Food as Medicine, Hemp as a Food

You’ve probably heard of the endocannabinoid system and why it’s so important. But did you know that hemp and many other herbs and nutrients can affect its function? Here’s some food for thought about how you can support your endocannabinoid system.

The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a massive impact on your overall health and well-being.

Tasked with maintaining a delicate state of balance within the body, the ECS regulates major processes including pain, mood, learning, memory, inflammation, immune function, digestion, appetite, sleep, and stress.

This system is affected not only by CBD and other phytocannabinoids but many other natural compounds.

In this article, we’re going to explore how hemp and other plants and nutrients can support the healthy functioning of this integral system and benefit your health as a result.

Hemp and the Endocannabinoid System

There’s a good chance you’ve heard that hemp, or more specifically CBD and other cannabinoids it contains, can influence the ECS.

Hemp-derived cannabinoids can stimulate cannabinoid receptors directly, influence their function, or affect other parts of the endocannabinoid system.

For example, CBD is known to increase the levels of the body’s own endocannabinoids. Put simply, phytocannabinoid-rich hemp tinctures and other hemp products can support your overall health by helping your endocannabinoid system function properly.

Other Nutrients and Botanicals That Complement the Endocannabinoid System

Phytocannabinoids aren’t the only thing that can influence the ECS. In fact, many other nutrients and herbal compounds can also have a positive impact on this crucial system.

Fatty Acids

To begin with, there’s evidence that increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake while decreasing omega-6 can have a beneficial effect on the ECS because they’re used by your body to build endocannabinoids.

Reducing the ratio of omega-6: omega-3 is already widely recognized as one of the best ways to reduce inflammation and the risk of many diseases.

Herbal Compounds

Studies suggest that many herb-derived compounds can also support the endocannabinoid system. Here are some key findings:

• A 2010 study found that catechins, compounds present in tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves, can bind to cannabinoid receptors.
• A 2012 study reported that curcumin, the main active ingredient of the popular anti-inflammatory herb turmeric, may increase brain endocannabinoid levels.
• A 2014 study reported that the terpene compound beta-caryophyllene can activate cannabinoid type-2 receptors. This compound is considered a “dietary cannabinoid” by some experts because it’s found in many plants, including oregano, black pepper, basil, cloves, cinnamon, rosemary, and cannabis.

Our hemp oils and tinctures are infused with turmeric, cinnamon, and other herbal ingredients that complement the beneficial effects of phytocannabinoids.

Adaptogens

An adaptogen is a special type of herb that helps the body cope with all forms of physical and psychological stress. They help counteract fatigue, sleep deprivation, anxiety, brain fog, mood issues, and other stress-related problems.

Holy basil, ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, and other adaptogenic herbs have been used in Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) folk medicine and plant medicine for thousands of years.

Since both the ECS and adaptogens help the body maintain a delicate state of balance called homeostasis, it’s not surprising that their effects complement each other.

Most notably, both adaptogens and the ECS are known to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s key stress response system.

Furthermore, there’s evidence that some adaptogens interact with the ECS directly. For example, Asian ginseng contains panaxynol, a compound that can bind to cannabinoid receptors.

Chocolate

Research suggests that chocolate contains three compounds that have a similar structure to endocannabinoids.

As such, they may be able to mimic their effects by binding cannabinoid receptors or reducing the breakdown of endocannabinoids, helping support the optimal function of the ECS.

The levels of these compounds are highest in dark chocolate or raw cacao and may explain why so many people have strong cravings for chocolate.

You can experience our own delicious take on this timeless treat with our phytocannabinoid-infused hemp dark chocolate.

Honey

Honey has been used as medicine and food for millennia. The natural ingredients in honey have been shown to have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, and other beneficial properties.

One of nature’s superfoods, honey complements the wide-ranging health and wellness benefits of the ECS. That’s why we combine this delicious, healthy treat with phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract.

Mana’s hemp honey contains raw, organic Lehua and Wilelaiki honey collected by bees from the Ohi’a and Christmas berry trees growing right here in Hawaii.

Coffee

Coffee is known to have numerous health benefits, many of which come from caffeine. As it turns out, caffeine can indirectly support the endocannabinoid system as well.

That’s because it works by blocking adenosine receptors, which can suppress the activity of cannabinoid receptors. Simply put, this means caffeine can boost endocannabinoid system function.

However, it’s important to note that these and many other benefits of caffeine happen at low-to-moderate doses, so you should be careful not to drink too much coffee.

The Importance of Clean Soil

Hemp and many other foods and herbs can have a beneficial effect on your endocannabinoid system, but that’s only half the story. We shouldn’t overlook the impact of the soil in which these plants are grown in.

In particular, hemp is known as a potent bioaccumulator, meaning that it takes up heavy metals and other toxins from the soil.

At Mana, all of the hemp plants and other organic ingredients used to make our products are grown organically in clean, fertile soil without the use of any pesticides or herbicides. We also strive to source our ingredients from local farms as much as possible.

Our goal is simple: to bring you the best of what nature has to offer in a clean, sustainable, minimally-processed way.

Food & the Endocannabinoid System

In short, hemp and many other plants and foods can have a beneficial effect on the endocannabinoid system, helping support your overall well-being.

This isn’t really a groundbreaking discovery since we already know that eating a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods is one of the cornerstones of good health. However, it does provide yet another reason to choose healthier food options and be aware of how they’re sourced.