Is CBD the Next Superfood? The Science Behind Cannabis as a Functional Wellness Ingredient

Written by Berta Kaguako, Health and Social Care Consultant

Berta Kaguako is the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, a patient educational platform that promotes plant medicine and a holistic healthcare approach. As a patient herself, Berta has made a remarkable transformation, using Cannabis Based Medical Products to manage 7 diagnoses and 50+ symptoms. And now advocates for plant medicine.

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In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) has gone from a fringe wellness trend to a staple in everything from skincare to smoothies, protein powders, lattes, bath bombs, and even pet treats. Once confined to niche wellness circles, it’s now a multi-billion-dollar global industry, with growing mainstream appeal and a rapidly expanding presence on health food store shelves and beauty counters alike.

At the same time, the health and nutrition world has become increasingly obsessed with “superfoods”, natural ingredients celebrated for being extraordinarily rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and health-boosting bioactive compounds. From acai berries and spirulina to turmeric, maca, and chia seeds, the label “superfood” has become shorthand for functional wellness and natural healing.

So it’s no surprise that a growing number of health-conscious consumers, nutritionists, and holistic practitioners are now asking, Could CBD, or cannabis more broadly, be considered a superfood?

It’s a compelling question, and one that touches on multiple layers, from nutrition and phytochemistry to functional medicine to plant-based therapeutics to sustainability and environmental impact. After all, CBD isn’t just a trendy wellness supplement, it’s a bioactive compound derived from one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history, Cannabis sativa.

To answer the question fairly, we need to explore:

• What truly defines a superfood?

• What makes CBD and other compounds in the cannabis plant functionally beneficial?

• How does the whole cannabis plant (especially hemp) fit into the nutrition conversation?

• What does the current science say about CBD’s potential to enhance brain and body health?
  

Let’s take a closer look at why cannabis is gaining superfood status in modern wellness conversations, and what role it could play in the future of nutrition, healing, and human performance.

What is a superfood, really?

The term “superfood” doesn’t have an official scientific definition, it’s largely a marketing term used to describe natural foods that are exceptionally rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds thought to deliver significant health benefits. Despite the lack of regulatory classification, the concept has become a cornerstone of modern wellness culture, often driving consumer trends in functional nutrition and holistic health.

Superfoods are typically plant-based and praised for their dense concentration of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and anti-inflammatory properties. What sets them apart is not just their nutritional profile, but their potential to prevent disease, enhance vitality, and support optimal bodily function.

Common examples include:

• Blueberries: Packed with anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid with powerful antioxidant effects that support brain health and reduce oxidative stress.

• Kale: A cruciferous vegetable high in vitamins A, C, and K, along with fibre and sulphur-containing compounds that support detoxification.

• Turmeric: A bright yellow root known for its active compound curcumin, which has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Chia seeds: Tiny but mighty, these are loaded with plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and protein, making them a staple in heart and gut health regimes.
  

To be considered a “superfood” in a more credible sense, an ingredient should ideally:

• Provide measurable health benefits,

• Be supported by emerging or established clinical research,

• Be safe for regular, long-term consumption,

• And be easily integrated into a balanced diet or wellness routine.

In this context, the cannabis plant, particularly its non-psychoactive compounds like CBD, and nutrient-rich components like hemp seeds, is increasingly being evaluated through the superfood lens.

But can CBD, a plant compound with therapeutic potential but minimal caloric or vitamin content, really be considered a superfood? Or is it something else entirely?

Let’s explore how cannabis-derived compounds stack up against traditional superfoods and where they may even offer unique advantages.

What is CBD, and how does it work?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 naturally occurring compounds known as cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for the cannabis “high”, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means it delivers its effects without altering consciousness or inducing intoxication, making it more suitable (and legal in many countries) for therapeutic use.

