HAPPINESS, PLEASURE, JOY & DELIGHT
A is for Anandamide also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) aka the Bliss Molecule! and first endocannabinoid to be discovered!
From Ananda, the Sanskrit word for “happiness, pleasure, joy, and delight''
Anandamide is produced in the part of the brain which is important in memory, motivation, higher thought processes and movement control. It also plays a role in pain, appetite and fertility.
Did you know that low levels of anandamide can make you unhappy, increase the chance of anxiety and also leaving you feeling unable to cope with stress?
Anandamide is a potent antidepressant, hence why it is noted for inducing “blissful” sensations and as a natural, reliable mood-enhancer.
Some people are genetically predisposed to produce more anandamide than others – these people will probably find stressful situations easier to deal with. Unfortunately, even when we do produce anandamide, it is quickly broken down – thus we quickly lose our ‘high’. It is now believed that anandamide, not endorphins, is responsible for the high people can experience after exercising whilst also increasing focus and motivation whilst reducing the sensation of pain.
Research shows that CBD can increase the levels of anandamide, mostly linked to happiness, mental health and well-being by inhibiting Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase or FAAH for short - an enzyme that breaks down Anandamide. By staying in the Endocannabinoid System for longer the effects are prolonged resulting in a better you.