People have been using coconut oil for thousands of years because of its nutritional benefits. It contains many nutrients that help maintain health and a good diet. Coconut oil also improves metabolism, cognitive function, hair, and skin through fatty acids. With the increasing popularity of plant-based food choices, coconut oil has become popular. Its rich flavour and nutritional benefits make it one of the healthiest additions to your regular diet. 

Besides keeping the skin and hair healthy, coconut oil helps in reducing body fat. The increased shift toward a western diet which includes unhealthy foods, fast foods, and processed food products, leads to increased obesity and poor health. However, research has found that coconut helps in fat loss, especially in the abdominal region. These research findings have made coconut oil a superfood used for reducing body fat and weight loss.

Coconut Oil: Brief History

Since ancient times, people have used coconut oil for its edible and healing properties. They draw out from coconut trees or palms in tropical and subtropical regions. It is traditionally made by crushing and pressing copra to extract the oil in West Africa. Its use is evident in many South America, Central America and the Indian continent, including Mele, Micro and Polynesia. In India, coconut bearing tree refers to as Kalpavriksha. Every part of the tree is helpful in some way. According to Ayurvedic medicine, Thisoil is essential for the body and mind. Coconut is a drupe with three layers, exocarp, husk of the fruit- mesocarp, and fruit- endocarp. Its fruit, coconut flesh, milk, water, and oil have intrinsic commercial value. 

People use coconut oil for medicinal purposes such as treating hair loss, burns and heart diseases. They have also been used since ancient times to treat intestinal worms.

Nutritional Value of Coconut Oil

The nutritional value of coconut oil as per 100g :

• Energy: 892 kcal
• Total Lipid: 99.1 g
• Fatty acids (Saturated): 82.5 g
• Total Monounsaturated fatty acids: 6.33 g
• Total Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 1.7 g
• Calcium: 1 mg
• Alpha Tocotrienol: 2.17 mg

Is Coconut Oil a Healthy Fat?

Coconut oil is derived from coconut and contains 60-70% fatty acids, 4-10% water, protein, and carbohydrates. It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which have beneficial effects on metabolism. MCFAs increase up to 85% when the oil draws out from fresh coconut meat. Medium-chain triglycerides present in this oil contain 10-12 carbon atoms. It has the highest source of lauric acid. Main coconut oil includes medium-chain fatty acids such as caprylic acid and capric acid. These lipids are readily metabolised and do not require adipose tissue-like long-chain fatty acids storage.

MCFAs have medium-chain instead of short- and long-chain fatty acids. They are transported directly from the digestive tract to the liver. Once they reach the liver, the energy sources begin the process of metabolism in ketone bodies. This oil metabolises energy and thus stores less fat. The MCFA present in coconut oil makes it different from other oils. Therefore coconut oil is an alternative treatment for many medical conditions. Coconut oil exhibits anti blennorrhagica, Antibronchitis, febrifugal, and antigingivitic properties. It contains zero cholesterol, fibre, vitamins, minerals, plant sterols and 80-90% saturated fat. 

Coconut oil has a similar structure to sterols that mimic blood cholesterol. Also, plant sterols block the absorption of cholesterol in the body by mimicking the effect of blood cholesterol. Therefore, it improves the HDL: LDL ratio, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. 

Does Coconut Oil Reduce Body Fat?

Nowadays, people are using coconut oil as supplements for health benefits. Even though 90% of fat present in this oil is saturated fat and 9% unsaturated fat. But the structure of this oil is unique because of a rich amount of medium-chain glycerides. As a result, MCTs burn more calories which are efficient in losing weight. 

MCTs are absorbed faster in the bloodstream and more efficiently than long-chain triglycerides. The faster absorption of MCTs stimulates a thermogenic effect in the body, increasing the amount of fat-burning. In addition, medium-chain fatty acids are more soluble than long-chain fatty acids and solubilised intestinal contents without micelles. Therefore, it results in faster absorption of fatty acids. 

Coconut Oil: The Benefits

Boosts Metabolism

Some studies conclude that virgin coconut oil treats metabolic dysfunction, improves glucose tolerance, and promotes weight loss. Also, studies show long-term consumption of medium triglycerides among overweight women burned more calories than long-chain triglycerides consumption.

Metabolism of medium-chain fatty acids helps boost metabolism and increase energy. Increasing metabolism boosts the ability to burn fat. Some studies suggest that an increased dietary supply of medium-chain fatty acids during early age prevents excessive fat accumulation in adulthood. 

Increases Satiety

Study shows that women who consumed around two tablespoons of coconut oil daily for 12 weeks didn’t gain more weight and indicated lower amounts of abdominal fat. Because of its protective property, coconut aids in digestion and boosts the immune system. 

Studies show that coconut oil can reduce lipid levels in the blood, which is effective for cardiovascular health and weight loss. In addition, consuming This oil increases satiety because of its high saturated fat content. However, a 2018 study shows that eating coconut oil lowers the appetite and reduces the overall food intake.