But what makes CBD so unique, and potentially powerful, is how it interacts with a complex internal network in the human body known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The endocannabinoid system: Your body’s natural regulator

The ECS plays a central role in maintaining internal balance, or homeostasis, across multiple physiological systems. It helps regulate key processes such as:

• Pain perception

• Mood and stress response

• Immune function

• Inflammation

• Appetite and digestion

• Sleep-wake cycles

• Memory and cognition
  

CBD doesn’t bind directly to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) the way THC does. Instead, it modulates receptor activity and influences enzyme function, indirectly enhancing the effects of the body’s own endocannabinoids (like anandamide, sometimes called the “bliss molecule”).

In other words, CBD doesn’t override your body’s systems, it helps optimize and restore balance where needed.

What does the research say?

While CBD is still under extensive scientific investigation, a growing body of research and anecdotal evidence points to its potential therapeutic benefits. Some of the most studied and promising effects include:

• Anti-inflammatory action: May help reduce inflammation systemically and locally, making it relevant for conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

• Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) potential: Shown in small studies to reduce symptoms of social anxiety and generalised anxiety, possibly by influencing serotonin receptors.

• Neuroprotective properties: May help protect neurons against damage from inflammation, oxidative stress, or trauma, with potential implications for epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

• Analgesic (pain-relieving) effects: May modulate pain signals and inflammatory pathways, especially in cases of neuropathic or chronic pain.

• Support for sleep: Anecdotal reports and some studies suggest CBD may help improve sleep quality, reduce sleep latency, and regulate circadian rhythms.
  

Perhaps most notably, CBD has been clinically validated in the treatment of rare, drug-resistant forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In fact, Epidiolex, a purified, pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil, is the first and only FDA-approved cannabis-derived medicine.

Beyond epilepsy: Broader therapeutic possibilities

Although definitive large-scale studies are still ongoing, early research and real-world use suggest CBD may hold promise for managing a range of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain and fibromyalgia

• Arthritis and joint inflammation

• Anxiety disorders and PTSD

• Depression and mood imbalances

• Migraines and tension headaches

• Autoimmune conditions

• Sleep disorders like insomnia

• Addiction recovery support (e.g., opioid withdrawal)
  

Importantly, CBD is also being studied for its anti-cancer potential, particularly its ability to inhibit tumour growth and support chemotherapy treatment, although this remains highly experimental.

CBD is not a cure-all, yet

While CBD shows significant potential, it’s essential to approach it with balanced expectations. Not all claims are backed by robust science, and effectiveness can vary widely depending on the individual, dosage, delivery method, and product quality.

Still, as research advances and regulation improves, CBD continues to carve out its place as more than just a wellness trend, it’s becoming part of a new paradigm in plant-based functional health.

Nutritional value of the cannabis plant: more than just CBD

While CBD often takes centre stage in cannabis-related wellness, the cannabis plant, particularly its hemp variety, offers impressive nutritional benefits that extend far beyond cannabinoids. When viewed as a whole, hemp is a nutrient-dense, sustainable, and multifunctional plant that may rightfully claim its spot among the world’s most underrated superfoods.

Let’s break down the components that contribute to the superfood profile of cannabis, especially hemp:

Hemp seeds: The plant-based protein powerhouse

Hemp seeds (also called hemp hearts) are small but nutritionally mighty. Technically a nut, they are harvested from industrial hemp varieties of Cannabis sativa that are bred to contain negligible amounts of THC.

Key benefits include:

• Complete protein source: Hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids, making them one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein, crucial for tissue repair, hormone production, and immune function.

• Essential fatty acids: They're rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (especially ALA and GLA) in an ideal 3:1 ratio, which supports heart health, brain function, and skin integrity.

• Micronutrients galore: Hemp seeds are loaded with:

  • Magnesium (for muscle and nerve function)

  • Phosphorus (bone health)

  • Potassium (blood pressure regulation)

  • Vitamin E (antioxidant support)

• Easily digestible & anti-inflammatory: Their protein structure is easily broken down and absorbed, and the fatty acid profile contributes to reduced inflammation, a key marker in many chronic diseases.
  

These seeds can be added to smoothies, salads, yogurt, or baking, making them a versatile superfood ingredient with serious nutritional credentials.

