These stories and the research behind cannabis and CBD oil have gained a lot media attention in recent years. Most frequently mentioned are USA, Canada and Israel, where studies on the compounds and the beneficial properties of cannabis have put these countries at the forefront of the global industry. This has attracted investments, and not just the small kind. Billions of pounds are currently being invested in the booming cannabis industry and there is a very natural reason for this.
Cannabis oil with CBD is a product of nature. It has no adverse side effects. And it works; the body of proof is growing rapidly and is uncovering eye-opening new discoveries of the oil’s benefits every day. As a natural result, the demand on CBD oil has exploded. This rapid growth potential has sparked not only the attention of companies, but also governments around the world. Canada recently (July 1, 2018) repealed the prohibition of cannabis, becoming the second nation in history to do so. Back in 2013, Uruguay legalized cannabis – not just for medical use, but for every citizen to have the legal right to grow, sell and use cannabis at their own free will.
Canada is the first of the Group of Seven (G7) to legalize cannabis. More money is thereby predicted to circulate this market and according to Reuter’s, billions of dollars have already been invested by foreign stakeholders in Canadian cannabis companies such as Canopy Growth Corp, Aphria Inc, Horizons Marijuana Life Science ETF and Aurora Cannabis Inc. In the USA, the sale of cannabis reached nearly 9 million dollars in 2017, according to BDS Analytics. This means that the money spent on cannabis is almost equal to the national sales of chocolate bars.
So why name this article “20 Reasons Why Cannabis Oil is the Perfect Dietary Supplement”? Because if there were no real benefits in using CBD oil, the global demand for this product could never have reached the sky-high levels that it is at currently. Quite simply. And if cannabis oil with CBD had no beneficial properties, which some still argue, then governments and companies would not show such a great interest in such a controversial plant. Combined with the research results of numerous studies on the benefits and positive experiences of CBD oil, then it is quite natural to conclude that cannabis and CBD oils work and have plenty of beneficial effects for us to discover. And now on with it!
Below, we at EDOA have gathered 20 good reasons why CBD is the perfect supplement to any diet. This useful knowledge about CBD has been found among scientific research results, studies on its use and the stories from CBD users themselves.
1. CBD oil can boost your immune system
CBD oil can help balance the functions of your immune system. Because of its complexity, the immune system is sometimes in a state of imbalance, which is when we are more prone to ailments and to developing autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, which is caused by an overactive cell-mediated immunity. This cellular immune response targets the brain and nervous system, as if they were a dangerous antigen, i.e. a threat to your health.
Today, scientists recognize the contributing effect of CBD oil to the rebalancing of the immune system. This effect is important, because more and more people are daily affected by conditions that are caused by an overstimulated immune system. Allergies to dust and pollen are relatively harmless conditions, but can seriously affect the quality of life for those suffering from such overactive immune responses. CBD oil has shown to positively affect the body’s immune balance and the functionality of the immune system. This is why more and more people are using CBD oil to help improve their health and habits in a much more natural way than previously.
2. CBD oil is rich in protein
Protein is one of the body’s basic building blocks. It is needed for the production and maintenance of cells and tissues, as well as the production of hormones and enzymes. This is why a daily helping of protein plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and balanced immune system.
CBD oil represents the perfect source of protein. Hemp contains all the 20 amino acids that the body cannot produce itself, including the 9 essential amino acids. Extracted from hemp, our CBD oil is packed with healthy proteins.
3. CBD is a good source of fibre
Fibres are important to our health, because it helps the digestive system function normally. Moreover, fibres also lower bad cholesterol levels and balances out blood sugar levels. A diet rich in fibre is linked with the prevention of many of the lifestyle diseases we see today.
4. CBD oil is filled with fatty acids
Fatty acids aid in the production of the hormones, which our bodies need in order to regulate inflammation, muscle contractions and blood flow through our arteries. CBD oil is a natural source of the fatty acids Omega 3 and 6, which also helps balance triglyceride levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risks of heart disease or stroke.