This study aimed to determine which fatty acids are good for losing weight; MCTs or olive oil (long-chain fatty acids). They asked participants to eat 1800 kcal and 1500 kcal for men and women. The participants who ate MCT oil showed a more significant body weight loss than those who consumed long-chain fatty acids. Though both groups show reduced total body fat percentage and abdominal body fat, MCT results were more noticeable. In addition, they noticed that supplementation of MCTs improves fat oxidation. 

In a study where participants were 24-51 years old, healthy obese individuals consumed 30 ml of virgin coconut oil thrice half an hour before every meal. It was a 6-week cycle to determine if it would reduce abdominal fat. The results showed a significant reduction in abdominal fat, especially in the male participants. It also reported a decline in individuals’ body fat percentage and BMI. The result of reducing belly fat is due to a decrease in the visceral fat present in the body. Decreased body fat percentage also helped improve lipid levels by lowering cholesterol and LDL levels. 

Note:

The same research revealed a massive drop in body mass index and reduced waist size in the coconut oil group. In addition, it shows that this reduces elevated cholesterol levels and promotes body fat reduction in the abdominal area.

It helps to reduce excess calorie intake a day which is essential for weight loss. But it is advisable not to eat an excessive amount of coconut oil as it will spike cholesterol levels and defeats the purpose of weight loss. There are pieces of evidence that a diet rich in fat reduces the cravings for food rich in carbohydrates compared to low-fat diets.

Boosts Energy

People tend to follow low-calorie diets to shed extra weight. Though it sheds the extra pounds, it results in low energy levels, lethargy, and loss of muscles in individuals. Coconut oil boosts energy because of its high medium-chain fatty acid content. MCTs are directly transported to the liver and converted to ketones. 

Ketones and ketone bodies are efficient energy sources that enhance energy reserve. They help improve workout performance and endurance, which results in weight loss. Studies suggest that intake of coconut oil provide performance-enhancing effects during training and workout regimen. 

Numerous research on MCTs and body composition were analysed and published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Journal. In addition, various studies and trials determined the effect of MCTs on body composition. They found that MCTs improve body composition by decreasing weight, circumference, and total body fat percentage.

A study conducted on 40 women aged 20-40 years shows the effect of a low-calorie diet and moderate exercise. There were two groups, and they were given two tablespoons of soybean and coconut oil daily for 12 weeks, respectively. They ask them to follow a low-calorie diet of 1000-1200 kcal with a 50-minute walk. The data showed an increase in HDL level in coconut oil and a decrease in HDL level in the soybean oil group. In addition, the study reported that individuals consuming coconut oil show a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol, while in the soybean oil group, the LDL levels increased.

Conclusion

With the increase in plant-based diet to reduce body fat, coconut oil is considered one of the healthiest choices. Because of the high amount of medium-chain fatty acids are used in a low-calorie diet to reduce body fat. In addition, This oil helps reduce overall cholesterol levels and increase HDL levels. There are pieces of evidence to prove that supplementation with it makes you lose weight. However, an increased intake of coconut oil can cause various health conditions, so you should take coconut oil in moderation. Current studies of coconut oil demonstrate only pure medium-chain fatty acids, not other benefits. The magnitude of this effect is not astounding, so further research is needed to prove the weight-reducing effects of coconut oil. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Does coconut oil reduce body fat?

A. Yes, coconut oil helps to reduce body fat. This oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, stimulating body fat loss, especially abdominal fat. It stimulates the body’s metabolism and suppresses appetite in individuals. It helps curb the constant food cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods by initiating satiety.

Q. How fast will coconut oil burn belly fat?

A. A study suggests a significant decrease in body mass index and waist size after 12 weeks of eating two tablespoons of coconut oil with a low-calorie diet. In addition, there is evidence of reduced abdominal fat and decreased overall cholesterol levels. It happened due to a high amount of medium-chain fatty acids.

Q. How can I reduce my stomach fat?

A. There are various points to note to reduce stomach fat. Eating a high protein and high fibre diet and regular exercise helps in reducing stomach fat. Vigorous exercise helps trim extra body fat, including subcutaneous and visceral body fat. Avoiding sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates and accepting a healthy, well-balanced diet reduces stomach fat.

Q. Which oil can reduce belly fat?

A. Coconut oil is the best bet to reduce belly fat. Since there are shreds of evidence that show that coconut oil boosts fat loss, it reduces belly fat. It happens due to MCTs in coconut oil which stimulates metabolism and suppresses appetite by inducing satiety.

Q. Can you melt body fat?

A. One should note that it is physiologically and biologically impossible to melt body fat. Also, fat cannot pass through the dermal layers of the skin. But if you eat a low-calorie diet along with aerobic exercise results in body fat reduction, especially abdominal region. Proper workout training and low-calorie diet help to reduce both visceral and subcutaneous fat in the body.