Hemp leaves: The green you’re not eating (yet)

Often overlooked, hemp leaves are edible and nutrient-rich, especially when consumed raw, juiced, or blended into smoothies.

Their benefits include:

• Fiber and chlorophyll: Great for gut health and detoxification, fiber supports digestion while chlorophyll may aid in natural cleansing and anti-inflammatory activity.

• Flavonoids and polyphenols: These plant antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic conditions, much like those found in leafy greens such as spinach or kale.

• Trace Cannabinoids (CBDa, THCa): In raw form, hemp leaves contain acidic cannabinoids like CBDa and THCa, which are non-psychoactive but may offer anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immune-modulating properties.
  

While not yet mainstream, hemp leaves are gradually entering the functional greens category and could be the next big thing in plant-based nutrition.

Cannabinoids as functional compounds: food beyond fuel

What really sets cannabis apart from traditional superfoods is its bioactive cannabinoid content, compounds that act more like adaptogens or nutraceuticals than traditional nutrients.

Key examples:

• CBD (Cannabidiol): Regulates inflammation, anxiety, pain perception, and sleep

• CBG (Cannabigerol): Shown to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects

• THC (in micro or therapeutic doses): May enhance appetite, reduce nausea, and relieve pain

• CBC, THCV, and more: These “minor cannabinoids” are gaining attention for their targeted functional benefits
  

These compounds don't just nourish the body, they interact with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that helps regulate physiological balance. This is why many researchers and health professionals are beginning to view cannabinoids as functional compounds that belong in the same conversation as omega-3s, probiotics, or medicinal mushrooms.

This positions cannabis not just as a food, but as part of the growing functional food movement, where ingredients are consumed not only for sustenance but for specific health-enhancing effects.

In many ways, cannabis isn’t just a superfood, it’s a super-plant.

CBD and brain health: A superfood for the mind?

When it comes to the future of mental wellness and cognitive performance, CBD is increasingly being explored as a potential "superfood for the brain." While the term “superfood” typically conjures images of blueberries or walnuts, CBD’s emerging neuroprotective properties suggest it may deserve a seat at the same table, albeit for different reasons.

One of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of CBD research is its potential to support brain health, protect neural tissue, and enhance cognitive resilience, especially in the face of stress, aging, or injury.

What does the research say about CBD and the brain?

Although human trials are still limited, preclinical studies (mostly on animals and in vitro models) have revealed several promising mechanisms through which CBD may support the brain:

• Reduces oxidative stress in the brain: CBD acts as a potent antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to cognitive decline and neurological disorders.

• Protects neurons from inflammation-related damage: Chronic brain inflammation is now recognized as a contributing factor in many conditions, from depression to dementia. CBD appears to modulate inflammatory cytokines and reduce neuroinflammation, potentially preserving brain function over time.

• Supports recovery from brain injury: Emerging studies suggest CBD may aid in traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery, by reducing swelling, inflammation, and oxidative stress, possibly improving outcomes after concussion or stroke.

• Shows potential in neurodegenerative conditions: Early research is exploring CBD’s ability to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, such as:

  • Alzheimer’s disease: Through antioxidant action and reduction of beta-amyloid plaque formation

  • Parkinson’s disease: By protecting dopaminergic neurons and reducing motor symptoms

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): CBD may support symptom relief and help regulate immune-mediated damage
    

While these findings are preliminary, they point toward a future in which cannabinoids play a role in preventing or managing age-related cognitive decline, an area of growing concern as global populations age.

Mood, memory, and mental performance

In addition to its neuroprotective effects, CBD may also support mental well-being and cognitive function in more immediate ways:

• Anxiety reduction: By interacting with serotonin and GABA receptors, CBD has been shown in small clinical trials to reduce anxiety, which can dramatically impact focus, memory, and emotional regulation.

• Better sleep = Better brain function: CBD may promote more restful sleep, which is crucial for memory consolidation, learning, and mental clarity.

