CAN CBD OIL TREAT HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVELS?

CAN CBD OIL TREAT HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVELS?

CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant made of two primary chemical elements; cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Other elements include terpenes and flavonoids. CBD oil has gained fame globally because of the benefits that health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have recognized. Some of the common ones include reducing pain, anxiety, and stress. In addition, various research has tried showing the impact of CBD oil on cholesterol levels, as discussed in this article. Although the products have been associated with various health impacts, there is insufficient scientific evidence to back these claims. What’s more, CBD products have side effects such as severe headaches and diarrhea. The side effects mostly arise from taking too much CBD oil or high THC levels.

CBD Oil and Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol levels expose your body to various chronic diseases. Fat accumulation in the body is likely to result in diabetes, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis. Therefore, you should watch cholesterol levels because high levels can result in heart attacks or stroke. A study by Zorzenon, et al. (2019) suggests that the cannabis plant contains properties that minimize health risks, including fats in the body.

Cholesterol is a chemical compound found in most body tissues. It is responsible for making cell membranes, multiple hormones, and vitamin D. The cholesterol found in the body comes from the liver or the foods we eat. However, studies show that the liver has the potential of making enough cholesterol. Your body requires a good balance between low cholesterol density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) for good health. Good cholesterol levels in the body should remove excess fats in the body. The three types of CBD oil help in reducing cholesterol levels in the body.

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

Full-spectrum CBD oil is manufactured using all elements of the hemp plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, THC, and CBD. According to de Santana Souza et al. (2014),  terpenes have anti-inflammatory effects, which trigger the death of abnormal cells in the body. However, THC found in full-spectrum CBD disadvantages it due to its intoxication impact. Therefore, although taking full-spectrum CBD can offer various health benefits, you should be keen on THC levels to ensure they don’t exceed 0.3%, as recommended by the Foods and Drugs Administration (FDA).

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is made of all the elements found in the cannabis plant except THC. It comprises CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum CBD helps you gain all the benefits of the hemp plant without being exposed to the intoxicating impacts of THC. However, THC being the second dominant element found in the cannabis plant after CBD, it might be difficult to extract it completely.

Isolate CBD

Isolate CBD stands to be unique from the broad-spectrum and full spectrum. Although it is void of THC-like broad-spectrum, it is comprised of CBD and CBD only; void of terpenes, THC, and flavonoids. Isolate CBD is only suitable for people who wish to benefit from CBD oil. However, some experts don’t recommend it due to the role of terpenes in heightening the anti-inflammatory properties found in the cannabis plant.

How Does CBD Oil Reduce Cholesterol Levels?

Reduces Inflammation Of The Blood Vessel Walls

Research by Price, S. L. (2022) shows that CBD bound with B2 receptors produces a significant anti-inflammatory effect. CBD prevents sharing of signals between cells by killing the abnormal cells. Also, it hinders the damaging of blood cells resulting from high levels of sugar that adhere to plaques. Fatty plaques result in hardening and narrowing blood vessel walls leading to injuries. Tiny injuries attract immune cells around the site. As a result, more cells get trapped by the fatty plaques, which distorts the walls or weakens them. In most cases, such conditions result in blood clots blocking the vessels and other parts of the body. As a result, the body will be prone to heart attacks.

Where To Buy CBD Oil?

There have been uncertainties about where to buy quality CBD products or determine the best choice. Here are some tips that will help you get the best products in the market;

Assess The Brand’s Reputation

Most CBD companies offering poor-quality products have received negative comments from their customers. Therefore, check customers reviews to ensure at least 90% of the customers are content with the brand’s quality and effectiveness. Also, confirm whether the brand has received any warnings from the FDA regarding its services’ quality. Conduct background research regarding the brand to ensure it has not received any negative comments from Better Business Bureau regarding its products or services. Lastly, consider a brand offering a full money-back guarantee suppose the products fail to offer the stated effect.

The Lab Reports

Consider a brand using an independent certified lab to assess the quality and purity of its products. Certified labs have minimum chances of offering inaccurate lab reports due to adequate resources and personnel. Confirm that THC levels don’t exceed 0.3% to minimize the intoxication impact. Also, confirm the potency levels on the products and the ones in the products match. According to the FDA, the variance should not exceed 10%. Lastly, confirm purity levels to ensure the products are void of contaminants such as heavy metals and solvents.

Conclusion

Although various researchers have tried associating CBD oil with cholesterol treatment, the FDA has not approved the claim. However, if you wish to try CBD products for cholesterol treatment, choose the best products in the market. Assess the lab results to ensure THC levels don’t exceed 0.3% to avoid the intoxicating effects of the lab results. Using CBD oil manufactured with various elements such as MCT oil (coconut oil) to maximize effectiveness. Suppose you wish to replace your current medication for cholesterol with CBD oil, seek clinical guidance. Lastly, avoid using too much CBD oil to expose yourself to the side effects such as severe headaches.

References

de Santana Souza, M. T., Almeida, J. R. G. D. S., de Souza Araujo, A. A., Duarte, M. C., Gelain, D. P., Moreira, J. C. F., … & Quintans‐Júnior, L. J. (2014). Structure–Activity Relationship of Terpenes with Anti‐Inflammatory Profile–A Systematic Review. Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology, 115(3), 244-256.

Price, S. L. (2022) Best CBD Oil For Pain Relief & Inflammation: Highest Quality Brands On The Market.

Zorzenon, M. R. T., Santiago, A. N., Mori, M. A., Piovan, S., Jansen, C. A., Padilha, M. E. P., … & Mareze-Costa, C. E. (2019). Cannabidiol Improves Metabolic Dysfunction In Middle-Aged Diabetic Rats Submitted To A Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 312, 108819. Price, S. L. (2022) Best CBD Oil For Pain Relief & Inflammation: Highest Quality Brands On The Market.

Julia Davis

Mental health expert
MS, University of Latvia

I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.

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