Q. What happens if you put coconut oil on your belly button?

A. Applying coconut oil regularly to the belly button reduces bloating. In addition, it improves fertility in women because the presence of medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil results in belly fat reduction. In addition, oiling the belly button purifies the blood and removes blemishes and dark spots.

Q. Is it good to take a spoon of coconut oil?

A. Yes, taking one tablespoon, i.e., 14 g of coconut oil, helps speed up the body’s metabolism. Coconut oil improves immune response and appetite suppression and curbs the constant food cravings. In addition, it helps reduce overall blood cholesterol levels with an increase in HDL cholesterol.

Q. When should I take coconut oil for weight loss?

A. Consuming coconut oil at night stimulates digestion and boosts metabolism. That helps burn fat while sleeping, which indirectly helps in weight loss. In contrast, consuming coconut oil with hot water or tea in the morning assists in weight loss. You can also take coconut oil before meals for better effect. However, it would help if you implemented dietary modifications through low-calorie consumption for it to work. Also, please speak to a nutritionist to understand how much of it is good for you.  

Q. How can I burn fat naturally?

A. Studies show that getting regular aerobic exercise helps you burn fat faster. Cardio workouts such as running, cycling, swimming, and brisk walking help reduce waist size and increase muscle mass to burn fat rapidly. Exercise along with a protein and fibre-rich diet help in the burning of fat. You can do 150-300 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week to help lose body fat and gain muscles.

Q. How can I lose weight in 7 days at home?

A. There are no such ways to lose weight in 7 days. But a proper meal plan with high protein and fibre and a consistent exercise regimen can help you lose weight rapidly. The workout regimen can include cardio and aerobics exercises and can be beneficial for rapid weight loss. It is essential to follow the dietary interventions and workout regimen daily to shed weight. In addition, it is necessary to note the restriction of processed foods and the high sugar and salt content.

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Today CBD has become a household name. A great number of people are ready to spend a lot of money on this new trend – just to get rid of their various health issues. If you’re one of them, then you already know how CBD has become a natural means to prevent and cure certain medical and physical health problems. That’s why for your knowledge, these are some useful tips that will help you increase the effects of CBD oil, and you will find them impactful whether you’re using CBD oil for healing, cure or management of a physical or health related matter.

What Is CBD And How It Works?

First, for beginners, it would be ideal to explain what CBD is and how it works.

Chemically, CBD is a cannabinoid derived from a plant called Cannabis Sativa. The plant has been used to stimulate the endocannabinoid system for centuries. Its use puts endocannabinoid system into action with the stimulation of receptors in our brain. CBD1 and CBD2 are two of these receptors. So, CBD works by stimulating the CBD1 and CBD receptors to influence the endocannabinoid system in our brain. After CBD use, our brain starts producing more endocannabinoids, and, as a result, it gains more control over the pain, anxiety, stress, mood, behaviour, and nervous system.

Because CBD is a fat-soluble, it can easily pass into the bloodstreams to work quickly and efficiently.

CBD Consumption Methods

CBD can be delivered into your bloodstream differently depending on how you consume it plus which types of CBD products you would use.

The way you take it will not only affect the absorption of CBD, but further determine the effectiveness. Ideally, you should buy CBD oil to consume CBD, because this way you can use the CBD percentage to set your dosages. Afterwards, you can use CBD in these ways.

• Inhalation (smoking, vaporization)
• Topical application (cream, balms, ointments, lotions)
• Ingestion
• Sublingual (tinctures)

How To Get The Most Out Of CBD Products

Generally, CBD oil is used to get CBD into the human body, but still no straightforward and readymade solutions can be suggested directly to everyone, because different companies offering different products containing CBD in different quantities. Afterwards, due to different quantities being offered by different brands, no two acclaimed ways would have the same effect on two different people. So, it’s up to you to experiment with different products if you want to drive your own best formula for the use of CBD oil.

But some recommendations about how to enhance the benefits of CBD can be really valuable.

1. The Right Dosage Is A Good Idea

The endocannabinoid system needs a certain quantity of cannabinoids to function properly. When this balance is disrupted, CBD can set it right. But the first step to be taken before administering CBD products is reading the instructions on the bottle carefully and figuring out the exact dose. Children and pets should be given smaller doses as compared to adults. Besides, it is a good idea to start out with smaller doses and increase it gradually. The method of consuming CBD does matter too, especially if it is taken sublingually. It is mandatory to keep the tincture under your tongue for at least 30 seconds, even a little more, before swallowing to let the body absorb the CBD compound into the bloodstream and not into the gut and then the liver. So, finding the right dosage will ensure the best effect possible.

2. Add Fatty Food Into Your Diet

Fatty foods are believed to enhance the effects of your CBD. When consumed, CBD oil goes down the digestive tract into the liver where it is broken down and passed into the bloodstream. The fatty acids prevent CBD from decomposing escalating its absorption after ingestion. It is worth focusing on the following list of foods containing fatty acids:

• sesame oil
• chia seeds
• hemp seeds
• olive oil
• avocado
• coconut oil
• sardines
• nuts
• eggs
• trout, tuna, salmon
• chocolate (cocoa powder)

Besides, omega fats (omega-3, omega-6, and others) are so far the top-reviewed fatty acids capable of bettering the effects of CBD oil. All the foods on the list are very healthy, let alone when they are paired with CBD.