• Improved focus and stress resilience: Some users report enhanced concentration and reduced mental fatigue, likely due to CBD’s regulatory effects on cortisol and neurotransmitter systems.

  
  

Although much of this evidence remains anecdotal or experimental, it aligns with growing consumer use of CBD in nootropic stacks, combinations of natural compounds used to support cognitive performance.

The caveat: We’re still in early days

While the brain-boosting promise of CBD is compelling, it’s essential to emphasize that most of the scientific data comes from early-stage research, animal models, or small-scale human studies. Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes, especially for conditions like Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.

However, that hasn’t stopped biohackers, wellness experts, athletes, and neurodivergent individuals from experimenting with CBD as part of a brain-healthy lifestyle and often reporting meaningful benefits.

Caveats: What CBD is not

• Not a cure-all: Many claims outpace current science. CBD is not a panacea.

• Not a substitute for clinical treatment: Especially for serious mental health or neurological conditions.

• Not all products are created equal: Quality control, dosage, and labelling remain huge issues in the CBD market.
  

For CBD to be widely accepted as a functional superfood, the industry must evolve toward standardised, transparent, and science-backed practices.

Sustainability and superfood appeal

Sustainability is increasingly part of what defines a superfood in 2025. On this front, hemp and cannabis have a strong case:

• Grows rapidly and requires fewer pesticides

• Can regenerate soil (phytoremediation)

• Low water usage compared to other industrial crops

• Every part of the plant can be used, stalks for fibre, seeds for nutrition, leaves for juicing, and flowers for cannabinoids
  

This positions cannabis as not only a nutritional powerhouse, but an environmentally sustainable one, an attractive combination for future-forward consumers.

So, is CBD a superfood?

Short answer. It depends on your definition.

From a functional wellness perspective, CBD ticks many of the boxes that make superfoods appealing:

• Bioactive plant compounds

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

• Growing body of supportive (though early-stage) research

• Nutritional synergy with hemp foods

• Adaptability into modern wellness products
  

While CBD is not a superfood in the conventional “vitamin-rich berry” sense, it is increasingly viewed as a "functional nutrient", something that supports balance, resilience, and recovery within the body’s natural systems.

As research evolves and product quality improves, CBD could very well earn a place in the functional food and supplement space, alongside omega-3s, probiotics, and adaptogens.

Final thoughts: Is CBD a superfood or something even bigger?

Whether you're a health coach, nutritionist, medical professional, or a wellness-conscious consumer, it's becoming increasingly clear that CBD is more than just a fleeting trend. It represents a powerful shift in how we approach health, moving from reactive care to proactive, holistic support. At the intersection of nutrition, functional wellness, and plant-based medicine, CBD and the broader cannabis plant are opening up one of the most exciting frontiers in modern health.

While CBD itself isn't a superfood in the traditional sense, it doesn’t contain large amounts of vitamins, minerals, or calories, it offers something arguably even more valuable, regulatory and therapeutic effects. By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), CBD can help regulate pain, mood, sleep, inflammation, immune responses, and even neurological function. These effects have positioned it as a functional compound, similar to adaptogens like ashwagandha or nootropics like lion’s mane.

Beyond CBD, the entire cannabis plant, especially hemp, presents a rich nutritional profile that further supports its superfood status. Hemp seeds are a complete source of plant-based protein, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and packed with essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. Hemp leaves, though less commonly consumed, contain beneficial fibre, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and trace cannabinoids that may offer detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effects. When viewed holistically, the cannabis plant offers both macro and micro nutritional benefits, as well as functional bioactive compounds, a rare combination in the natural health world.

Of course, caution and critical thinking remain essential. While interest in CBD has grown rapidly, the science is still catching up. Not all claims are backed by rigorous clinical evidence, and the quality and safety of CBD products can vary widely. Health professionals and consumers alike must continue to advocate for better research, clearer regulations, and higher standards of transparency in the CBD industry. At the same time, it’s important to remain open to the emerging potential of cannabinoids and the growing body of evidence supporting their diverse applications.

