Health Benefits of Marijuana

The Health Benefits of Marijuana 

Cannabis Sativa

Treats migraines THC and many of the ingredients of the marijuana plant, such as cannabidiol, have relatively potent pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory actions within the body. These effects are several hundred times more powerful than that of aspirin, allowing doctors in California to treat more than 300,000 cases of migraines with medical marijuana.


Slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease A 2006 study published in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics found that THC slows the formation of amyloid plaque, which is what kills the brain cells of Alzheimer’s patients, by blocking the enzyme in the brain that creates the plaque.
Stops cancer from spreading Cancer cells make more copies of the gene ID1 than non-cancerous cells, and it helps them spread through the body. Cannabidiol stops cancer by turning off the gene, according to a study published in the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.

Prevents blindness from glaucoma Marijuana decreases the pressure inside the eye, according to the National Eye Institute: "Studies in the early 1970s showed that marijuana, when smoked, lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with normal pressure and those with glaucoma."

Controls epileptic seizures, helps calm Tourette’s The active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (aka THC), controls seizures by binding to the brain cells responsible for controlling excitability and regulating relaxation, according to findings published in Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Similarly, it’s effects slow down the tics in those suffering from Tourette’s.

Treats depression A study on addictive behaviors published by USC and SUNY Albany in 2005, found that "those who consume marijuana occasionally or even daily have lower levels of depressive symptoms than those who have never tried marijuana."


Lessens side-effects from treating Hepatitis C Hepatitis C medications have severe side effects that often cause patients to discontinue therapy. According to the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, patients that smoked marijuana every day found that not only did they complete the therapy, but marijuana even made it more effective, showing no sign of the virus left in their bodies.


Relieves arthritis discomfort Marijuana proves useful for many types of chronic pain conditions, but patients with rheumatoid arthritis report less pain, reduced inflammation and more sleep, according to a 2011 announcement by researchers.


Treats inflammatory bowel diseases THC-like compounds made by the body increase the permeability of the intestines, allowing bacteria in. According to a 2010 study in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, the plant-derived THC in marijuana blocks the THC compound in the body, making the intestinal cells bond together tighter.


Decreases insulin levels in diabetics Three prior studies have shown that marijuana users are less likely to be obese and have a lower risk for diabetes. Research conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2010 found that marijuana users showed fasting insulin levels that were 16% lower than those of never users, along with a 17% reduction in another measure of insulin resistance as well.

Eases the pain of Multiple Sclerosis Jody Corey-Bloom studied 30 multiple sclerosis patients with painful contractions in their muscles, and found after smoking marijuana for a few days they were in less pain. The THC in pot binds to receptors in the nerves and muscles to relieve pain.

Disclosure: The above is for informational purposes only. The article is not meant to condone nor influence anyone to smoke or ingest marijuana.

July Birth Flower

Hardy Water Lily-blooms during the day

Water Lily 


The Water Lily, also known as Nymphaeaceae or "water lily family", is a family of flowering plants and can be found throughout the world. 

The white water lily is the national flower of Bangladesh.

Like other flowers, the Water Lily is rooted in soil, however it grows and floats in bodies of water. The leaves and flowers are above the water, while there rest of the plant stays below the water. The leaves can vary, all being round, but some species containing notches, while others are perfectly shaped.

Water Lilies are divided into two main groups, hardy and tropical. The hardy group only blooms during the day, while the tropical group blooms night and day and is the only group that contains blue flowers.

Tropical Water Lily-blooms night & day

Fun and interesting fact: The Water Lily seed can survive and be planted for up to 2000 years.

Water Lilies are temperamental and clearly the species are separate. Some species prefer the warm air and are found in temperate and semi-tropical zones, some prefer the cold and are found only in northern Canada and Alaska. 

The fragrant Water Lily occurs from Puerto Rico to Alaska and from California to Quebec, but its many subspecies can be found floating in lakes and ponds throughout North America. The fragrant Water Lilies are generally white in color. 