3. Add CBD Into Your Favourite Drinks

To make your favourite wake-up beverage fabulous you will just have to add CBD to it. Coffee can cause many issues, such as stomachaches, nervousness, insomnia. But when added to your coffee, CBD turns it into a ‘super’ coffee and helps mitigate those conditions. But if you prefer tea to coffee, no problem. It can help you just in the same way. What is more, it will augment the beneficial effects of tea and enable you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Smoolthies are the best choice for those who take care of their precious health. Infusing them with CBD will maximize the benefits of both CBD and smoothies. This actually calls for further research and proof, but one thing is clear: it is not likely do you any harm, so you can give it a try, especially if you like varieties.

4. Try For Full-Spectrum CBD

Here a question may arise: what is full-spectrum CBD? It means that besides CBD itself all of the active cannabinoid compounds are present in CBD oil, making it more effective than pure CBD. The cutting-edge studies have proved that the therapeutic properties of the plant tend to become more effective when all of the compounds are in sync.

Final Thoughts

CBD has many amazing properties, starting from reducing pain and inflammation to relieving stress, anxiety and improving the quality of your sleep. To make it work if any of these conditions may occur you should be well-acquainted with the research, suggestions and reviews. However, there are no rigid ideas about its functioning, as each person is unique and so is his body. What can be good for you, can frustrate others. So, the above-mentioned tips are mere hearsay suggestions and should not be taken as medical advice. Yet, they sound quite reasonable and are worth trying!

*collaborative post

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We all now know that olive oil is an important nutritional choice, which benefits to our body and health. That is why some people do not hesitate to call it “the elixir of life”! With high antioxidant properties and great nutritional value, olive oil should always accompany our daily diet. Its exquisite taste is an additional motivation for its consumption, especially when consumed in raw form.

In this article, we will learn about some less known facts about olive oil. As a result, we will appreciate it even more and understand the way it is made, as well as its different production methods.

Extra virgin olive oil is theoretically the best choice for our table. Its acidity cannot exceed 0.8%, giving it a wonderful taste and a fruity aroma. This olive oil variety also has the greatest anti-inflammatory properties because of its perfection. Therefore, this olive oil is ideal for fighting diseases and for shielding our immune system. To enjoy the extra virgin olive oil, the first pressure/extraction of olive is enough.

There is also the extra cold pressed virgin olive oil, which you will find to be an even better dietary choice for each of us. In a temperature-controlled environment, olive oil is produced naturally and without any deterioration. Otherwise, the high temperatures we encounter in mills for specific olive oil production methods would alter the taste and nutrition of our olive oil.

So, if you want to take your nutrition to the next level, try cold pressed olive oil. You will be amazed not only by its density, but also by its full flavor and characteristic aroma. Without the addition of chemicals and other harmful substances, it keeps its ingredients intact and provides us with 100% of the value of olive oil in every meal.

Where Can I Use Olive Oil?

Practically, olive oil is the ideal fatty substance for any of our meals. You can add it while cooking, enrich your salads with it, eat it raw with some bread and olives or even use it in pastry. However, it is recommended to consume olive oil in raw form or as less processed as possible. This avoids the production of free radicals and as we all know, these radicals are extremely harmful to our health.

Since olive oil is more resistant to high temperatures, experts advise using only olive oil in frying (in moderation, of course). One tip you can follow in cooking is to add olive oil at the end of cooking. As a result, all of its flavor will diffuse into the food naturally and you won’t have to worry about raising the temperature while cooking.

So, don’t overlook the extraordinary gift of the goddess Athena to the world, olive oil! Learn to use it daily instead of other plant based or animal fats and you will find it to be the most appropriate option. It adds flavor to any food, while simultaneously shielding our body and strengthening our immune system!

Best of Health,

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“Is olive oil good for you?” That’s probably not a question that crosses your mind when you grab that bottle of olive oil to cook with.

Olive oil is ubiquitous, after all. It’s the go-to oil for almost any recipe, whether you’re cooking something savory or baking up something sweet (lemon olive oil cake, anyone?).

But is olive oil good for you?

Let’s review the basics to find out what makes olive oil so healthy and why moderation is the key when adding it to your diet.

What Is Olive Oil?

Extra-virgin olive oil (also lovingly referred to as “EVOO”) is extracted by pressing ripe olives without using chemical solvents or high heat.

The process protects beneficial phenols in the oil, which are also the same substance that give EVOO its fruity and pungent flavor.

“The difference between olive oil and EVOO is how they are processed, with EVOO being the least processed,” says Brittany Crump, M.P.H, R.D. at Savor Nutrition.

