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Cannabis, often known for its recreational and medicinal uses, is more than just THC and CBD. This remarkable plant is a rich source of a myriad of nutrients and beneficial compounds. As the legalization and acceptance of cannabis spreads globally, it is crucial to understand the nutritional value it holds.
Today, we’re going to review some cannabis nutrients to help you understand exactly what benefits the plant offers beyond psychoactive effects. Let’s start by looking at cannabinoids.
Please note that cannabis is not an FDA-approved substance for treating, preventing, or curing any disease or condition. If you are considering using cannabis as part of your medical care, please consult with your doctor first.
The most talked-about compounds in cannabis are the cannabinoids. These are unique to the cannabis plant and are the source of its psychoactive and therapeutic effects.
Common types of cannabinoids include:
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis, which give each strain a distinct flavor and aroma.
Terpenes may also provide some other benefits, as they are commonly used in aromatherapy. Some common types of cannabis-derived terpenes can include:
Flavonoids are plant-derived compounds that give plants their color and have antioxidant properties. Cannabis contains unique flavonoids such as cannaflavins A and B, which are regarded for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Another common flavonoid is quercetin. Research has identified potential quercetin benefits such as helping to rescue inflammation, alleviate allergy symptoms, and help with reducing blood pressure.
Omega-3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid are crucial for brain health, inflammation control, and various other bodily processes. Hemp seeds, in particular, from the cannabis plant are an excellent source of such fatty acids.
Hemp seeds have alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based form of omega-3. This type of fatty acid offers benefits such as helping to protect against heart disease, help with controlling asthma, and reducing inflammation.
Cannabis has several vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the body. These include:
It should be noted that most of these vitamins and minerals are mostly available in other mediums that do not include smoking or vaping. For example, edibles, cannabis pills, cannabis tinctures, and cannabis beverages containing high-quality extracts are more common cannabis-based sources for these nutrients.
Derived from the cannabis plant, hemp seeds stand out as an exemplary source of protein. The richness of protein in these seeds is accentuated by the fact that they encapsulate all nine essential amino acids.
For a point of reference, these amino acids are termed 'essential' because our bodies cannot produce them autonomously, which means we must obtain them through our diet. When a food source contains all of these amino acids, it's classified as a 'complete protein.'
This completeness of protein in hemp seeds offers an invaluable dietary addition, especially for those who abstain from animal products, such as vegetarians and vegans. For them, hemp seeds can significantly aid in ensuring they receive a balanced protein profile, integral for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall bodily functions.
While smoking and vaping cannabis is great for the psychoactive, calming, and aromatic effects of using the plant, it is not always the most effective medium for deriving nutritional value. Instead, cold-consumption methods (ones that do not require heat or combustion) are more effective since most of these are metabolized through the digestive system, such as enjoying a beverage or eating a gummy.
As we stated above, if you are interested in using cannabis as part of your nutritional plan, please consult with a professional such as a doctor or registered dietitian before doing so. They can evaluate your overall health, factor in any other medications you are taking, and offer personalized advice tailored to your specific needs.
Located in Oswego and proudly serving the entire Chicagoland community, Market 96 is your destination for the best cannabis products in the area along with the most personalized and dedicated customer service. To learn more about what we offer, browse or shop our full range of cannabis products online or contact us anytime for more information.
