Just as our bodies are naturally designed to produce endocannabinoids to bring about biological harmony, or homeostasis, within the body, our bodies are also naturally designed to eliminate toxins through detoxification.
There may be instances where your body suffers from an endocannabinoid deficiency or you are seeking to provide your body with a wellness boost. This is where taking in plant cannabinoids, like Cannabidiol (CBD), may help. Just as you may be able to boost your Endocannabinoid System with these cannabinoids, you may also enhance your body’s natural detoxification system with the addition of plant antioxidants to your diet.
Therefore, it would make sense that CBD and these nutritional foods working together, may provide you with a detox boost.
Antioxidants for detoxification
Antioxidants are compounds naturally occurring within the body to defend your cells from potentially harmful free radicals, which are atoms that may cause damage to cells, proteins, DNA, and trigger diseases. If free radicals overwhelm the body’s natural antioxidants to regulate them, what is known as oxidative stress may take place.
Taking in antioxidants may assist your body in preventing or decreasing oxidative stress by safely interacting with the free radicals before molecules become damaged. Among others, some of the major, researched micronutrient antioxidants that can be taken in to supplement endogenous antioxidants are vitamin E, vitamin C, B-carotene, and Zinc. Studies show that these nutrients are most effective when consumed in their natural, plant form. For example, a vitamin C supplement may contain 500 mg per serving whereas a strawberry contains 80 mg, but that strawberry also contains plant chemicals known as proanthocyanins and flavonoids to help give it that, more effective, antioxidant boost.
CBD as an antioxidant
Research has shown CBD and THC to be equally successful at blocking toxicity of a neurotransmitter released by nerve cells in the brain, known as glutamate. It’s effects were comparable to the industrial antioxidant known as BHT, suggesting their role as not only an antioxidant but a neuroprotectant.
Additional studies have shown the therapeutic actions of CBD to reduce the force of oxidative stress in human disease models and improve kidney function as well as be a modulator of the immune system through anti-inflammatory properties.
These therapeutic benefits of CBD, among several others, show the potential of taking CBD as a part of a daily regime or cooking with cannabinoids for added, overall wellness. If you are just starting out with cannabinoids, please remember that the quality of your product matters. Make sure you are using a product of quality that is safe.
If you are looking for an antioxidant-rich recipe to assist your body with detoxification, we have a refreshing smoothie here for you to try! Use frozen fruits for an even more delightful summer treat.
CBD-Infused Detox Smoothie
1 cup fresh or frozen mangos (beta-carotene)
½ cup frozen spinach (beta-carotene)
½ cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks (vitamin C)
1 banana (vitamin C)
Handful mixed cashews and almonds (zinc and vitamin E)
About 20mg of CBD oil (I used 1mL which was equivalent to 17mg of CBD in a “natural” flavor)
2 cups filtered water
Optional: 1 tbs of hulled hemp seeds for added protein and omega 3 fatty acids
Optional: Top with shaved coconut for added vitamins C and E
Blend until smooth and ENJOY!
