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Cannascience - Regenerative Raw Cannabis, Is It Being Considered the New Super Food?
So did you know that cannabis is a superfood? I have been well aware of that starting over a decade ago when I started juicing leaves for health and wellness benefits. Cannabis is an incredibly unique plant that contains over 400 different chemical compounds. The number of vitamins, essential oils, and acids found in cannabis has led experts calling cannabis a “dietary essential.” Cannabis is a particularly special plant in the world of nutrition because the herb contains extremely high concentrations of cannabinoid acids. Turns out, these acids are incredibly important for a human basic cell function.
Two of the primary cannabinoid acids that have been studied thus far are THCa and CBDa. When you heat these acids via smoking, vaping, or cooking cannabis you break them down into slightly different chemicals. Specifically, some degrade them into psychoactive THC and cannabinoid CBD. The process of converting these cannabinoid acids into their “active” form is known as decarboxylation, or “decarbing.” Active THC and CBD have their share of benefits, but the one major downside to decarbing is that your body can only handle small amounts of these now-activated cannabinoids.
When you eat raw cannabis, your body can process extremely large amounts of THCa and CBDa without issue. Your body then converts these acids into the nutrients it needs via your metabolism. Consuming these cannabinoid acids is important because they help your cells communicate with each other via the endocannabinoid system.
Consuming more cannabinoid acids may be the key to the prevention of chronic diseases caused by endocannabinoid deficiencies. Endocannabinoid deficiencies are thought to play a major role in the development of medical conditions like:
Anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-diabetic properties
Anti-ischemic properties
Organic regenerative cannabis juicing offers a unique nutritional profile, providing a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Fresh cannabis leaves are abundant in vitamins such as A, C, and K, which support immune function, skin health, and blood clotting, respectively. Additionally, these leaves contain significant amounts of folate, essential for DNA synthesis and repair, making cannabis juice a valuable addition to a nutrient-dense diet. The high chlorophyll content in the leaves enhances detoxification processes and supports overall cellular health, acting as a potent antioxidant.
Furthermore, cannabis leaves are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining heart health and supporting brain function. These essential fats are often deficient in modern diets, and their presence in cannabis juice can help restore a healthier balance. The mineral content, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, contributes to bone health, muscle function, and red blood cell production. Together, these nutrients not only support general health and well-being but also offer potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in reducing inflammation and promoting overall systemic balance.
When choosing to include raw cannabis in your diet please make sure to use organic leaves and stems from a regenerative farm. Cannabis is a biocumulator and will uptake all metals, chemicals and other things in the soil. Grow your own or support a local, craft-conscious small family farm.
All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Educated & Trained Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change. Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP in ECS & Naturopathic Medicine, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, The Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her Telemedicine Consultations, Educational Programs, YouTube videos, and other creative content, you can find her on the massive inter-webs on all platforms or at drpepperhernandez.com. Go forth, Go Cannabis...