You think hemp can only be accessed by smoking, vaping, or applying a CBD topical or tincture? You might be wrong. Raw hemp leaves can provide some significant benefits. Raw cannabis can be so beneficial for your health that many people consider it a superfood.
It’s true. It’s not surprising, considering the many benefits that the hemp plant has.
The Cannabis Sativa plant, which includes both hemp and marijuana, is more nutritionally balanced than “weed” and is actually very healthy.
Can you eat hemp leaves raw like spinach and kale if cannabis is so good?
Let’s take a closer view.
The Health Benefits of Raw Hemp Leafs
Nature provides almost everything that we need for great health. Many medicinal plants can be found in nature. Cannabis is no exception.
Given the many benefits of CBD, hemp leaves are not surprising. The cannabis plant’s leaves are rich in iron, zinc and potassium as well as fiber and phosphorous.
Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that can protect your skin from developing various diseases. Raw hemp is rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, and contains digestible globular protein.
It is almost an understatement to say that raw hemp can be healthy.
Let’s take a closer view.
What makes Raw Hemp Healthful?
Apart from its incredible nutritional profile, there is a few other components that make the raw hemp plant such a wonderful plant to consume in its natural state. These are:
CBDa
Raw cannabis leaves contain CBDa and THCa, which are the primary cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are identified by the “A” at their ends. It denotes that they are in their acidic state. To experience the psychoactive effects, THCA must first be heated. This process is known as decarboxylation.
CBDa is primarily made from raw hemp leaves. While CBD has many benefits, CBD may also have beneficial properties.
Terpenes
Raw hemp leaves contain the natural Terpenes that are super-beneficial to CBDA. Terpenes, which are aromatic chemicals found in many plants, provide a distinctive aroma and taste. Earthy sage. Zesty orange. Hot cinnamon. It all comes down to the terpenes.
Terpenes offer some unique benefits to the table. The most commonly found terpenes in hemp and raw cannabis are:
- Myrcene
- Linalool
- Pinene
- Caryophyllene
- Limonene
Chlorophyll
The green pigmentation that hemp gets from chlorophyll is due to its chlorophyll. Hemp leaves contain chlorophyll, which is usually removed from CBD products. Why is chlorophyll so beneficial for your health? Research has shown that chlorophyll can be beneficial for the following:
- Anti-aging
- Anti-acne
- Blood-building
Is it possible to eat raw hemp leaves?
Absolutely.Raw hemp leaves, if you have them, can make a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. William L. Courtney, an expert on raw cannabis, is particularly interested in the dietary use of cannabis to achieve 250-500mg of cannabinoid acid. He contends that this is an essential nutrient for individuals in their 4 decade or older.
Courtney believes that cannabinoids in their raw form activate the endocannabinoid systems more effectively than when they are dried, cured, and heated.
How to Eat Raw Hemp Leaves
Ever tasted raw hemp?
It is a little bitter to say the least. Raw hemp leaves can be an excellent addition to fresh green salads for those who like bitter greens (e.g. arugula or endive). We understand those who don’t like bitter greens. We love adding raw hemp leaf to smoothies or juices.
Raw hemp leaves are a great source of nutrition if you enjoy juicing. You can make any juice you like by adding 1-2 cups of raw hemp leaves to your recipe. The raw hemp leaves aren’t bitter so you get all the benefits. Our favorite juice has a healthy amount raw hemp leaves, cucumbers, carrots, apples, and ginger.
Are you not a fan of juicing. Instead, try adding raw hemp leaves to your smoothie. We love smoothies. Smoothies are a great way to get all the nutrients you need. You can make CBD superfood smoothies by adding a few raw hemp leaves to the blender. These drinks are flavored with other ingredients to mask the bitter taste of raw hemp leaves. However, the hemp leaves provide greater nutritional benefits.