It has been known for some time that CBD exerts a number of health benefits including anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and neuroprotectant properties. It also, according to numerous researchers, possesses powerful antioxidant qualities, even more so than those of vitamins A, E and C. How this works involves an amazing interaction of chemicals, bioavailable targets and much more.
Antioxidants, Oxidation, Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress Simplified
Antioxidants are compounds and naturally-occurring chemicals that are found in various foods like berries, broccoli, nuts, whole grains, herbs, spices and cocoa, as well as various supplements. Antioxidants prevent oxidation – a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals which in turn are unstable molecules that damage cells. Free radicals steal electrons from other molecules and in doing so, cause oxidative stress. And last, oxidative stress is an imbalance between healthy antioxidants in the body and disease-causing free radicals.
How CBD Exerts Antioxidant Properties
A review of scientific literature of the antioxidant effects of CBD yields impressive results, including the following:
- The molecular structure of CBD diminishes oxidative stress
- CBD indirectly influences molecular mechanisms involved in balance in cell signaling, development, health and disease
- CBD enhances gene expression of the main endogenous antioxidant systems
- CBD interacts with receptors and decreases oxidative stress
- CBD protects the degradation of other cannabinoids (AEA and 2-AG), which decreases their ability to reduce energy homeostasis
Ultimately, CBD has shown the ability to balance the level and activity of both oxidants and antioxidants. Antioxidants, then interrupt the work of free radicals by cellularly capturing them or transforming them into less active and threatening forms to health. When free radicals induce oxidative stress, a number of health issues can develop, including the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease (hypertension and atherosclerosis)
- Respiratory disease (asthma)
- Cataracts
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Various cancers (prostate, lung, breast, colorectal, and bladder)
Final Thoughts on Antioxidant Properties of CBD
CBD has been called the “Miracle Molecule” for decades and after reviewing scientific research on its antioxidant properties, it’s easy to see why. Although the biochemical process in which it works is very complicated, one way to simplify its effects is by saying that CBD is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce risk of developing various health conditions that arise due to oxidation, free radicals and oxidative stress.