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Oh man, I must say it’s been a month, a year really... Presidential election cycles are stressful especially in a battle ground state like PA. This on top of life's relentless drum beat of deadlines and bills and a bass line of bad news. Many among us are coping with anxiety, depression, or burnout and not to mention the health implications that can come from long term exposure to stress. Now I don't want to seem like I'm offering a panacea for the world’s woes and the crisis of mental health. Far from it, but I do happen to sell a product that offers some relief from stress and its close friends, inflammation and sleep loss. Something to take the edge off, when you’ve had a day. Research shows that Full Spectrum CBD derived from hemp can provide reduction in stress response and it contains potent antioxidants that can help our bodies combat free radicals released in stress response. Antidotally, a lot of people I talk to take CBD to calm down, unwind, get to sleep.
Let's review a little bit about antioxidants and the endocannabinoid system to find out why CBD is so beneficial for stress. Antioxidants are our natural defenders! They help combat cell-damaging free radicals we are exposed to every day. But did you know that there are many forms and sources of these important compounds?
Free Radicals & Oxidative Stress
Free radicals are extremely reactive particles that are generated by our bodies as well as being present in the environment, including sources like radiation, pollution, tobacco smoke, and even certain foods. These particles are unstable because they have an insufficient number of electrons in their outer shells, which leads to their high reactivity with other molecules within our cells. Upon interacting with our cells, these particles have the potential to harm our DNA, cell membranes, and other cellular components, a phenomenon referred to as oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is a natural process that occurs when free radicals interact with various molecules in our cells, including proteins, DNA, and cell membranes. While some level of oxidative stress is necessary for the normal functioning of our bodies, excessive oxidative stress is associated with various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic conditions. Additionally, oxidative stress can lead to increased inflammation and expedite the aging process.
Reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals is achievable through dietary and lifestyle choices. Antioxidants play a crucial role in helping our bodies combat free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. These antioxidants function by providing electrons, thereby stabilizing and reducing the number of free radicals in our bodies. Adequate hydration and regular physical activity can also aid in minimizing oxidative stress.
Research links oxidative stress with an elevated risk of developing conditions such as:
What are the Benefits of Antioxidants?
Antioxidants can prevent oxidative stress, a process that occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This imbalance can cause damage to cells and lead to chronic inflammation, which can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Antioxidants neutralize these harmful free radicals and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Types of Antioxidants
There is no medical evidence that antioxidants can completely treat or prevent any disease or health condition on their own. However, their natural properties may make a difference in overall health. A lot of common nutrients have antioxidant properties, including:
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Green Tea extract
Zinc
Resveratrol
Quercetin
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Lycopene
Glutathione
Lutein
What Antioxidants do Hemp Extracts Contain?
Our full spectrum CBD extract contains antioxidants in many forms:
In addition to Cannabinoids hemp contains a broad swath of other compounds and nutrients that are not additives but produced naturally by the plant and when pressed present in a full spectrum extract oil.
Hemp contains Catechin is a bioflavonoid found Green Tea, some fruits and cannabis that is shown to have potent therapeutic effects and even anti-cancer properties.
Quercetin has links to a lower risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer, and inflammation. Hemp contains many flavonoids, one of which is quercetin.
hemp oil also contains a high content of naturally-occurring vitamin E compounds (tocotrienols and tocopherols) which are free-radical scavenging antioxidants
Hemp oil contains well-balanced PUFA, lutein, γ-tocopherol and phytosterols. Lutein is a naturally occurring antioxidant and organic pigment that's part of the carotenoid group, which is important for eye health.
Not only does hemp contain many beneficial anti-oxidants on its own it also helps with absorption of other important anti-oxidants such as Resveratrol.
Resveratrol, a polyphenol present in a variety of plant-based foods like grapes, berries, and peanuts, has gained considerable attention for its potential health advantages, such as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Nonetheless, the body's capacity to assimilate resveratrol may be restricted. This is where CBD plays a role.
The Endocannabinoid System and Stress Reduction
In addition to its potent antioxidant properties Full spectrum CBD Extract also helps support and modulate our bodies endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system refers to a network in the body consisting of natural compounds, receptors, and enzymes. It plays a role in various processes such as stress response, pain control, brain development, appetite, reproduction, and gut movement. Taking CBD actually boosts our endocannabinoids system to produce more endogenous cannabinoids which help support our bodies ability to cope with stress and regulate other important functions. Additionally CBD boosts our bodies production and slows the uptake of anadamide which is nicknamed the bliss molecule. It has nuero-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Bottom Line
CBD can only help in our quest to tame the beast that is stress and havoc it wrecks on our bodies and minds. Whatever the source, work, school, home life, the current election cycle... Anthill Farm is here for you, providing high quality CBD Extracts, tinctures and other products that can reduce stress and help you relax. Incorporating essential types of antioxidants into your diet can be a great way to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of disease. Some of the best sources of antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and now we know Hemp! Full spectrum CBD Extract won't replace antioxidants found in a healthy diet and essential vitamins but it does make a great supplement and addition to your anti-stress wellness kit. Our product recommendations for stress are:
Mood Lighting tincture- w/ St. john's wort and Ashwagandha. Great herbs for stress and mood support
Good Luck out there and don't forget to take deep breathes, exercise and get some sunshine too!
Take advantage of deep discounts all month on our CBD extracts!
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