“Regular olive may be heated or chemically treated to prolong its shelf life. It may also be blended with other oils for a milder flavor. Because EVOO is less processed, it is higher in antioxidants and more flavorful. Either option is OK, but I recommend EVOO due to its higher concentration of antioxidants,” she explains.

If you’re buying olive oil for its health benefits, go with EVOO.

Most studied health benefits are linked to this particular type of olive oil. For the rest of this post, when we say “olive oil,” we’re actually referring to EVOO.

Olive Oil Nutrition

So, is olive oil good for you? Yes, but with a caveat: Olive oil is a healthy swap for other fats you currently eat. But it’s not necessarily a good idea to add more fat into your routine, especially if your goal is to lose weight.

Keep in mind that olive oil isn’t the only source of healthy fats.

If you’d rather try a different cooking oil, read The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Oils to help you figure out the best option for your diet and lifestyle.

All oils are calorie-dense, even olive oil. Here’s the olive oil nutrition for a 1 tablespoon serving:

The Benefits of Olive Oil

1. Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet

This diet is the food culture of people who live along the Mediterranean sea (think: Greece and Italy). U.S. News ranks the Mediterranean diet as the no. 1 Best Overall Diet for 4 years straight.

Since olive oil is 20% of the calorie breakdown in this diet, it’s no surprise the oil deserves some of the shine!

2. Olive oil contains healthy fats

In olive oil, much of the fat is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat. Crump explains that studies show that consuming olive oil regularly can support heart health.

3. Olive oil contains antioxidants

Olive oil contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help reduce the harmful effects of free radicals. Other antioxidants unique to olive oil are phenols—oleuropein and tyrosol.

4. Olive oil might provide other benefits

An early animal study shows olive oil may help improve cognitive health. In the study, mice eating an EVOO-rich chow showed better memory and learning.

Add to this a randomized control trial of 522 human participants; the study found improved cognition in the group assigned to eat a Mediterranean diet rich in EVOO.

We can’t jump to conclusions based on just two studies, but there seems to be an emerging relationship between olive oil and brain health.

How Much Olive Oil Per Day Is Healthy?

Olive oil is a healthy fat, and it’s certainly OK to use it daily. Experts recommend that fats make up 20-35% of your total calories per day.

All these benefits shouldn’t drive you to gorge on olive oil, though — oils are still the most calorie-dense foods you can eat.

Why Olive Oil May Be Bad for You

It might be best to leave the olive oil on the shelf and choose another oil for deep-frying.

This high-heat cooking method can cause the polyunsaturated fats in oil to oxidize, destroying nutrients and creating carcinogens.

Any oil heated above its smoke point (temperature it starts to release smoke) can degrade.

EVOO has a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning it’s good for salad dressings, marinades, and maybe baking or a light saute.

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Are you looking for natural alternatives to relieve your stress because other traditional methods of stress relief like exercise, meditation and medication aren’t working for you?

We know that stress responses are partially regulated by your body’s endocannabinoid system, which is where CBD reacts upon ingestion. So, it makes complete sense that CBD may actually help regulate stress responses.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been wondering if you should hop on the CBD oil train to relieve some of that stress. But the oil can cost so much money that it’s a little scary to try it out. Could it be a waste of money?

How do you know if CBD will really help reduce your stress?

We’ll lay out the information for you so that you can make your own informed choice about whether trying CBD oil is worth the investment.

This article is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.

What is CBD Oil?

You may have heard that CBD stands for cannabidiol, the chemical in cannabis and hemp plants known for its medicinal effects, such as pain relief, sleep and anti-seizure effects.

CBD oil is the concentrated form of this medicinal oil, whether it’s sourced from medicinal cannabis or industrial hemp.

But what is the difference between these two plants?

Both plants are actually forms of cannabis; it’s just that a plant must contain less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC), the psychoactive chemical in cannabis, to be considered industrial hemp. Hemp still contains a lot of CBD, though, which can be extracted and converted into an oil.

This means that you can find two types of CBD oils: those extracted from THC-potent cannabis plants and those from nearly THC-lacking industrial hemp. The CBD is the same no matter which plant it comes from; it’s the level of THC in the oils that differs.

Note also that hemp seed oil is different than CBD oil derived from hemp. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant and doesn’t contain any CBD or THC. It’s a useful oil used in manufacturing and foods.

So, if you use CBD oil derived from 100 percent industrial hemp, you are not consuming a measurable amount of THC to cause any psychoactive effects. You will only be getting the benefits of the non-high-inducing natural chemical, CBD.

But Isn’t CBD Oil Illegal?

As long as CBD oil is extracted from industrial hemp-rated plants, it’s now completely legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as they contain less than 0.3 percent THC.

Laws vary from state to state on which types of cannabis and its derivatives are legal, whether for medicinal or recreational use. Therefore, in some states, patients use CBD products that come from the full-spectrum THC-containing cannabis plant.

