Maximum Yield Australia/New Zealand March/April 2020 | Page 46

SUPERFOOD?
Is cannabis a
by Luis Cordova
When it comes to the
cannabis plant we
smoke it, extract it,
cook it, or bake it. But
are there any health
benefits experienced by
just eating it raw? Luis
Cordova examines if
raw cannabis can
be considered
a superfood.
44
Maximum Yield
ith no real scientific criteria to
define it, the term superfood has
W become
overused in modern lexicon.
Many dietitians regard the concept
of superfoods as a marketing tool for
the purpose of selling healthier and
sometimes not so healthy products. The
term was first introduced during World
War One as a marketing tool to sell
bananas. After scientists began studying
the nutritional value of consumer foods,
the use of the term has evolved. Many
marketers promote superfoods with
magic abilities to reduce weight or
heal many diseases. However, when it
comes to science, there is no specific
definition or test used to determine what
constitutes a superfood.
The modern definition of superfoods
are foods that are unprocessed, rich in
vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
These types of compounds are mainly
derived from fruits, vegetables, and
herbs. Chemical analysis of superfoods
shows high levels of antioxidants,
carotenoids, micro-minerals, and other
beneficial properties. Because of these
attributes, many medical practitioners
now believe cannabis should be
considered a superfood.
Should Cannabis be Considered a Superfood?
Cannabis can be grouped as a
superfood because of its health
benefits, nutrient value, and chemical
compounds. Cannabis seeds,
specifically Cannabis sativa (hemp),
contain many amino acids, proteins,
and healthy fatty acids. Hemp
seeds contain iron, calcium,
magnesium, phosphorus,
potassium, zinc, and folate.
They also contain a large amount
of protein for their size, as well as
vitamin C and small amounts of
vitamin B. Hemp seeds provide
more than 30 per cent fats, including
linoleic acid (omega 6) and alpha
linolenic acid (omega 3). These fatty
acid types are good for the heart
and protect against many other
diseases. They have also been
shown to reduce inflammation,
allow for management of arthritic
pain, and remove particulate matter
caused by air pollution. While the
seeds are beneficial, cannabis
contains many vitamins as well
as nutrients found in the leaves,
stems, buds, and roots of the plant.
As the entire cannabis plant can
be used for food, doctors advise
cannabis should be eaten in its raw
state. Cannabis in its raw state (before
decarboxylation) contains a vast
array of cannabinoid acids, however,
two are the most concentrated:
tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)
and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). THCA
is a compound offering many medicinal
benefits while being non-intoxicating.
“
the term was first introduced
the
during world war one as a
marketing tool to sell bananas.”