Could cannabis be the missing ingredient to reap all the brain-boosting deliciousness of fish?
Maintaining brain health starts by gathering a few key objects: a spot on the dock, a folding lawn chair, and a fishing pole. Now, if you want to live to the fullest in terms of brain benefit, turn your catch into dinner. And you can boost that benefit by infusing fresh fish with cannabinoids. Let’s take a look at how you might be maximizing your brain health with cannabis-infused fish recipes.
Fish Promotes Brain Health in More Ways Than One
According to research that was published in 2014 in The Journal of Nutrition, consuming fish later in life may help slow the onset of dementia. Result indicate for participants, aged at least 65-years-old, consuming fish once or more times per week “may reduce the rate of cognitive decline”.
The researchers even focused on certain types of fish. They noted that people who consumed dark-meat fish (think salmon, snapper, and ocean perch, for example) showed “slower verbal memory decline.” This led them to support “a favorable role of fish consumption in deterring cognitive decline.”
A 2015 study also concluded that fish is good for brain health in the later stages of life. The results of the study—which were published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine—showed that “dietary consumption of baked or broiled fish is related to larger gray matter volumes independent of omega-3 fatty acid content.”
So, simply by eating fish at least once a week, a person can possibly prevent mental decline in the future. If you consider adding cannabis to a steady diet of fish throughout your life, there may be even more benefits as cannabis offers its own protections to the brain.
Research on Cannabis and Dementia
Cannabis might not be the first herb you think of for brain health, but there’s good evidence that you should be eating it.
A 2010 review, published in Pharmaceuticals, looked at clinical and pre-clinical data on how cannabinoids may have an impact on dementia and other neurological conditions. They found a range of ways that cannabinoids may help with these. These include interruption of excitotoxicity, reduction of inflammation, and arresting dyskinesia (involuntary movements).
The variety of ways in which cannabinoids may help with neurological conditions, like dementia, make it difficult to fully pinpoint the underlying mechanisms. But, they are working on it. Researchers can already point to a few indicators. They specifically mentioned the potential for CBD to slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Early studies also indicate that THC may be able to break down amyloid plaques to improve nerve transmission in the brain.
If you’re having trouble reeling that all in, it means this fish recipe could be a part of your brain-smart diet.
A Clever Way To Infuse Fish Recipes
Infused Lemon Vinaigrette
It couldn’t be easier to kick off your cannabis-infused fish recipes than with an infused lemon vinaigrette. Not only does this cannabis-infused lemon vinaigrette taste amazing and compliment virtually any fish, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Here’s how.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp cannabis-infused olive oil
- 1-2 lemons
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp honey, or maple syrup for a vegan alternative
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Juice the lemons, set aside. Fresh lemons are a great way to get a full dose of the terpene limonene, which has its own neuroprotective functions. For example, according to a 2018 report published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, limonene appears to reduce stroke risk.
- Mince the garlic cloves, set aside. A review of the literature published in 2008 in the Libyan Journal of Medicine, looked at how garlic may help with neuroprotection. They found that a certain compound in garlic, diallyl disulfide (DADS), possesses anti-apoptotic properties. In other words, DADS may help keep brain cells alive in times of stress.
- Add all ingredients into a small bowl, whisk.
- Enjoy on your favorite fish!
When it comes down to it, this infused lemon vinaigrette is chock full of beneficial ingredients. So, why not treat your body and your mind to delicious fish recipes with garlic and cannabis?