In fact, CBD oil contains the perfect balance between the Omegas, which in a 3:1 ratio helps the body find its equilibrium and thus reduce the negative effects of a fatty diet, which for many of us comes from an excessive intake of Omega 6, compared to Omega 3.
Hemp is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a dietary supplement with this ideal balanced 3:1 ratio of the Omegas, which can help promote health and in the long term reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and even depression.
5. CBD is contains a wide range of vitamins
CBD is a great supplementary source of vitamins, which are essential for the maintenance of a healthy body and mind. All the letters of the alphabet matters when it comes to supplementary vitamins, so let’s look at what CBD can offer:
Vitamin A:
This primary vitamin plays a large role in the normal functions of our hearts, lungs, kidneys, and other internal organs. Vitamin A is fat-soluble, which is essential for the function of our immune system, the regulation of our genes and the reproductive processes. Moreover, it can also be a strong antioxidant.
A severe vitamin A deficiency can lead to infection, night blindness (nyctalopia) and blindness.
CBD oil, and particularly the Raw extract of the hemp plant, contains vitamin A and can therefore represent a healthy addition to a well-balanced diet.
Vitamin B (B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12):
Hemp can also be a source of vitamin B, which is a nutritional supplement that comes in many versions; each with their own benefits, which create balance throughout the entire body.
Vitamin B1 is good for the digestion of food, which is closely connected with the functions of our immune system. This vitamin also positively affects the brain and nervous system, helping to down-regulate some of the reactions a nutritional imbalance can cause, such as trouble with memory, nervousness, mood swings, sleep disturbances, or prickling and tingling sensations of the skin.
Moreover, B1 is also an important antioxidant, which protects our bodies from the early signs of aging by inhibiting the decay and damage to our cells. Together with vitamin C, B1 is also able to reduce the liver damage caused by alcohol consumption.
Vitamin B2 works in synergy with other B-vitamins to create red blood cells, preventing anemia. B2 is therefore part of an essential group of nutrients that have a vital impact on the growth and maintenance of our skin, mucous membranes, hair, nails, eyes, and other tissues, as well as our metabolism.
Vitamin B3 helps the body produce sex- and stress-related hormones. This particular vitamin can also have beneficial effects for the treatment of high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes.
Vitamin B6 is one of nature’s most versatile vitamins and is presumed to play an important part in more than a hundred enzyme reactions. This vitamin can help balance out our nervous system, our mood and also supports the function of our internal clock.
Although hemp cannot replace a healthy and balanced diet, then its Raw extract can represent a source of vitamin B12, which is an important vitamin for the prevention of anemia. B12 is needed for the process of creating blood cells, as well as for maintaining and creating the nerves of our nervous system. B12 is chemically the largest and most important activator of proteins, and is therefore very important for a healthy body.
Vitamin C
Human beings need an external source of vitamin C, because this is a vitamin that the body is not able to produce on its own. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant, which aids in the creation of collagen (a protein in our connective tissue, tendons, skin and bones) and supports our immune system in its fight against viruses and bacteria.
The body’s need for vitamin C is more prominent amongst people who experience high levels of physical stress or who smoke tobacco.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D increases the body’s uptake of calcium from its digestive system, which is important for the health and development of our bones and teeth. It also helps to keep our immune system balanced, and as such aids in the reduction and prevention of inflammations caused by an overactive immune response.
Our muscles also need vitamin D to convert calcium and phosphates into energy. This is important, as a vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and possibly various types of cancer. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency can in severe cases cause muscle pain and weakness.
The most important source of vitamin D is the sun, but other natural dietary supplements (for example a daily dose of CBD oil) can help boost the uptake of this vital vitamin.
Vitamin E
The name vitamin E is actually an umbrella term for a group of compounds with strong and powerful antioxidant properties. Particularly for the elderly, vitamin E can stimulate the body’s immune response and prevent the coagulation of blood, which can be beneficial for those at risk of infections or blood clots. Vitamin E has also been shown to repress the development of cancer cells.
