CBD is utilized for a variety of reasons. One of its best-known benefits is its potent anti-inflammatory properties. But one benefit of CBD that isn’t as well known is that it acts as an antioxidant, like vitamins C and E. In fact, when compared to vitamins C and E, CBD is 30% to 50% more effective as an antioxidant!
How well our bodies deal with free radicals (which can come from environmental stress and toxins like UV rays, pollution, and tobacco smoke) is a sign of how healthy we are. Free radicals are also produced naturally as byproducts of our cells’ normal functions. When our immune system battles viruses and bacteria, for example, it generates an oxidative burst of free radicals to eliminate the invaders and any injured cells.
The more free radicals we have in our bodies daily, the more harm they do to our healthy cells and DNA. You may have encountered the term “antioxidants” when investigating healthy diet and lifestyle ideas. Healthy foods with high antioxidant content are recommended to avoid illness and maintain a healthy body.
So, what’s an antioxidant?
Antioxidants are the antidote to free radicals. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from stealing electrons by donating their own, keeping free radicals away from our healthy cells and DNA particles. By doing so, they disrupt the chain reaction that may lead to degenerative illnesses. This is why antioxidants are so SUPER important in preserving our brains and bodies from oxidation.
Electrons move in pairs, as you may know from high school biology. They move around in stable pairs, traveling around the nucleus of the atom in an orderly fashion. In their natural state, electrons are said to be pair-bonded. But now and again, one of them escapes. And this is when things begin to go awry.
Free radicals are the baddies we don’t want around!
Freshly “liberated” electrons are referred to as “free radicals” Because oxygen produces the most harmful free radicals, free radical damage is commonly called “oxidative damage” or “oxidation.” The problem is that affecting other electrons effectively triggers a cascade of damage to your cells, DNA, arteries, skin, and just about everything else they come into touch with. An example in action is when metals are exposed to rain. This causes oxidation, and they corrode.
Antioxidants are cellular saviors
In the 1950s, a distinguished researcher put forth a theory called “The Free Radical Theory of Aging,” in which he claimed that much aging is like “rusting from within.” This may seem like we’re pointing out the obvious, but oxidative damage nearly invariably occurs in conjunction with inflammation. That’s why antioxidants are so essential. They are the cellular destruction’s twin towers, and where one is, the other is never far behind.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals. That is their responsibility. They, like anti-inflammatories, put out flames in the body that, if left uncontrolled, might cause major complications.
And this is where CBD comes into the picture!
What do the science boffs say about CBD’s antioxidant capabilities?
Given that CBD research is still in its infancy, the quantity of data confirming CBD’s antioxidant properties is somewhat surprising.
CBD, for example, has been shown in studies dating back to the 1990s to lower glutamate toxicity—a particularly nasty kind of toxicity that has a harmful influence on the brain. Antioxidants have already been shown to protect against glutamate toxicity.
Studies also proved that CBD is neuroprotective, hypothesizing that the neuroprotective effects of CBD are due to its antioxidant properties. It was established that CBD may reduce oxidative damage as well as or even better than other antioxidants. Moreover, CBD is more protective against glutamate toxicity than either vitamin C or vitamin E!
Also…while we’re on the topic: the US government has a patent specifically for the neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of cannabinoids (Patent 1999/008769). The patent covers “cannabinoids that act as free radical scavengers for use in prophylaxis and treatment of disease.” The translation? Cannabinoids are potent antioxidants!
Harness the antioxidant power of CBD!
CBD is a powerful antioxidant, and adding it to an eating and supplementation program that already includes many known antioxidants (such as vitamin C, zinc, CoQ10, and vitamin E) would most likely increase and boost your overall antioxidant defense system.
The bottom line?
CBD’s antioxidant power would be an excellent reason to take it, even if that were its only benefit. (It isn’t!)
Antioxidants are undeniably beneficial to the body. Without enough, the body is vulnerable to free radicals, which may cause significant damage. Antioxidants operate by supplying oxygen atoms, which free radicals are constantly seeking. Once the free radicals have obtained the additional electrons, they stop stealing oxygen from nearby cells, halting the vicious cycle they started.
With CBD, you could minimize your risk of developing a host of diseases.
Why not give it a go?
Next Read: Find out more about how CBD can help with sleep and work stress.
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The information, including but not limited to text, images, graphics, and other material contained in this article, are for informational and educational purposes and solely intended to be used as a self-help tool. No information in this article or on this website is intended to substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek guidance and advice from a qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new healthcare regimen.
