have shown that cannabinoids in cannabis have powerful antioxidant properties.
Current research also suggests that the antioxidant properties of cannabis hold therapeutic potential for a number of inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.
Antioxidants in Cannabis for Neurodegenerative disorders
Most of us are familiar with age-related neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia, these are due to loss of neural function. It is believed that the causes for these disorders are oxidative damage and excitoxicity, which are both affected by oxidative stress.
The antioxidant properties in cannabis have shown even more potential than other antioxidant rich foods to fight off age-related toxicity. The cannabinoid THC, has shown improvements in brain function for patients with Alzheimer’s, and CBD has the potential to reduce neural inflammation.
Antioxidants in Cannabis for Skin Protection
These same free radicals that are damaging cells inside us, can also cause skin cells to die. Regular exposure to pollution and UV rays on our skin produce these free radicals and result in signs of aging such as wrinkles and skin dullness. Thankfully you can purchase cannabis infused creams and balms rich in antioxidants to nourish your skin allowing you to enjoy the benefits.
Time to add cannabis to your routine
Many foods rich in antioxidant such as nuts, berries and apples and many more are an excellent source of vitamins C and E, and will provide you with a much needed healthy dose of antioxidants . Cannabis is more powerful than any of these antioxidant-rich foods and should be a priority in your lifestyle to give your body the extra antioxidant boost it needs.
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