13 Clinically Proven Health Benefits Of CBD
Cannabidiol, popularity known as CBD, is amongst one of the chemical compounds derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Another very famous cannabinoid found in this plant is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), best known for its psychoactive properties. However, CBD is not psychoactive, unlike THC.
A lot of scientific studies have confirmed its use in alleviating anxiety and chronic pain. Hence, many wellness products including edibles and oils are made out of it.
Let’s look at the most prominent clinically-proven health benefits of CBD.
Relief from Pain
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The human body consists of an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates several processes, including pain, sleep, hunger and responses to the immune system. It affects receptor activity and hence reduces chronic pain and inflammation.
Reduces Anxiety and Depression
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In this day and age mental health issues like anxiety and depression have grappled the society at large.
CBD can interact with receptors of the central nervous system. This interaction further alters serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mental health.
CBD oil has actually been proven to decrease stress and anxiety in people with anxiety issues.
Studiesshow that it might be effective to treat panic attack, obsessive compulsive condition, social anxiety disorder and trauma.
Beneficial for the Heart :
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CBD is also known to benefit the heart and circulatory system. It can also treat or improve an existing cardiovascular condition and prevent further heart damage.
The incredible anti-oxidative anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can lower high blood pressure, reducing the risk of associated conditions, such as stroke.
Ease Cancer-Related Symptoms:
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CBD can play a role in alleviating cancer-related symptoms as well as enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Cannabinoids can reduce nausea, neuropathic pain, often caused due to cancer treatments.
According to a study, CBD can provoke cell death with little or no effect on healthy body cells.
Also, CBD’s has great anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties which can help combat cancer.
Can Prevent Diabetes:
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Diabetes is a very common health problem nowadays,and puts youat a greater risk for heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and many other diseases.
Studies have found that CBD treatment considerably lowers the risk of diabetes in mice.
Hence, CBD has beneficial impacts on blood glucose and can lower your risk of diabetes.
Effective in reducing acne:
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Acne is a common skin problem caused due to bacteria, genetics, overactive sebaceous glands, or any underlying inflammation.
CBD can regulate the level of sebum, which is the main agent leading to acne. Besides, its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties fight the skin infections caused by germs and other pollutants.
Potential for Helping Fibromyalgia
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Fibromyalgia is characterized as soft tissue pain that wanders in the body and is aggravated by tissue overuse.
CBD oil can be used to decrease it’s symptoms like pain, anxiety, and depression.
8. Protects Against Bone Disease and Broken Bones
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Cannabinoids facilitates new bone formationprocess. Thus, helps to maintain strong, healthy bones over time.
CBD oil can help reduce the risk of age-related bone diseases like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis by blocking an enzyme that destroys the body’s bone-building compounds.
Reduce The Risk Of Obesity
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Several studies have shown that people who use cannabis regularly have a smaller waist circumference, a lower body mass index, and a reduced risk of obesity. In a report published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2011, a survey was done in more than 52000 participants that showed that the participants who use cannabis had about 1/3 lower rates of obesity.
Helps Maintain Brain Health
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Cannabinoids are neuroprotective, which implies that they help maintain as well as regulate brain health by improving the efficiency of mitochondria and the removing the damaged cells.
Hence, cannabinoids protect the brain cells damage and keep the brain healthy.
Research is being conducted on whether it can help in diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease etc.
May Reduce Stress
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Stress can affect the overall well-being of a person. CBD oil is reported to relieve stress and anxiety.
An analysis in 2015 showed that CBD could reduce social anxiety and stress.
It showed that CBD could help with disorders like panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
12. Can Combat Addiction
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CBD can help people with drug addictions overcome withdrawal symptoms according to the journal Substance Abuse review published in 2015. They reported that CBD could have a therapeutic effect on people with cocaine, opioid, and psycho-stimulant addiction.
They also found that it could help treat people with tobacco and cannabis addiction.
Another review published in Neurotherapeutics states that CBD helps reduce symptoms often associated with substance abuse like mood-related symptoms, anxiety, insomnia, and pain.
Improves Mood and Alleviate Mood-Related Disorders
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Astudy done in 2018 proved that CBD acts on multiple pathways in the brain affecting the activity of essential mood-regulating chemicals like norepinephrine and serotonin. Serotonin affects anxiety, appetite, sleep, addiction.
CBD activates this receptor, just like serotonin-producing the same effect. Hence, CBD can supplement the brain production of serotonin, encouraging calming, mood-lifting effects of serotonin, a feel-good chemical.
Take home message
CBD possesses characteristics that are beneficial for human health. Through research, we understand that this natural substance can alleviate pain, anxiety, and depression, reduce acne, and help with cancer-related symptoms.