THC causes the “high” feeling that most people associate with cannabis, so in industrial hemp derived CBD oil, which lacks THC at a measurable amount, you don’t have to worry about being impaired and/or breaking the law.

How is Stress Defined?

Let’s define stress before giving the facts about whether or not CBD really helps lower it. For the purposes of this article, we will be talking about:

Stress Associated with Anxiety and Depression

These are serious mental health disorders that can cause physical and emotional stress. Anxiety is when fear causes a patient to go into fight-or-flight mode, activating the body’s stress response and raising adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine levels.

Depression and is a deep feeling of sadness and hopelessness that doesn’t go away and affects day-to-day life. It usually results from situational stress or chemical imbalances. The biggest risk in patients with depression is suicide.

Situational Stress

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Right? Sometimes, that’s easier said than done.

Life serves up some tough situations which can raise stress levels in the brain and body. This can cause similar effects to anxiety or depression, releasing the same fight-or-flight hormones that can be damaging to your health.

Situational stress is generally be managed by finding new ways of thinking, or cognitive behavioral therapy. That’s the difference between situational issues and chronic depression/anxiety.

Oxidative Stress

When the body can’t eliminate enough free radicals through use of antioxidants, they build up and cause stress. In various organs, the collection of too many free radicals can cause inflammation and tissue damage over time.

Can CBD Oil Help With Stress?

So, we come to the big question. Will CBD oil relieve your stress levels?

It’s important to remember that everyone is unique, responding differently to medications and chemicals introduced in the body.

With that in mind, you should know that the only FDA-approved use for CBD is as an anti-seizure medication. Because of the new legalization for hemp-derived products and the changing laws on medical cannabis in various states, research on the positive effects of CBD is still in its beginning stages.

Using some of the CBD studies that are out there, we’ll give you the information you need to decide whether or not CBD oil would be helpful in reducing your stress levels.

CBD Oil for Stress Associated with Anxiety and Depression

Studies say that CBD oil definitely helps alleviate some of the stress associated with anxiety and depression. One study found that CBD relieved Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) symptoms associated with public speaking.

Scientists conclude that those with SAD receive both anxiety-reducing and anxiety-causing effects from full-spectrum cannabis. They think that this is because higher levels of THC can cause anxiety symptoms, while higher levels of CBD can produce the opposite effect.

In fact, these two chemicals seem to work synergistically, balancing each others’ effects.

But more than one study has shown this anxiety-reducing effect from CBD. Another showed that CBD has been found to lower anxiety levels while being a medication with a high safety profile and few negative side effects. This study recommends further examination of CBD to be used as an anxiety-relieving drug.

Yet another study published by medical researchers shows that CBD has anti-depressive effects. This study is based on animal models with observations that can be transferred to human health.

So, the studies seem to support the use of CBD for stress related to anxiety disorders.

CBD Oil for Situational Stress

First, let’s look at the body’s response to stress. Studies have already shown that the endocannabinoid system helps regulate the hormonal response during stressful events.

CBD is a cannabinoid that affects the endocannabinoid system, helping to buffer some of the release of stress hormones. In other words, CBD helps the body regulate its response to stress.

One study used brain scans to measure how CBD affected the stress responses in subjects. The results showed that CBD lowers some of the stress response chemicals in the brain.

Scientists also found that patients who experienced anxiety before the brain scans were less anxious after being given a dose of CBD.

As far as situational stress goes, it seems that CBD can be helpful to the body’s response. Because of the way it interacts with a system so intertwined with stress response, the endocannabinoid system, CBD easily relieves stress chemicals in the body.

CBD Oil for Oxidative Stress

Many human diseases cause and are caused by oxidative stress’s tendency to damage tissues in the body (inflammation).

CBD is a cannabinoid that counteracts the effects of that oxidative stress, which means it can help repair some of the damage done by diseases and prevent them by staving off oxidative damage.

Conditions like pain, depression, immune system disorders and diabetes can all be caused by this type of oxidative inflammation, and therefore relieved through CBD action.

Another study showed that CBD lowered oxidative stress levels in heart patients with issues due to diabetes. This study further supports the idea that CBD can lessen inflammation due to oxidative stress in the body.

The Bottom Line on CBD Oil and Stress Relief

CBD oil is a complex topic debated by many. While some claim that it reduces stress levels, others say there is no proof. We’ve summarized some of the studies for you here so that you can make your own decision in the matter.

I don’t know about you, but the studies have me pretty convinced. I may finally be willing to shell out some money and order CBD oil from a reputable industrial hemp supplier.

It’s pretty evident that CBD could help with the stress in my life. It’s a natural solution that could reduce my stress hormone levels and potentially help protect my body from oxidative stress damage.

Are you ready to give CBD a try, or are you still not convinced? Hopefully, this guide will help you make the decision that is right for you.

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Chances are you’ve heard about CBD; it’s hard not to. It seems like you can’t walk into any health food store or even spa without seeing CBD for sale. It’s so sought-after these days that its move passed the people-only market and is popular among the pet community too.