So, while CBD may not meet the conventional superfood checklist, high in vitamins, minerals, or fibre, it offers a different kind of nourishment. It helps regulate the systems that keep us in balance, supports mental and emotional resilience, and fits perfectly into the evolving category of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Used wisely and sourced responsibly, CBD may become a cornerstone of modern wellness, not just for the body, but for the mind and the planet, too.

In the end, cannabis is no longer on the fringe. With its blend of therapeutic compounds, nutritional value, and sustainable promise, it is fast becoming part of a larger paradigm shift in how we view health and healing. The question may not be whether CBD is a superfood, but whether it’s something even more powerful, a super-functional, super-adaptable, super-sustainable plant for the future of human health.

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Read more from Berta Kaguako

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Berta Kaguako, Health and Social Care Consultant

Berta Kaguako is a Health and Social Care Consultant, with an Undergraduate in Psychotherapy and a Master's in Psychoanalysis. Berta’s background is in Mental Health, Substance Misuse and Children & Families: in both a therapeutic and senior management capacity, having won 3x Blooming Strong Awards (Recognition from UN for contribution to violence against Women).

Berta is also the Co-Founder and Managing Director for EthVida, and independently runs the wellbeing service / educational platform.

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References:

• Neuroprotective potential of cannabidiol: Molecular mechanisms and clinical implications – Tambe SM, Mali S, Amin PD, Oliveira M. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2023. Review of how CBD acts at the molecular level, its neuroprotective effects, and what clinical applications might follow. (PubMed)

• Cannabidiol as a multifaceted therapeutic agent: mitigating Alzheimer’s disease pathology and enhancing cognitive function – Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 2025. This article discusses experiments showing CBD’s ability to protect neurons exposed to amyloid-β and reduce oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer’s. (BioMed Central)

• Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: important new clinical applications for this phytocannabinoid? – Fernández-Ruiz et al., British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2013. A broad survey of CBD’s effects in animal models of neurodegeneration (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc.), its antioxidant capacity, and early human data. (BPS Publishing)

• Neuroprotective Effect of Cannabidiol Against Hydrogen Peroxide in Hippocampal Neuron Culture – Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, in vitro study showing CBD’s antioxidant and protective action in hippocampal neurons exposed to oxidative stress. (Liebert Publishing)

• Hemp Seeds: A Review of Their Agricultural, Nutritional, Processing, and Functional Potential – (Industrial Hemp seed: from field to value-added food ingredients) Journal of Cannabis Research, various authors. Examines how hemp seed’s protein, fatty acid profile, fiber, and micronutrients vary, and how processing affects its nutritional value. (BioMed Central)

• What are the proven health benefits of hemp seeds? – Healthline article “6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds”. Practical summarisation of evidence for nutritional benefits (protein, fatty acids, minerals). (Healthline)

• Nutritional benefits of hemp seeds – Medical News Today. Details on hemp seed nutrient composition, fiber, macro- and micronutrients. (Medical News Today)

• Hemp seed’s (Cannabis sativa L) nutritional potential for the development of snack functional foods – Study in OCL – Oilseeds and Fats, Crops and Lipids. Investigate functional food formulations with hemp seed and how sensory and nutritional qualities balance out. (ocl-journal.org)

• Hemp: Forms, benefits, nutrition, uses, and more – Medical News Today. A broad overview of hemp in diets, what nutrients it offers, and potential health implications. (Medical News Today)
  

Further reading/books & reviews:

• Books on the Endocannabinoid System & Natural Therapeutics – look for recent texts by authors such as Raphael Mechoulam, Ethan Russo, or CBD-focused pharmacologists.

• Clinical trial databases (e.g., clinicaltrials.gov) to see ongoing, high-quality studies on CBD in neurological conditions (epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, PTSD).

• Journals like Frontiers in Neuroscience, Journal of Neuroinflammation, Phytotherapy Research, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry often publish studies on functional foods and plant compounds.

• Reviews/meta-analyses about "functional foods" or "nutraceuticals" that explore how bioactive plant compounds (including cannabinoids) contribute to wellness beyond basic nutrition.