CBD health benefits are becoming more and more negligible. With the widespread use of the product, cannabidiol (CBD) is widely available as a naturally occurring extract of the cannabis plant and has grown exponentially over the past 5 to 10 years. In fact, it is predicted that the global CBD market could reach the $20 billion mark by 2024.
The biggest appeal of CBD to consumers is its health benefits and value. While further research is needed to confirm the numerous benefits associated with CBD, it has emerged in society as a natural remedy for a range of ailments. Several studies have shown that CBD can help relieve chronic pain by binding to endogenous cannabinoid receptors, reducing inflammation and altering the way the brain perceives pain signals. Several human studies have also linked CBD to positive effects in the treatment of pain associated with arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not cause psychoactive reactions and is being investigated for its potential to promote mental health and its use as a treatment for PTSD patients.CBD also shows promise for promoting gut health, with evidence that cannabinoids may play an important role in the gut-brain axis (the physical and chemical connection between the gut and brain).
For example, CBD reduces the number of seizures by modulating the neurotransmitter GABA, a neurotransmitter with a sedative effect that inhibits excitability in the brain centers. When GABA levels drop too low, it may cause seizures.CBD is a GABA uptake inhibitor, meaning it allows enough GABA to remain in the brain.CBD may help improve the efficacy of other commonly used antiepileptic drugs as well as act as a neuroprotective agent. In addition, CBD helps to maintain brain cell health and reduce cellular damage.
Emma Thackray, founder from functional beverage brand Hip Pop, shared that with the growing trend of functional health foods, a whole new approach to health is emerging thanks to CBD, creating a market not only for health suppliers and health brands, but also for the food and beverage industry. With more than 1,000 CBD-infused foods and beverages available for purchase online today, the demand for foods and beverages that cater to health and wellness is growing, according to The Washington Post. In particular, consumers are beginning to flock to CBD beverages, which include everything from non-alcoholic wine and water to kombucha and cold brew coffee. Beverage maker Coca-Cola even said it is "closely monitoring the growth of non-psychoactive CBD as a functional health drink ingredient globally.
However, while more and more beverage brands are capitalizing on the momentum of the CBD market with new products, many are failing to use sufficient amounts of the compound to provide any real benefit or significant help and improvement in health, as it is believed that CBD beverages must typically contain more than 20mg of the compound for optimal results.
The growth of the CBD market is growing as more and more consumers look for products that offer some sort of health benefit. As a result, the future looks promising for food and beverage companies looking to enter the CBD and wellness space. The next few years will be critical for manufacturers of CBD products in the foodservice industry, separating those who are simply capitalizing on trends from those who are committed to providing high-quality, safe and effective products to customers looking to enhance their health.
Source: Dr. Hemp
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