Think You Don’t Need CBD? Think Again.

When it comes to dietary health innovations, CBD is the “new” kid on the block, but that doesn’t mean it’s “new”. In fact, you’ve probably been consuming CBD-like compounds for years without even realizing it. 

Black pepper, sunflower seeds, echinacea, kava, and cacao are just some examples of plant-based superfoods that contain cannabinoid-like compounds that interact with our bodies in the same way cannabinoids do. But why are these compounds so important to us and how do they help our well-being? 

Well, back in the early 1990’s, researchers discovered that humans and animals alike contain a specialize system composed of neurochemicals that are very, very similar to cannabinoids. They appropriately named this system the Endocannabinoid System, and without it, our bodies would struggle keeping internal functions running smoothly. 

In this post, we explore the Endocannabinoid System, why it’s so critical to our health, and how Mother Nature purposefully helps us maintain it. 

What is the Endocannabinoid System? 

The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a delicate system that is responsible for balancing and regulating a variety of functions within our bodies; including immune system response, metabolism, mood, memory, appetite, sleep, and reproduction. It is composed of three things:

• Cannabinoid Receptors 
• Endogenous cannabinoids or Endocannabinoids 
• Metabolic Enzymes 

Cannabinoid receptors are expressed throughout our vertebrate central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Their job is to “listen” to conditions outside the cell and “communicate” what the appropriate cellular response should be to those conditions. Endocannabinoids are small molecules naturally produced by our bodies. Their job is to bind to your cannabinoid receptors and “alert” them of any changes. Once they’re done performing their duties, metabolic enzymes break them down. 

In a nutshell, the ECS is a complex cell-signally system that helps us maintain homeostasis and, as previously mentioned, not unique to humas. All animals, including vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish) and invertebrates (sea urchins, leeches, mussels, nematodes, and others), have an ECS. 

Are endocannabinoids really similar to the plant-based versions?

Although endocannabinoids aren’t exact copies of the plant-based versions, they’re really close. So far experts have identified two – anandamide (AEA) which is like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) which is like cannabidiol (CBD). 

When plant-based cannabinoids are introduced to the body, they interact with our ECS in the same way our endocannabinoids do; along with other cannabinoid-like compounds found in other plant-based foods we eat or drink. This was a deliberate Mother Nature’s part.    

Is taking cannabinoids unnatural? 

Our bodies need cannabinoids and, like everything else in our bodies, our ECS appreciates the supplemental boost. During a study conducted by Big Pharma Rimonabant, the ECS was deliberately disrupted in patients seeking help with weight control. The outcome, unfortunately, was devastating which resulted in the trial ending prematurely. What we learned, however, is how critical our ECS is to our overall health and how important it is to keep it running optimally. 

Our ECS has shown to influence many things, including:

• Inflammation
• Learning, Memory, and Motor Control
• Muscle and Bone Growth
• Mood, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
• Metabolism
• Liver Function

So, if you’re experiencing issues in any one of these areas, your body may need help in the cannabinoid department. 

How often should I supplement my natural reserve? 

Daily! Our ECS is constantly working and, in the same manner we support our other vital biological systems through diet and exercise, we must support our ECS too. In return, your ECS will support you. 

Using science in harmony with Mother Nature, experts have learned so much about cannabinoids – particularly CBD. This is why UPSY has chosen this particular cannabinoid as its leading active ingredient. Using only 100% organic, purified, research-grade CBD isolate, UPSY products are formulated to provide our ECS with the stability it requires so that you can feel your best.   

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