Anandamide is a natural cannabinoid produced by humans that serves to balance the body and mind. It takes its name from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means "happiness", and plays an important role in the regulation of moods, but also in appetite control and pain relief. Its main purpose, though, is to try to make us happy and healthier.

There are some interesting aspects of the internal functioning of the human being that we may never have discovered had it not been for the cannabis plant. One of these has to do with anandamide, a fundamental piece of the puzzle that is our endocannabinoid system and that, without a doubt, demonstrates that cannabis is genuine medicine.

Anandamide is a type of endocannabinoid, a version of these cannabis compounds, but produced by our own body. In fact, if it weren't for THC (cannabis's psychoactive molecule) anandamide would never have been discovered.

In the late 1980s scientists observed that THC adapted perfectly to special receptors in the brain and central nervous system, producing its effects. The theory then arose that if we have this complex network of receptors, we must produce some kind of endogenous chemicals that also act as "keys" to unlock these receptors.

It took them a while, but they finally discovered anandamide, which scientists named using Sanskrit, alluding to a kind of divine joy, due to the wonderful sensations it produces.

The endocannabinoid system: a mood regulator

Anandamide is part of the endocannabinoid system, along with 2-AG, another similar chemical that also binds to endocannabinoid receptors found throughout the body. Present in all vertebrates, the system is classified as a homeostatic regulator, which means that it functions constantly to achieve a state of balance in our bodies and minds.

Thus, it is not surprising that our mood, happiness, fear, anxiety and ability to withstand stress are regulated by the endocannabinoid system, with deficient anandamide levels associated with everything from schizophrenia to depression.

The body produces anandamide on demand, and then it is quickly decomposed by the FAAH (fatty acid amid hydrolase) enzyme. And scientists have discovered that the inhabitants of nations topping happiness rankings share the same genetic mutation: they produce less of the FAAH enzyme, responsible for breaking down anandamide.

Indeed, scientists believe that the high happiness levels of these countries' inhabitants are a direct result of having more anandamide in their bodies. Thus, high levels of anandamide have been linked to feelings of well-being and happiness; and to low levels of depression and anxiety.

How can we bolster this neurotransmitter that generates bliss and satisfaction?

It makes sense, then, to do everything possible to increase anandamide in our bodies. Otherwise, what hope do we have of enjoying happy days? The good news is that there are several ways to increase anandamide production:

1. Exercise

Many people associate what it feels like after running with what has been termed an "endorphin rush", or "runner's high". But this is only part of the story. Scientists have discovered that after 30 minutes of intense exercise anandamide levels increase and, with them, feelings of well-being. Anandamide is like a neurobiological reward for running. It makes you feel good.

2. Take CBD

Another way to stimulate the endocannabinoid system is by introducing botanical cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant into the body. Unlike THC, CBD has a very low binding affinity with endocannabinoid receptors . Nevertheless, scientists have observed that its administration leads to an increase in anandamide levels, inhibiting the FAAH enzyme responsible for breaking down anandamide. As stated, less FAAH means that anandamide remains in the body longer, resulting in better moods.

3. Eat chocolate

It turns out that chocolate offers a two-fold way to increase anandamide: by stimulating endocannabinoid receptors; and, like CBD, blocking the metabolism of anandamide. But we are not talking about just any type of chocolate: only quality dark chocolate will work, without the sugar and other junk it usually contains. This may mean giving up your favourite chocolate bar in favour of cocoa powder or cocoa beans, which are used to create chocolate. Both are significantly less processed and are a more concentrated source of beneficial compounds.

4. Truffles!

It may not be the most practical way to increase anandamide levels, but scientists have discovered that anandamide can be found in a culinary delicacy: black truffles. Curiously, unlike vertebrates that have a developed endocannabinoid system, truffles do not have any accompanying receptors, suggesting that the presence of anandamide does not trigger any biological effect. Instead, it could have developed as a way to entice animals to eat truffles, a process that releases their spores and allows them to spread.

5. Eat foods containing kaempferol

In addition to chocolate and truffles, there are other foods that contain compounds that increase anandamide amounts and activity. For example, kaempferol is a type of flavonoid present in a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, tomatoes, grapes, potatoes, onions and broccoli. Studies have already pointed out that kaempferol may protect against cancer, but it also inhibits the production of our old friend FAAH, the enzyme that breaks down anandamide. This means that we now have yet another good reason to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our daily diets. Our body and, above all, our moods, will benefit.