What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of many cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, found in marijuana and hemp.

You are probably already familiar with tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is another compound found in the cannabis plant and its main psychoactive component. But unlike THC, cannabidiol is not psychoactive. In other words, it's not what gets you high.

So what exactly is CBD and why is it so trendy?

Cannabidiol is one of hundreds of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Many people report feeling relaxed and calm when taking it. Others swear by its health properties. For this reason, CBD quickly gained a large following.

The potential health benefits of CBD

A growing number of studies agree that cannabidiol has many benefits health potentials.

Reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity

A study from 2011 published in the American Journal of Epidemiology examined approximately fifty-two thousand participants.

According to the study, obesity was lower by a third among cannabis users. And this despite the fact that cannabis users consume more calories per day than usual.

Research has shown that CBD can help boost weight loss by helping the body convert white fat into slimming brown fat.

Protection and care of the skin

Many people suffer from skin problems. Antioxidants like vitamin C and E help. CBD is a stronger antioxidant than these, so it may help with skin conditions.

When applied topically, CBD can repair damage caused by free radicals like UV rays and other pollutants. Additionally, many people use cannabidiol to treat other skin conditions, from acne to psoriasis.

Historical records show that people have used cannabis for centuries to heal wounds in animals and humans because it speeds up the skin repair process.

Anxiety, depression and mood disorders

The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked depression as the number one and anxiety as the sixth contributing factor to disability.

Indeed, millions of people suffer from clinical depression. It can be characterized by persistent sadness, decreased appetite, loss of interest, lack of energy and most deadly of all: suicidal thoughts.

To treat depression, doctors prescribe drugs that target serotonin, a chemical messenger that can stabilize mood.

Cannabis can also affect serotonin levels. However, while THC can increase serotonin levels, it can also make things worse if not taken in the right dose.

Therefore, CBD is often preferred over cannabis, as it has no psychoactive properties and may be a more effective treatment for depression.

Several surveys and research done on animals and humans confirm this. They suggest that CBD oil is an effective antidepressant.

An another study conducted in 2016 stated: "Cannabidiol may represent a novel rapid antidepressant drug, by enhancing both cortical serotonergic and glutamate signaling via a 5-HT1A receptor-dependent mechanism.”

Pains

Records of patients treated with cannabis exist since -2900. However, cannabis is still illegal in most countries today. Fortunately, CBD, the chemical compound responsible for pain relief, is legal.

Our body has a system called the Endocannabinoid System (ES). This system is responsible for regulating functions such as sleep, appetite, pain, and immune system response.

When we use cannabidiol, our body produces endocannabinoids. They are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in our nervous system.

From numerous studies indicate that e CBD can be effective in reducing pain related to sclerosis, arthritis and muscle spasms. This is probably due to the way cannabidiol interacts with our SE.

Acne

A study found that CBD oil inhibited sebaceous gland cells to excrete excess sebum, which is one of the most common causes of acne.

Not only that, but the anti-inflammatory actions of cannabidiol also prevented the activation of pro-acne agents like inflammatory cytokines.

Neuroprotective properties

Because cannabidiol targets the endocannabinoid system, it potentially makes it very effective for people with neurological conditions. This is why a majority of ongoing studies are investigating the effects of CBD on neurological diseases, including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

A famous study found that CBD oil significantly reduced the activity epilepsy in children with Dravet syndrome (a childhood seizure disorder). This led to the production of Epidiolex, the only FDA-approved cannabidiol drug to date.

Heart health

Research has linked high blood pressure to a number of heart diseases like stroke, heart attack, and metabolic syndrome. To eliminate heart problems, you will first need to take care of high blood pressure.

A number of recent studies focus on the potential of CBD to lower blood pressure, thereby also reducing the risk of heart disease.

research indicates that CBD may be a natural and effective response to high blood pressure.