6. CBD oil is rich in minerals
There are several minerals in hemp and its extracts. This makes CBD an ideal dietary supplement, if you are looking for an extra boost of nutritious and health-providing minerals.
Iron
As an important element in the production of blood cells and their transportation of oxygen to the working tissues of our body, iron is a vital mineral to include in your daily diet. It belongs to a group of micronutrients, which aids in the sustenance of a healthy immune system.
A lack of iron in the diet can lead to exhaustion and trouble sleeping. This makes the addition of an iron source important to our general quality of daily life.
Beta Carotene
As a natural precursor to vitamin A, beta carotene can effectively prevent and limit the development of metabolic syndrome, as well as intra-ocular (eye) calcification. Such properties can also benefit to the protection against cardiovascular diseases and even cancer.
Zinc
This mineral is vital for the body’s normal immune response. Zinc is connected to a lower risk of infections, because it works as an antioxidant that can regulate the growth and development of the body’s cells.
Zinc is important in the process of converting proteins, carbohydrates and fatty acids into energy and nutrition, because zinc is involved in more than 200 enzyme reactions in our body.
Potassium
The nutritional benefit of potassium is important for proper communication between your muscles and nerves. Moreover, a healthy balance of calcium in the body has been connected with a reduced risk of high blood pressure, heart diseases and strokes.
Calcium
This mineral is most known for its contribution to strong bones and teeth, but is also linked to a reduced risk of developing osteoporosis. This important mineral also improves cell signalling and helps maintain a healthy body weight.
Selenium
Due to its antioxidant properties, selenium is a great supplement found in trace amounts in many foods. As such, a natural boost of this mineral can have beneficial antioxidative effects.
Phosphorus
Although known for its strengthening of bones and teeth, a daily supplement of phosphorus can also help store and use energy productively.
Manganese
While an important part of the creation of bone and binding tissues, the mineral manganese also helps regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with osteoporosis or anemia.
Magnesium
This mineral has been scientifically proven to reduce the types of inflammations connected to heart disease and diabetes, but magnesium can also be beneficial for the treatment of migraines and osteoporosis.
Flavonoids
As a group of plant metabolites, flavonoids are believed to possess natural antioxidative effects, which are beneficial for the body’s cell signalling pathways. Scientific studies indicate that the flavonoids are antiviral, anticancerous and anti-inflammatory, which means that they can prevent heart disease, stroke and in some cases even cancer.
Terpenes and terpenoids
Known as the compounds that create the distinct smell and taste of cannabis oils, terpenes and terpenoids have shown themselves to be strong antioxidants. As such, they can help reduce inflammation and the harm caused by bodily imbalances, helping to both restore and maintain a healthy immune system.
7. You cannot get “high” from CBD oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic compound of the cannabis plant, which means it has no psychoactive effects. Some cannabis oils can have high THC levels, which can lead to a feeling of being “high” or euphoric. This is why there is often a high level of THC in recreational forms of cannabis, such as hashish, skunk, haze, kush, etc., while CBD is often connected with medicinal uses of cannabis.
The psychotropic properties of THC is illegal in most countries, even for medical use, because of its effects on the mental state of the user. However, CBD is legal in many part of the world, because it has no such mind-altering effects, and thereby represents a completely safe and natural dietary supplement.
8. CBD is shown to have beneficial effects on diabetes
A common influence of diabetes on the body is its attack on the glands of the pancreas, which produces and regulates the level of insulin and blood sugar in our system. The damaged function of the pancreas is often caused by the presence of inflammatory proteins.
The scientific proof of CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects shows promise for CBD oil to be used by diabetics in the fight against the negative proteins. As such, it can help restore a healthy balance between natural blood sugar levels and the body’s own insulin production.
Research has also shown that CBD can help minimize insulin resistance. In a study where people used CBD oil, the stored and unused insulin in their body was reduced, leading to a lower resistance.
9. CBD can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
In the same study, it was also discovered that people who used CBD had higher levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) and lower levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) in their blood when the study was over.
