Hemp & CBD

What is hemp & CBD?

The hemp plant refers to the non-psychoactive (less than 1% THC) variety of the Cannabis sativa species. Hemp is known for a variety of uses including:

  •         Medicinal
  •         Health foods
  •         Organic body care
  •         Clothing
  •         Construction materials
  •         Paper
  •         Biofuel
  •         Plastic composites, and more.

Hemp is more environmentally friendly than traditional plants as it breathes in CO2, detoxified the soil, prevents soil erosion and breakdowns providing valuable nutrients.  

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, a cannabinoid or compound extracted from the hemp plant, is known to have significant benefits.

Now, let’s get a bit more scientific.

Israeli scientist, Raphael Mechoulam, is credited for the discovery of what is now known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps regulate a variety of physiological and cognitive processes including appetite, pain-sensation, memory, and mood. It is also known for facilitating the pharmacological effects of cannabis. In addition, the ECS is involved in mediating the effects of physical exercise contributing to exercise-induced euphoria, movement, and motivational salience.

Okay, so what does all that mean?

Basically, within our bodies, we have the ECS. The ECS helps regulate and encourages homeostasis – any process or reaction that our body utilizes to actively maintain a constant internal environment. Within the ECS, you will find cannabinoid receptors including CB1 or CB2. Our body even produces its own cannabinoids! How amazing are we. 

CBD indirectly influences our CB1 or CB2 receptors which are found throughout the body in the central nervous system, immune system, and even in our skin! So, when CBD interacts with receptors, it helps to regulate important bodily functions.

Studies show CBD can provide relief for a range of conditions, including depression, chronic pain, PTSD, arthritis, epilepsy, MS, diabetes, and more. CBD has also shown neuroprotective and neurogenic effects meaning it can help reduce damage to the brain and nervous system while encouraging the growth of new neurons. With tons of research being conducted, the potential benefits could increase!

But we are here to learn how hemp can help us achieve better health and wellness. Let’s talk about CBD as a fitness enhancer.

CBD & Fitness

Studies show that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties (shutting down inflammation and reducing chronic pain), decreases blood sugar, decreases appetite, lowers abdominal obesity, and facilitates a good night’s sleep.  As an analgesic, CBD also helps alleviate pain during and after exercise.

The National Institute of Health suggests CBD exhibits antioxidant properties meaning that it inhibits oxidation - a chemical reaction that produces free radicals (including those associated with the development of cancer) that eventually damage cells and lead to illnesses and chronic diseases. Antioxidants play an important role in a nutritious diet to maintain health and proper biological function. CBD was even found to be a more powerful antioxidant than both vitamins C and E!

The stress chemical, cortisol, is a big health problem! You've guessed it - CBD  helps to protect against excess stress. As an effective anti-catabolic substance (a substance which protects muscle mass in the body from being broken down), CBD counteracts cortisol from being released. Helping to keep cortisol levels in check allows for muscles to recharge and grow!

CBD also suppress appetite. You are probably scratching your head because marijuana (another plant within the cannabis family) has a bit of a reputation when it comes to your appetite. CBD has been found to stimulate genes and proteins to enhance the breakdown of fat, increase the number and activity of mitochondria increasing the body’s ability to burn calories and decrease the release of the proteins involved in fat cell generation.

I know that was a lot to take in but…

These benefits contribute to the development of exercise-induced euphoria and help accelerate the recuperating process resulting in better health and wellness. With all the benefits and no side effects like pharmaceuticals, see for yourself how CBD can help you! Plants still seem to be better chemists than humans...

Disclaimer: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources:

  1. Donvito, Giulia; Nass, Sara R.; Wilkerson, Jenny L.; Curry, Zachary A.; Schurman, Lesley D.; Kinsey, Steven G.; Lichtman, Aron H. (31 August 2017). "The Endogenous Cannabinoid System: A Budding Source of Targets for Treating Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain". Neuropsychopharmacology. 43 (1): 52–79. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.204. ISSN 1740-634X. PMC 5719110. PMID 28857069.

  2. Echo. “The Endocannabinoid System Encourages Homeostasis: What Does That Mean?” ECHO Connection, 8 Dec. 2017, echoconnection.org/endocannabinoid-system-encourages-homeostasis-mean/.

  3. Echo. “CBD Has Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Properties. What Does That Mean?” ECHO Connection, 13 Dec. 2017, echoconnection.org/cbd-has-antioxidant-and-neuroprotective-properties-what-does-that-mean/.

  4. CV Science, Inc. (2018, November 21). Can Cannabidiol (CBD) Help Support Weight Loss and Metabolism? Retrieved from https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cbd-weight-loss-metabolism