Florida has a species all its own that is called the Yellow Water Lily.

Yellow Water Lily

Alternate July Flower: Larkspur

Benefits of Coconut Water

Coconut Tree in Tobago

Ohhh! COCONUT WATER


Low in calories, naturally fat- and cholesterol free, more potassium than four bananas, and super hydrating - these are just a few of the many benefits ascribed to America’s latest health craze: coconut water.

Dubbed "Mother Nature’s sports drink" by marketers, the demand is skyrocketing, propelled by celebrity and athlete endorsements and promises to hydrate the body and help with a whole host of conditions, from hangovers to cancer and kidney stones.



But is coconut water capable of delivering on all the promises or is it hype? 

What Is Coconut Water?

Naturally refreshing, coconut water has a sweet, nutty taste. It contains easily digested carbohydrate in the form of sugar and electrolytes. Not to be confused with high-fat coconut milk or oil, coconut water is a clear liquid in the fruit’s center that is tapped from young, green coconuts.

It has fewer calories, less sodium, and more potassium than a sports drink. Ounce per ounce, most unflavored coconut water contains 5.45 calories, 1.3 grams sugar, 61 milligrams (mg) of potassium, and 5.45 mg of sodium compared to Gatorade, which has 6.25 calories, 1.75 grams of sugar, 3.75 mg of potassium, and 13.75 mg of sodium.


Better Than Some Sugary Drinks


Coconut water has less sugar than many sports drinks and much less sugar than sodas and some fruit juices. Plain coconut water could be a better choice for adults and kids looking for a beverage that is less sweet. But don’t overdo it, says Lillian Cheung, DSc, RD, of Harvard School of Public Health. “One 11-ounce container has 60 calories and if you drink several in one day, the calories can add up quickly," Cheung says.

Cheung, co-author of Savor Mindful Eating, Mindful Life, suggests being mindful about beverage choices and reading labels to choose plain coconut water and avoid those with added sugar or juices, which are no different from other sugary beverages.

Staying hydrated is one of the most important things for recreational and professional athletes. And if the taste of coconut water helps you drink plenty of fluids, it is a fine choice for most people but may not be for those in prolonged physical activity.

Coconut water is low in carbohydrates and sodium and rich in potassium, which is not exactly what athletes need when exercising rigorously, says Clark.

“Whether you choose a sports drink, coconut water, or plain water, they all work to keep your body hydrated. The challenge is when you exercise strenuously for more than three hours in the heat and lose lots of body fluids, you need easily absorbed carbs for quick energy and to replace lost electrolytes like sodium and potassium,” Clark says.

Neither coconut water nor sports drinks contain enough sodium or carbs for the heavy perspirer. “Supplement with a quick source of energy like a banana or some raisins and a handful of pretzels to provide nutrients to replenish your stores,” Clark says.

Recovery starts before exercise begins. “Most people don’t need to worry about calories, potassium, or sodium. Eat a bagel with peanut butter to get food into your system before and drink plenty of water during exercise,” Clark says. If you exercise for prolonged periods, she suggests eating salty pretzels and raisins or other portable sources of energy.

There are some health benefits to consuming coconut water. It’s an all-natural way to hydrate, reduce sodium, and add potassium to diets. Most Americans don’t get enough potassium in their diets because they don’t eat enough fruits, vegetables, or dairy, so coconut water can help fill in the nutritional gaps.

Beyond that, the scientific literature does not support the hype that it will help with a laundry list of diseases. “There is a lot of hype about coconut water, yet the research is just not there to support many of the claims and much more research is needed,” says Cheung.

Coconut water is fine for recreational athletes -- but so are plain water or sports drinks. In general, most adults don’t exercise strenuously enough to need sports drinks or coconut water because good, old-fashioned water works just fine.

If you enjoy the taste and your budget allows it, coconut water is a nutritious and relatively low-calorie way to add potassium to your diet and keep you well-hydrated.

Source: Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, is director of nutrition for WebMD.