As such, CBD seems to have a beneficial effect on reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases, because of its ability to balance out the body’s hormone production, absorption of nutrients and much, much more.
10. CBD can protect brain cells (and help the body fight dementia and Alzheimer’s disease)
CBD research has found the compound to have neuroprotective properties, which means that CBD can possibly protect the brain from cell death. This means that neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, could be stopped in their tracks, thereby minimizing the brain damage caused by the destructive nature of these conditions.
Moreover, CBD may even work as a mediator for neurogenesis (the creation of new neural tissue). This shows promise for CBD to be used to restore the brain after damage caused by diseases or injuries. Such conditions can cause severe side effects due to neural death (the death of brain cells), including memory loss, the loss of cognitive abilities and changes in personality. CBD thereby represent a renewed hope for those suffering from the lost functions of neural networks to regain their way of life.
11. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties
Cannabis oil with CBD has through scientific studies been shown to have beneficial effects as an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agent, as it has been able to reduce the overactivation of the immune system. Cannabis is thereby a viable option for those suffering from skin diseases caused by an overactive immune response, as well as for other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs, caused by a dysregulated or imbalanced immune system) such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, arthritis, and allergy-induced asthma.
Both CBD and THC have properties that can regulate the body’s immune response, thereby rebalancing the body’s defence so that it is not overactive and stressed. Moreover, this return to the body’s natural equilibrium has many beneficial effects for both our physical and mental health.
12. The pain-reducing properties of CBD
CBD oil stimulates the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system consists of a group of neuromodulating lipids and receptors throughout the body, which are involved in a long line of physiological processes, among these the sensation of pain. When the ECS is imbalanced, the sensations of pain can become enhanced, which is why many conditions and diseases have pain as a symptom.
Many people have already used CBD as a analgesic (anti-pain) remedy and research supports the stories of CBD having analgesic effects, even for severe and neuropathic pains. Because pain is a very subjective feeling, the effects of CBD as an analgesic is not a one-size-fits-all, but both research and anecdotal evidence shows great promise of CBD to be used for pain management.
13. CBD help reduce stress
Stress impacts the functions of our endocannabinoid system. CBD interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors, which helps balance out the system as a whole. This is why CBD has a high probability of reducing stress.
A lot of people have used CBD to reduce stress and for stress-related conditions with great success, and studies even point to CBD having a scientifically proven, positive effect on stress.
14. CBD can help you sleep
In an animal testing study, CBD was administered in varying doses to a group of rats in order to study their sleeping habits. A control group, which was given no CBD at all, was also included to determine, whether CBD had any effect on sleep. The results showed that the rats that had received CBD showed significantly higher sleep rates than did the control group.
Moreover, the group of rats that had received CBD were less likely to sleep during the day, which also improved the quality of sleep that the rats got at night. This regulated sleep cycle indicated that CBD can have a positive effect on sleep issues, thereby mediating a normal pattern of sleep and awake time that can help prevent fatigue and tiredness during the day.
15. CBD’s anti-depressant properties
Research has shown CBD to have properties that can help in the treatment of depression. For example, a study done on mice showed that the mice that received CBD showed significant improvements to their depressive states.
CBD oil has the optimal 3:1 ratio of Omega 3 and 6, which is an ideal ratio for the rebalancing of the body and the promotion of physical and mental health. This can in the long run help reduce the risk and severity of depression.
16. CBD as a natural anxiety reducer (also for OCD, PTSD and ADHD)
Scientific research indicates that the consumption of CBD oil as a preventative method against anxiety-provoking situations can reduce the presence of discomfort, anxiety and weaknesses of cognitive abilities because of an anxiety attack. The CBD oil makes it easier for people to deal with the repercussions of an anxiety attack and to continue on with life after such an attack has passed.
Results of comparative studies have shown that people who consumed CBD oil had lower levels of anxiety and discomfort than those in control groups, who received a placebo. The CBD groups showed more resilience and calm in anxiety-inducing situations, and were also better at solving tasks than the control group had during such anxious incidences.
