Why anandamide is called the "bliss molecule"
The mental health benefits of anandamide
The link between anandamide, marijuana, and memory
How to increase anandamide with food, supplements, exercise, and more
Anandamide is a little-known brain chemical that's been called the "bliss molecule" or the "bliss compound" for the role it plays in feelings of happiness.
It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as the main psychoactive compound in marijuana.
It affects your overall health and mental well-being in a surprising number of ways.
There are many ways to increase anandamide and possibly your happiness -- without using marijuana.
What is Anandamide?
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter derived …show more content…
Its discovery hales back to the 1980s when scientists discovered receptors for THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive component in marijuana (Cannabis sativa), first in rat brains and eventually in humans. (00, DrugA)
Scientists were puzzled as to why there were THC receptors in the brain considering we do not naturally make this substance.
The presence of these receptors remained a mystery until the discovery of anandamide which binds to cannabinoid receptors much like THC does. (WI)
The Health Benefits of Anandamide
It turns out that these cannabinoid receptors to which anandamide binds are not found only in the brain -- the body is brimming with …show more content…
(00, 00)
Anandamide can even inhibit the production of cancerous cells. (RE)
The Mental Health Benefits of Anandamide
While anandamide bestows a wealth of overall health benefits, mostly it is linked to our state of mind and mental well-being.
Suboptimal levels of anandamide can drain you of happiness, increase fear and anxiety, and rob you of the ability to cope with stress. (00)
Research indicates that inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme that breaks down anandamide, may be a useful strategy to treat anxiety disorders, traumatic stress, and drug addiction. (00, STRESS, PSTDa, SA1)
The endocannabinoid system, which includes anandamide, offers protection against stress-related psychiatric diseases, including major depression, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. (00)
Anandamide Linked to Genetic Happiness
Certain countries of the world are known to have higher rates of happiness than