I couldn’t stop hearing about CBD, and how it was so amazing for everything, like anxiety, pain stress, even asthma, so I had to try it. And so, I did, every day for 30 days.

If you’re wondering what CBD is and how it can make your life a little brighter, read on.

What is CBD?

Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, THC’s non-psychoactive cousin. I’m going to repeat that – non-psychoactive, as in – will not get you high.

CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in cannabis and can be derived from the marijuana or hemp plant.

CBD performs multiple functions in the human body, and the research is still growing, but one significant way that CBD works is by supplementing the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The human ECS runs through our entire body, and it plays a critical part in our survival by maintaining homeostasis.

Bear with me; we’re almost there.

The ECS works with three components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

The endocannabinoids help bodily functions operate smoothly by binding to specific receptors. The enzymes break down endocannabinoids after they’ve finished doing their job.

Research shows that CBD inhibits the enzymes that break down naturally produced endocannabinoids, allowing them to stay in our bodies longer, and extending their calming and balancing effects.

One of the endocannabinoids that CBD reduces the breakdown of is anandamide, which gets its name from the Sanskrit Ananda, meaning bliss. Anandamide manages the production and uptake of serotonin and also regulates pain.

So with CBD, more of this bliss producing and pain-alleviating compound stays in our bodies for longer. 

In addition to stress, mood, and pain relief, by supplementing the ECS, CBD can also help other vital body processes like immune response, sleep, appetite and metabolism, digestive function, inflammatory response, memory, pleasure and reward systems, fertility, and more stay regulated and perform optimally.

More Benefits of CBD

Clinical research on CBD is still limited, but the research that exists has found that CBD can:

What Did CBD Do For Me?

Now that you have an idea of what CBD is supposed to do, here’s what it actually did for me after 30 days.

(Here’s my review of the CBD oil I tried by the way!)

Easy Breezy Me (Well As Close As It Gets)

The main reason I wanted to try CBD was that I’m always anxious.

Everything from driving to booking flights gives me anxiety.

And let’s not forget the racing thoughts when my brain maps out every possible “what if” scenario for any action: queue racing heart and trouble breathing.

From the first time I took high-quality CBD, I almost instantly felt more mellow and way less anxious.

Over 30 days, I planned my daily CBD dose with my most anxious moments.

While CBD didn’t make my problems disappear, it made everything easier to deal with.

Even in those verge of panic attack moments where it’s hard to breathe or move, it filled me with a sense of calm, grounding, and presentness.

The anxiety that may have otherwise made me want to avoid things and head back to the comfort of my bed was put on the back burner. I was able to tackle whatever had to be done.

Fewer Aches and Pains

I don’t suffer from much physical pain in my life, something for which I have immense gratitude.

But, after arriving back in the states from traveling for five months and adjusting to the routine of things, I became a lot less active.

I went from walking miles and miles a day, going on hikes, climbing up and down cliffs, and more, to driving everywhere and not finding much time to exercise.

During the month when I was first trying CBD, I decided to work out again.

The next day my lower back was killing me. After a full dropper of CBD tincture, it completely went away.

CBD also made my menstrual cramps and body aches that come with them so much more bearable.

And CBD brought me some sweet relief from an awful migraine – the kind where every time you move, your whole head feels like it weighs a ton. After taking CBD, I stopped noticing any symptoms and was able to get on with my day.

Throughout the month, CBD also helped relieve stomach pains from indigestion when I overindulged in some not so healthy foods. It even helped keep me “regular,” if you know what I mean.

Alcohol Hangover Relief

I used to be the girl at the bar drinking straight tequila, not even shots, just straight glasses of tequila. Okay well, I took the shots too.

But I don’t drink much these days, other than some wine here or there or on special occasions.

The 30 days when I tested out CBD happened to coincide with a couple of weddings. The first wedding involved taking multiple shots for the first time in almost two years.

The second wedding was a more casual celebration with no vegan food options, which led me to foolishly drinking lots of prosecco on an empty stomach.

Rookie mistake, I know.

Both nights, I was ready for an unforgiving hangover in the morning, but CBD saved the day.

I took CBD both of the mornings after and was able to get on with my day, as usual. I wasn’t feeling 100% but close enough; no headaches, no nausea, no need to lay in bed all day.

I’d say that’s pretty impressive. Especially since the night of too many Proseccos hit me so hard that I had to leave the venue to go for a walk and keep from puking on the ride home.

Weed Hangover Relief 

I’m not a big fan of the term weed hangover because I don’t think weed and alcohol hangovers are on the same page.

But, I have always experienced some symptoms after smoking weed, a “weed fog” if you will.

I don’t smoke much anymore because it usually makes me anxious. But other times with the right strain and setting, I feel on top of the world right after chilling with Mary Jane.

Either way, I usually don’t feel as great afterwards. Instead, brain fog, sleepiness, lethargy, crankiness, or the occasional slight headache settle in.

