Since science began investigating the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on human metabolism, more and more research groups are working to better understand the nature and actual effectiveness of CBD. One of the strands of research concerns the action of CBD on our endocannabinoid system.
Both receptors are present in various parts of the body, from the brain to the kidneys and liver. The reason for the scientific interest in exploring the mechanisms of action of CBD lies in the fact that, year after year, more and more evidence of the potential beneficial effects of this active ingredient of hemp has emerged.
The role of hemp on metabolism represents one of the questions that scientific research has begun to investigate relatively recently. Even more recently, some publications have tried to take stock of the role of CBD on metabolism and its possible positive effects in reducing adipose tissue.
Despite this, the actual mechanisms of action of CBD remain to be thoroughly investigated. For the time being it is known that two cannabinoids CB1 and CB2 are both activated by endogenous compounds (endocannabinoids) and take part in many pathophysiological processes (such as the regulation of pain perception, the cardiovascular system, the gastro-intestinal system and liver functions).
The endocannabinoid system regulates, among other things, energy balance and metabolism. Our endocannabinoid system also has metabolic enzymes and is involved in nutrient transport and energy harvesting. Two cannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG 2-arachidonoylglycerol) act on the two receptors CB1 and CB2 which, when stimulated by CBD, contribute more to the absorption of food and its nutrients.
Hemp and appetite
The relationship between hemp, nutrition and appetite stimulation or reduction is widely debated and no unequivocal conclusion has yet been reached. While it is known that the active ingredient THC can stimulate the appetite – a phenomenon known in common parlance as “munchies” – there is no consistent scientific evidence that THC is directly linked to an increase in body weight.
Hemp use, according to the samples, might be associated with a lower body mass index. However, Le Strat made it clear that these results need to be further investigated to understand whether the correlation actually exists or whether it depends on an interaction between other variables.
When talking about the effects of THC in stimulating a feeling of appetite, it is good to take into account a study conducted by researchers, which explained the physiological basis of this typical “hunger” caused by hemp. The researchers analyzed the neurons that are activated in the CB1 receptor circuit, the infamous cells of the endocannabinoid system, and the pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) neurons that transmit and make us feel the sensation of satiety.
Scientific research is showing more and more every day the great properties of cannabidiol on our organism. CBD is considered safe, free of substantial side effects and promising in various areas even by the World Health Organization.
Among the various areas of research on the effects of cannabidiol, one of the most recent is investigating a possible action to support calorie consumption. Nothing is definitive yet and the research is moving forward.
Waiting to understand if CBD can really be a valid helper of a balanced diet, we can safely use a CBD oil extracted from the hemp plant also as an ingredient for our recipes, maybe just within a personal balanced diet program.
CBD oil helps to keep the risk of diabetes and obesity low
The role of hemp on metabolism is therefore one of the issues that scientific research has begun to investigate relatively recently, but with greater curiosity and interest.
Several studies have shown that regular hemp users have a lower body mass index, smaller waist circumferences and a reduced risk of diabetes and obesity.
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