In recent years, many athletes ranging from NFL players, distant runners, and weightlifters have made the switch to a plant-based/vegan diet. Those who have made the switch and ditched animal products say the diet has helped their performance and mental health. Athletes following the diet which focuses on all-natural, organic, and sometimes raw plant-based foods have turned to CBD for performance enhancement and recovery.
The oil derived from cannabis, containing the cannabinoid CBD is ideal for athletes regardless of their diet. Many plant-based and vegan athletes prefer CBD. It’s natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties provide the same athletic performance and recovery benefits of popular highly processed performance and recovery supplements marketed towards athletes.
For athletes, CBD provides many benefits during training, mainly pain relief. Athletes are no stranger to soreness after training sessions. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD aids in muscle recovery, which is vital to stamina and enhances strength. CBD allows for a shortened recovery time while reducing muscle inflammation. This shortened recovery time lets athletes maximize performance.
Why are vegan athletes choosing CBD?
Hemp is a source of plant-based protein. This vegan diet staple is made from ground hemp seeds and contains all nine essential human amino acids;
histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. These amino acids are mainly sourced from meat, eggs, and poultry. Since those are off-limits to those following a vegan diet, hemp protein is a must for the vegan athlete. Amino acids help in muscle recovery and are usually sold as a supplement that is processed and contains artificial colors and ingredients. Since CBD is extracted from hemp, it contains many of the amino acids found in food.
Along with amino acids and increased recovery, CBD also provides additional benefits for vegan athletes like:
- Provides essential fats: Hemp contains the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats are a source of energy and promote cardiovascular health-both vital to athletic performance.
- B-complex vitamins Vegans and vegetarians need to ensure they receive the recommended amount of essential B-complex vitamins as they are often lacking in these essential nutrients. Hemp is a good source of these important B-complex vitamins.
- An animal-free source of iron: CBD derived from hemp is a great plant-based source of iron, an essential nutrient many who do not eat animal products are deficient in. Iron occurs naturally in your red blood cells and helps transport oxygen in the body. Athletes with low levels of iron experience decreased performance and recovery.
- Great source of powerful antioxidants: Hemp contains several antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium.
Many athletes are making the transition from processed supplements to CBD to help with muscle soreness. Start using CBD after a workout for decreased inflammation.
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