You’ll find
CBD oil in almost every “health and wellness” aisle in grocery stores!
CBD-infused products have taken over the market – you’ll find everything from
CBD bath bombs to CBD pet food in stores!
So, what is
CBD and what are its effects on the human heart? Is it any good for heart
health as claimed by a lot of companies and research? Keep reading to find out
more!
CBD Oil
Before we go
on to details, you should know what exactly CBD oil is.
CBD oil is
cannabidiol oil. Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that is naturally found in the
hemp plant and extracted from it for its beneficial effects.
Benefits
of CBD Oil for the Heart
CBD oil
works in numerous ways to improve heart health. Here are some of the benefits
of CBD oil for heart health:
·
CBD oil reduces inflammation
Inflammation is a key contributor to many heart diseases like heart
attacks. Chronic inflammation occurs in cases where the body is continuously
exposed to harmful substances. While you’re growing up, fats and cholesterol
accumulate in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. If your diet is
poor, the build-up can eventually turn into plaque. The body then starts a
chronic inflammatory response toward the plaque, which can further worsen as
more cells are attracted to the area with the plaque. This can break down and
detach the plaque. Eventually, the plaque travels in your bloodstream and can
block tiny arteries supplying blood to your heart, resulting in a heart attack.
Thus, with its anti-inflammatory effects, CBD can be effective in
reducing the chances of heart attacks.
·
It can reduce potential risks after a heart attack occurs
A study also shows that CBD oil can reduce
the incidence of arrhythmias (which is a dysregulation in the electric rhythm
of your heart causing it to beat abnormally) when given after a heart attack
and can also reduce the size of the damaged part!
·
CBD oil can potentially reduce blood pressure
Chronic high blood pressure causes hypertensive heart disease. It can
lead to an abnormal enlargement of the heart which can even result in heart
failure. A study shows that CBD oil can decrease
blood pressure!
It can do so by relaxing blood vessels so that blood flows through your
circulatory system smoothly and easily.
·
CBD oil reduces stress and anxiety while improving mood
CBD oil can improve your mood and eliminate stress. When it comes to the
heart, stress is a real killer! Leading a stressful life significantly
increases your chances of getting heart diseases. Studies suggest that CBD oil
works on serotonin receptors, making them more sensitive to serotonin, a
neurochemical that regulates mood.
By reducing stress levels, CBD oil can protect your heart!
These are a
few of the many benefits of CBD oil for your body!
How to
Take CBD Oil to Improve Heart Health
There are
many different ways of taking in CBD oil to improve heart health, some of which
are listed below with their pros and cons:
·
CDB
edibles – these include CBD gummies, candies and taffies. CDB edibles are
extremely popular and can be found easily. However, they have certain
disadvantages like delayed absorption of CBD because the edibles have to be digested
first. Moreover, edibles are available in limited potencies, making it harder
to adjust dosing for each individual.
·
CBD
tablets and pills – CBD tablets and pills are readily available. They are
available in different potencies, making it easier for you to adjust your
dosing schedule. However, CBD oil from these pills and tablets takes hours to
get absorbed because the tablets and pills have to go through the digestive
system to be absorbed. Moreover, it’s possible that not all the CBD gets absorbed
this way.
·
CBD
vapes and inhalers – CBD vapes and inhalers have a rapid onset of action
because the CBD gets absorbed into your bloodstream from the lungs. However,
ethical concerns behind CBD vaping and the potentially harmful effects of vapes
can be a downside.
·
CBD
sublingual tablets – these tablets are to be placed under the tongue until they
get dissolved. This form of CBD gets absorbed quickly. The veins under your
tongue absorb the CBD, thus, the CBD doesn’t need to bypass your digestive
system first! This allows for a rapid onset of action too. This mode of taking
in CBD is great for heart health.
·
CBD
topicals – CBD topicals like cosmetics, bath bombs, and creams are usually used
for local pain relief or skincare effects!
Frequently
Asked Questions
Will consuming CBD oil make me high?
No, consuming CBD oil does not make you because CBD is not a psychoactive
substance. The compound in marijuana that makes you high is THC, not CBD.
Is CBD oil legal?
Yes, CBD oil is legal in the US and UK, given that the THC concentration
is regulated and lower than the maximum recommended amount, that is, 0.3% for
the US and 0.2% for the UK.
Dosage
Whenever you start consuming CBD oil, it’s always best to start with a
lower dosage. Studies show that CBD oil shows its maximum beneficial effects at
an optimum dosage and its potential benefits decrease both, above and below
that dosage.
Since every human body reacts differently, it’s best to find out on your
own what dosage works best for you. Start with the lowest possible dosage and
then gradually increase the dosage until you start seeing the positive effects
of CBD on your body. Then, keep the dosage constant!
Precautions/Warnings
Whenever you’re getting a CBD oil product, make sure you get it from a
trusted brand that has a good repute. Look for brands that offer certifications
of their CBD and allow you to trace their CBD source. This is extremely
important to make sure that the CBD oil you’re getting is pure and natural. It
should be free from contaminants to reduce exposure to chemicals!
Moreover, if you’re already taking medicines for heart diseases, you
should consult your doctor before adding CBD oil to your regime!
Bottomline
CBD oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that can
protect the heart from a number of diseases. It’s a safe oil to consume without
any major side effects so it’s worth giving a shot!
That being said, make sure you follow the precautions and dosage
instructions whenever you give it a try!