THE ROAD TO HEALTH SERIES: CBD – Hemp Oil and its Health-Promoting Properties

Products with CBD, or cannabidiol, are becoming more and more common. Apart from food industry products, cosmetics which contain CBD are also gaining in popularity. If you are interested in what this substance really is, what properties it has and whether it is worth a try, I have an article from the series “The Road to Health. Do you know that…?” which answers all these questions. ?

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual plant of the Cannabinaceae family that is widespread all over the world. It is among them that over 520 compounds from various groups have been identified, including: flavonoids, dihydrostilbens, phenanthrenes, spiroindanes. However, cannabinoids are the most characteristic of this plant. The most important active substance of hemp oil obtained from flowers is cannabidiol or CBD for short. CBD preparations are used in the treatment of most civilization and neurological diseases. Thus, it has been shown that cannabidiol has a beneficial.

 

THC and CBD

Hemp contains over 421 active ingredients, of which 60 cannabinoids have been identified. So far, two of them have been thoroughly tested, i.e. tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). It is well known that THC is a compound with psychotropic properties. It intensifies the sensations, but also has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is therefore a psychoactive substance that causes euphoria and relaxation. It is also responsible for disturbances in concentration, perception and memory. The most characteristic feature is that it exhibits hallucinogenic effects.

Unlike THC, cannabidiol (CBD) is an organic chemical compound that is an antagonist of cannabinoid receptors, meaning that its receptor activity is opposite to that of THC. Thus, CBD is the legal and most important active substance in medical marijuana and cannabis, showing a broad spectrum of activity. Of all the substances found in cannabis, CBD has been shown to have the most potent health benefits. Importantly, CBD hemp oil is not psychoactive and can be used as a comprehensive therapeutic agent, as it does not cause side effects, is non-intoxicating and is not addictive.

 

CBD extraction

In the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, the concentration of THC that can be found in hemp oil is legally determined. CBD is obtained through the CO2 extraction process – it is a modern technique that, on the one hand, allows you to neutralize the harmful effects of the substances from Cannabis Sativa to a minimum. In Europe, including Poland, the oil cannot contain more than 0.3% THC in hemp oil. The required values of the toxic substance are obtainable because THC is practically insoluble in oil. Thus, CBD is a completely safe ingredient of hemp that mimics the effects of substances found naturally in the human body.The important fact is that substances with a similar effect and chemical structure can be found in the body of every human being, and even in breast milk. Cannabidiol is perfectly tolerated by the human body, and its overdose is impossible.

 

Health properties of CBD

Hemp has a positive effect in many diseases due to the content of numerous active compounds with multidirectional pharmacological activity. CBD oils are characterized by an extremely positive effect on the so-called human endocannabinoid system. Interestingly, its receptors are found throughout our body: in the nervous system and in all organs (mainly in the liver), in the internal walls of the blood system, muscles and cells of the immune system. What’s more, it helps regulate metabolism, memory, but also mood.

 

Therapeutic properties

Scientific research shows that CBD has both therapeutic and curative benefits. CBD oil is used to support the treatment of most civilization and neurological diseases. Cannabidiol has a beneficial pharmacological effect on both the body and mind. The clinical use of CBD is most advanced in the treatment of epilepsy. In some patients (including children) with severe forms of refractory epilepsy, not responding to standard anticonvulsant therapy, the use of CBD resulted in a reduction in the frequency of seizures and clinical improvement.

 

Antioxidation and anti-inflammatory effect

One of the effects of CBD is its strong antioxidant effect. The high concentration of cannabinoids, and thus cannabidiol, helps to reduce the effects of free radicals.

At this point, it is also worth paying attention to the effects of hemp oil, which can be included in your daily diet. This oil has a rich chemical composition – hemp seeds are rich in  fatty acids amounting to 25%-35% (mainly polyunsaturated), they also contain 20-25% protein, 20-30% carbohydrates and up to 15% dietary fiber. They are the source of all essential amino acids, thanks to which they positively influence the nutritional value of the diet. The oil obtained from the seeds contains over 80% of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The main omega-6 and omega-3 acids found in hemp seed oil are linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively. In addition, hemp oil contains γ-linolenic acid (GLA), which has many anti-inflammatory benefits.

 

Antibacterial effect

Another property of CBD oil is its antibacterial effect. It has been shown that cannabinoids inhibit the multiplication of bacteria and slow their growth. Thus, it is used in the treatment of skin inflammations. Strong bactericidal effect, combined with extensive regenerating properties of the epidermis, supports the action in skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema or acne. Moreover, CBD has been shown to be useful in the fight against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The toxins secreted by this bacterium cause food poisoning and are responsible for the development of many diseases, including respiratory infections, skin diseases and inflammation of the lungs, veins, heart muscle and even meninges.

 

Pain reduction

CBD is famous for its beneficial analgesic effects. Did you know that it might be a breakthrough therapy in the natural fight against pain? It is because the effects of CBD oil are comparable to those of painkillers. This is due to the fact that cannabinoids inhibit the so-called anandamide reuptake resulting in more of it in the blood. This is very important because anandamide deficiency is the main cause in chronic pain.

 

Tension and stress reduction

The use of CBD oil is also perfect for diseases caused by stress, including support in the treatment of depression, reducing anxiety. It has been shown that the action of compounds contained in Cannabis Sativa reduces muscle tension, has a positive effect on fatigue, and improves concentration. Additionally, it has a positive effect on reducing social anxiety in patients.

 

Increasing the appetite

CBD oil is particularly useful in patients who have undergone chemotherapy. Cannabinoids suppress nausea, vomiting and regulate the work of the digestive system. CBD oil is also given to people who have problems with anorexia as an appetite stimulant.

 

Anti-cancer effect

In addition, it has been reported that cannabidiol may have anti-inflammatory effects in cancer. Scientists have proven that natural cannabinoids derived from Cannabis Sativa are anti-cancerous in a wide range of cancer types. Thus, they have a positive effect on the fight against cancer cells as a result of the so-called autophagy, showing general chemopreventive effects, i.e. inhibiting, reversing or delaying the process of cancer formation.

 

CBD as an ingredient in natural cosmetics

CBD oil is also widely used in cosmetology, it is an important ingredient in cosmetics for mature and acne skin. CBD can be found in masks, gels, conditioners, creams that, when rubbed into the skin, hair and nails, help maintain the body in good condition, nourish cells, and show a regenerating and moisturizing effect

 

Summary

As you can see, CBD oil is an absolute hit recently in the pro-health products category. Its wide spectrum of action is used both in supporting the treatment of diseases, but also in natural cosmetics. Do you have any experience with CBD oil? Have you used its precious properties? What are your impressions and opinions? Do share them in the comments below. It is worth noting that CBD oil and hemp oil are widely used in dietetics, however, they should not be treated as substitutes. CBD oil comes from the inflorescences and the hemp oil comes from the seeds. Oil and essential oil are used for different purposes. Cold-pressed hemp seed oil can be used, among others, as a nutritional component of our balanced diet.

 

Bibliography:

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