The benefits of cannabis, popularly known as marijuana or weed, are immense. Various communities have used the plant throughout history, primarily as medicine or food.
You may already know that marijuana buds are generally dried, smoked, or consumed as edibles.
But did you know you can ingest raw cannabis and benefit from it just the same?
Well, you won’t get high. But that’s the reason raw weed is attractive to those who don’t enjoy the psychoactive nature of THC.
The cannabinoid THC is one of many present in the plant, but it’s the only one with powerful cerebral effects. When you smoke weed as blunts or joints ( more on that here), the combustion activates the acidic cannabinoid THCA into THC.
What that means is that without cooking or burning marijuana, you’ll be enjoying the raw versions of its compounds.
This post will guide you through some of the dietary benefits of eating raw cannabis.
1. Fatty Acids
Nobody likes fats because they tend to be harmful to the body. But there are essential fats you actually need. These fatty acids are so vital in the human body that you can’t live without them.
Studies have discovered that the most important essential fatty acids are Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids. They are a huge source of energy in the body, but they play many other critical roles, like in the formation of cellular membranes, prevention of oxidative stress, and neurocardiovascular protection, among others.
Since our bodies don’t produce essential fatty acids, we must obtain them from our diet. The best sources are generally seafood and vegetables. But now, raw cannabis has proven to be a rich source of these fats.
2. Vitamins
We all know the critical work vitamins do in our bodies. They play a part in every bodily function, including digestion, metabolism, circulation, immunity, etc.
If your diet is lacking in vitamins, you’re going to want to hear this:
Cannabis is way richer in vitamins compared to most plants. In its raw form, cannabis contains an abundance of vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, and B2.
3. Terpene Profile
You know the fresh, tangy smell of oranges when you peel them?
That’s the work of terpenes. These compounds are responsible for the unique aroma of most plants.
The importance of terpenes in daily life can’t be overstated because these compounds determine the flavors and smells of many foods you eat.
While terpenes naturally occur in plants and some animals, they are especially plentiful in marijuana. You’ve probably heard of the excellent terpene profile present in cannabis, which makes the plant an ideal superfood.
By eating raw cannabis, you get to maximize the number of terpenes you ingest and benefit from their health properties.
4. Cannabinoids
Plant cannabinoids have been shown to pack a ton of medicinal properties. While studies are still scratching the surface of the potential of cannabinoids, so far, the benefits for your overall health are many.
Cannabinoids are found in small amounts in many plants, but these compounds are especially associated with cannabis because of how plentiful they are.
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids, which have the most nutritional value if taken raw.
5. Antioxidants
Considering you’re constantly exposed to harmful substances, you need antioxidants for protection.
When food is broken down in the body, the process creates molecules called free radicals. These are harmful toxins also present in alcoholic drinks and the chemicals we use every day.
Free radicals damage cells resulting in health complications. It’s the work of antioxidants to protect your cells from these toxic substances. Researchers have found that when taken raw, cannabis has a stronger antioxidant effect compared to vitamins C and E.
6. Proteins
Our best sources of proteins are animal-based foods such as fish, poultry, meat, and dairy products. But plants also have natural proteins, just lacking in some essential nutrients.
That may no longer be the case as studies look deeper into the proteins in cannabis. The raw leaves and seeds are excellent sources of plant-based proteins.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to nutritional value, cannabis is basically a complete source of everything, from vitamins to minerals. There’s a reason why weed is described as a superfood.
The best way to obtain full value from raw cannabis is to ensure it remains raw after processing. You could blend it, use it in salads, or steam it. Just avoid heating it.
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