Power of CBD + A Plant-based Vegan Diet
Holistic Healing
The Power of Organic CBD and a Plant-Based Diet
Some things are stronger when you combine them. When it comes to reducing inflammation, balancing mood, and preventing disease, the combination of a vegan diet and CBD is a powerful one. And in more ways than you might think. Let me give you 9 reasons to harness the power of CBD and a plant-based diet into your life.
Organic CBD - A powerful healing tool
Until the 1930’s, you could buy medical marijuana over the counter for a variety of ailments. But for various political and business reasons, this natural remedy became demonized and marginalized. Only in the last few years has modern medicine reconnected with the power of CBD, or cannabidiol. And rightly so.
CBD is one of over a hundred active compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Not to be confused with THC, which is what creates the buzz you get if you smoke marijuana. CBD on the other hand, does not get you high - it’s completely non-psychoactive, and non-toxic.
How does it work? Cannabinoid receptors are found in the brain and the immune system. Your body’s endocannabinoid system is involved in sleep, mood, and immune function. Because of this, CBD can have a number of positive effects on your health, all of them backed up by science.
1. CBD reduces pain
Human studies have shown that CBD can effectively reduce pain associated with arthritis and multiple sclerosis. It’s a natural alternative to pharmaceutical painkillers, which are addictive and come with a long list of side effects.
2. CBD improves mood
Improves mood - CBD has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and depression. In one study, participants suffering from social anxiety who were given a CBD supplement experienced lower levels of anxiety compared to those given a placebo. One reason for this effect is that CBD acts on the brain’s serotonin receptors (serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates your mood - your very own happy chemical).
3. CBD shows potential against cancer
In a study examining the effect of CBD on cancer-related symptoms, scientists found that it helped reduce nausea, vomiting and pain associated with chemotherapy. And it might even have anti-cancer properties. Researchers have found CBD can induce cancer cell necrosis (cell death), and inhibit the spread of aggressive breast cancer.
4. CBD is anti-inflammatory.
Most doctors now understand that chronic inflammation is at the root of many of the diseases we now face, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and auto-immune disorders - and even some skin conditions like acne. CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory. It acts on the immune system to suppress the release of cytokines and chemokines (cells related to inflammation). Because of this, scientists are researching CBD as a potential new treatment against many inflammatory diseases.
Plant-based Eating - Your blueprint for health
Nutritionists and scientists agree - the simplest way to prevent disease, improve health and increase longevity is to eat a plant-based diet. Since I started eating a whole-foods vegan diet about a year ago, I feel better on so many levels! Here’s how plant foods help you to be healthier:
1. Plant-based diet and weight loss
The extra fibre from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds help to balance blood sugar (because it slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream) and keep you satiated after meals (because it swells in your intestines). You’re therefore less likely to snack, and it’s easier to lose weight, or maintain a healthy weight.
2. Plant-based diet and disease prevention
Studies have found that people who eat a predominantly plant-based diet have a lower risk of disease, including cancer. That’s because plant foods are high in antioxidants and nutrients that help the body to fight disease, slow down aging, and protect the immune system.
3. Plant-based diet and mood
A whole foods vegan diet is naturally lower in processed foods and refined sugar, both of which are linked with mood disorders like depression. When you choose this diet, you effectively increase your portion of brain-loving antioxidants and healthy fats from plant-foods, while reducing your consumption of ingredients that make your depressed. It’s a win-win combination that will put a smile on your face.
4. Plant-based diet and digestion
Your gut loves plants, and plants love your gut. They contain fibres and sugars that feed the good bacteria in your digestive system. This is fundamental to health since your gut is also the seat of your immune system. Keeping it strong will ensure you’re better able to fight illness and disease.
So, pretty powerful, I’m sure you’ll agree. But the power of CBD and a plant-based diet extends beyond your physical and mental health.
Can CBD and a plant-based diet can improve the environment?
In fact, both CBD and a vegan diet can help address the very real issues our world faces in terms of climate change and global warming. Our environment cannot cope with an increase in meat production - a vegan diet is the only way to feed the world, and is one of the most powerful things you can do to make a positive impact on the environment.
And what about CBD? Well, its effect is a bit less direct, but has as much potential. CBD is made from hemp. Hemp is one of those plants that can grow anywhere, with no pesticides. Interestingly, you can make a lot of things from hemp, for example plastics (that don’t pollute like traditional plastic), paper (that doesn’t require the cutting down of ancient forests), fuel, cloth, rope, even bricks! Hemp gives us the opportunity to move away from materials that have a destructive effect on the planet. The more awareness of hemp’s green potential, the cleaner and greener we can make our world.
And that’s why CBD and a plant-based diet are two powerful modalities that, when combined, can make a world of difference.
What do you think about CBD? Have you tried it? Has it helped you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/
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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2010/jun/02/un-report-meat-free-diet