If I smoke at night, that means waking up with these symptoms the next morning.

But when I take CBD a few hours after smoking or right before bed, it feels as if I never smoked at all.

My boyfriend, who indulges in the medicinal magic of marijuana a lot more than I do also experienced these results.

CBD can counteract the effects of THC because it’s a negative allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptors.

In simpler terms, CBD and THC both bind to CB1 receptors, but in different areas.

When CBD binds, it changes the shape of the CB1 receptors. This makes THC less binding and reduces the psychoactive effects of THC.

With this reasoning, you should also be able to use CBD to reduce the effects of a too intense high, but I haven’t had to try this yet. But knowing I have the option, does relieve some of the anxiety that comes with THC.

A Reverse Tolerance

Studies show that unlike THC, CBD doesn’t build up a tolerance. Meaning if you keep taking CBD, you don’t have to take more and more each time to feel the effects.

Some people find that CBD has a reverse tolerance effect, meaning the more they take it, the less of it they need.

I mentioned before that I took my daily CBD dose when I was the most anxious. During the first week of taking CBD, there was no shortage of times that I wanted to take it. The second week was similar, but I was overall, less anxious.

During the third and fourth weeks, I felt so much less anxious than usual. I would forget to take my CBD until the late afternoon or evening or sometimes close to going to bed.

Anything that works well enough on my anxiety that I forget to take it because I’m not feeling as anxious is gold as far as I’m concerned.

A Bit of Bliss

I try to be a happy and optimistic person, and most of the time, I succeed, but I’ve also dealt with depressive thoughts and episodes since my early teens.

Sometimes these heavy, dark moments are fueled by literally nothing – my mind’s unfortunate version of a joke, and somehow, I’ve always missed the punchline.

Other times, it’s family issues. These hit me especially hard because as an empath, I feel people’s problems as my own, and feel like it’s my responsibility to fix them.

With CBD, even in these dark moments, there’s a bit of bliss that settles in for me. This little bit of bliss is enough to motivate me to get on with what I have to do with a greater sense of appreciation.

Or if I have nothing to do, it motivates me to go for a walk or paint or do something else I enjoy, which in turn boosts my mood even more.

Better Sleep and More Wakefulness

One of the noted benefits of CBD is helping relieve insomnia, so you might be wondering if it’s going to make you tired all the time.

The few times I took CBD close to bedtime, it did lead to a great night’s sleep. But when I took it during the day, it often inspired a greater feeling of wakefulness or awareness.

To better grasp how this works, it’s important to remember that CBD doesn’t work as a sedative when used as a sleep aid. Instead, it helps improve sleep by reducing anxiety and pain and bringing balance to the wake and sleep cycles.

If it helps, you can think of CBD as an adaptogen that works with your body’s natural rhythms to improve their function.

So, when taken during the day, CBD can help trigger wakefulness through its anti-anxiety and serotonin-boosting properties. At night it can help you get to sleep by relieving ailments that would otherwise keep you up.

If you’re worried about CBD making you too relaxed or not relaxed enough, many brands make specific blends designed to help you chill out or amp up.

Are There Any Downsides to CBD Oil?

I’ve been taking CBD for over 30 days now, and I haven’t noticed any downsides myself. But I’ve heard people mention that it can be rough on the liver.

The only studies that have proven a chance of liver toxicity caused by CBD have been animal studies. In these animal studies, any adverse effects are associated only with extremely high concentrations of CBD – way more than what you need.

Also, in cases related to CBD as a treatment for epilepsy, some participants reported symptoms like diarrhea, weight and appetite changes, and fatigue. These symptoms are a lot better than the side effects of pharmaceuticals for epilepsy.

Overall, research shows that CBD has a favorable safety profile in humans.

So, the cliché “even too much of a good thing can be bad” applies to CBD too. It’s all about using it in a way that helps you, not abusing it.

Getting the Most Out of CBD

To get the most out of CBD, you need to choose a reputable brand that’s using quality full or broad-spectrum hemp extract. This really matters.

You also need to play around with your dosage. I have a moderately sensitive system, so taking the recommended bottle dosage works just fine, but you might need a bit more or even less.

For the fastest and fullest effect, I like to keep the CBD tincture drops under my tongue for longer than the recommended 1-2 minutes, and I try to take it on an empty stomach.

Should You Try CBD?

Okay, CBD isn’t a cure-all, but I don’t think there is one.

But CBD does help, and it helped me a lot. Enough so that before the bottle I had for my 30 day trial period was even close to being finished, I ordered more CBD.

It might seem ridiculous for me to say that CBD has changed my life – but it has.

It’s like I have this little bottle of superpowers that gives me comfort in knowing that when I’m faced with overwhelming anxiety, I’m not feeling well because I have my period, or drank too much, or ate poorly, if I’ve strained my body, need a social boost, or need to elevate my mood, I can.

And I can do it in a natural way. That I think is something worth trying. So, if you ask me if you should try CBD, I 10/10 recommend.

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