More research still needs to be done on CBD for anxiety, but it has been scientifically proven that CBD can increase the receptibility of 5-HT1A receptors, among others, which increases the uptake of serotonin; our body’s own, natural feel-good chemical.
17. CBD has helped reduce seizures
Animal studies and anecdotal evidence from pet owners have shown that CBD has anti-spasmodic properties. This means that CBD can reduce both the frequency and intensity of spasms and seizures.
Moreover, several stories of children who have regained their quality of life after several years with severe epileptic seizures are amassing on the world wide web. Such stories have sparked the interest of several scientists, and the effects of cannabis on spasms and seizures are now being researched as a possible treatment option for children with severe and rare types of epilepsy.
18. CBD reduces nicotine addiction
Studies have shown that nicotine directly affects the functions of our endocannabinoid system (ECS) and even reduces our natural ability to release dopamine.
The University of London has experimented on CBD and nicotine addiction, and the results have been rather impressive: A group of 24 participants with frequent smoking habits were either in a group given CBD or in a placebo group. The University scientists found that CBD was potent enough to reduce the need for smoking and tobacco, when compared to the placebo.
19. CBD has no harmful side effects
The known side effects of using CBD are lightheadedness, mild headache and nausea. Some may even experience flu-like symptoms in the beginning, because the CBD oil activates a cleansing of the body from any build-up of toxins. Such toxins can especially attach themselves to the gut and intestinal system, where CBD can have an especially cleansing effect. This is because CBD contains chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants and a key element in photosynthesis), which can have purifying effects on the intestines.
20. CBD can help limit cancer cells growth
Though controversial, the possible cancer-fighting properties of cannabis, CBD and hemp have captured the scientific world, leading the way to new discoveries on the matter.
The cannabinoids found in hemp activate the receptors that enables the body to produce a pharmacological effect in the immune and central nervous systems. Through this activation, cannabinoids have shown potential as an inhibitor of cancer cells growth. In fact, research results also indicate that cannabis can reduce the size of tumours and severity of cancer-related symptoms.
More specifically, it is when CBD and THC binds with the CB1 or CB2 receptors in the cancer cells that a reaction happens; an increased level of ceramide occurs in the nerve tissue and in the brain, which aids in the synthesis that leads to cell death. Ceramide is a compound that is not present in normal cells when they are close to the CBD or THC cannabinoids; however, it is in cancer cells. The key to the death of cancer cells is thereby the accumulation of ceramide in the body, which does not affect healthy cells, but only diseased cells. As such, if a patient over a period of time consumes cannabinoids, such as CBD and/or THC, then the accumulated ceramide can keep a metabolic pressure on the cancer cells and induce the death of these diseased cells, without causing harm to its healthy neighbours.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is, as mentioned, a group of neuromodulating lipids and receptors, which are involved in a wide range of physiological processes. These include the regulation of sleep, appetite, pain, inflammation, metabolism, and memory, as well as neuron protection.
Plant cannabinoids, such as CBD, interacts with the ECS. This interaction is what scientists believe to be the reason for the physiological effects reported from the daily use of CBD oil. They believe that when the ECS is in a state of imbalance and not working as it should, then the body is more prone to disease. This imbalance is known as endocannabinoid deficiency, which CBD can help regulate and rebalance through nature’s own potential.
The daily dose of vitamins in the form of pills have long been the norm, even though many of us are completely unaware of what they actually do for our bodies. How many different types of vitamin pills do you have in your medicine cabin?
Cannabis oil with CBD is a completely natural, harmless and beneficial supplement. That is a fact. We do agree that more research needs to be done, but when we look at all the benefits that have already been documented on the use of cannabis oil with CBD, we cannot ignore the fact that as a dietary supplement, then cannabis oil with CBD represents the most potent, natural and wholesome supplement on the market.
From nature to you – for a better quality of life and a happy, healthy and balanced body.
