CBD and cholesterol
We've all heard about cholesterol. But what exactly is it? What does it serve? And why do all of us warn about high cholesterol levels in the blood?
Cholesterol is a substance/lipid/fat that is an integral part of our body and is found in every cell. In the body, it has a very important role: It takes care of producing male and female hormones and contributes to the formation of vitamin D. However, this is only when its level in the body is optimal. Otherwise, it becomes a dangerous opponent to our health.
Why High Cholesterol Levels Are Dangerous
More than half of annual deaths are caused by high cholesterol levels. And what does this unwantedly high level cause? Heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. Cholesterol, if uncontrolled and its blood content is dangerously high, can literally "block" the blood vessels in the body and prevent blood from nourishing vital organs.
High Cholesterol Levels Adversely Affect Our Heart
Not All Cholesterol Is Bad
HDL is cholesterol that helps the body fight unwanted LDL cholesterol. This is precisely the cause of many diseases and conditions.
Who Does This Concern?
Many of you think this article is not for you – after all, high cholesterol and heart disease are things for old people. No! This is no longer true. Current lifestyle, childhood obesity, and fast food on every corner mean that more and more young people, even children, are struggling with high cholesterol!
Among the most risky factors are undoubtedly:
- alcohol,
- smoking,
- obesity,
- lack of exercise,
- advanced age.
Poor Eating Habits Cause Obesity, Which in Turn Causes Rising Cholesterol Levels
CBD as a Potential Help
According to current information, CBD affects cholesterol, and in a positive sense. Cannabinoids are generally known to be beneficial to the body due to their interaction with receptors in our endocannabinoid system.
This system and its receptors influence many things in our body, such as our mood or pain perception. Studies have shown that, for example, CBD and THC in a 1:1 ratio can reduce neuropathic pain or spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
Current Findings
For exactly this reason, scientists decided to study CBD's effects on lipid gene modulation. It turned out that CBD binds to receptors that control cholesterol storage. Findings suggest that CBD can therefore disrupt its transport and storage in cells.
Moreover, it was shown that cannabidiol can increase the so-called "good" cholesterol HDL. These results came from a study conducted on obese mice, where CBD was administered for 4 weeks. Their HDL cholesterol increased by 55%, and their total cholesterol decreased by 25%.
Most Research Currently Happens on Rodents
Everything suggests that CBD could have suitable therapeutic abilities for people with high cholesterol levels. Why do we say "could"? Because CBD research is still very modest in terms of study scope. Moreover, the effects are largely studied on rodents. To be able to confidently state that CBD can break down cholesterol and protect people from serious diseases, we need more extensive studies and research on human patients, over a sufficiently long time horizon.
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