5 Benefits CBD Provides for Your Overall Health

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The concept and use of CBD in society has rocketed in popularity over the last couple of years. But many people probably wonder: What is CBD? Cannabidiol (or CBD) is a psychoactive extract that comes from hemp. This quality, unlike THC, an extract from hemp as well, allows users to use CBD products without getting high. But, studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other research institutions have shown that CBD has potential health benefits as well. Specifically, researchers have utilized this extract to treat various medical conditions ranging in severity; such as cancer, high blood pressure, depression, coronary artery disease, and general improvement in quality of life. In response, society has popularized this product as manufacturers have capitalized on the excitement by creating CBD edibles, supplements, body care products, drinks, tinctures, balms, oils, and a slew of other products. In this article, we will focus on five potential health benefits CBD can provide for your overall health.

Preventing Heart Disease

One potential benefit of using CBD is preventing heart disease. The goal of CBD is to boost your endocannabinoid system. Your endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining and balancing many of your body’s processes such as immune response, memory, metabolism, and more.

More specifically, CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties which can mitigate the risk of heart diseases, such as high blood pressure, or possible conditions related to heart disease like strokes. One specific way in which CBD works is it widens your blood vessels allowing for blood to flow easier; lowering the potentially dangerous consequences from high blood pressure.

CBD oils are a popular choice as they are easier to use and still retain just as, if not more, effective qualities as other CBD products. While you can rub them on your body, CBD oils can also be ingested. One study gave 9 men a dose of CBD oils and found it reduced their resting blood pressure. Later on in the study, the men were exposed to a stress test meant to increase their blood pressure, but after a single dose of CBD, their blood pressure rose less than before. You can usually find excellent CBD oil for sale online or in local stores.

Reduction in Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

In conjunction with the previous study, results from studies have shown that the potential for CBD to lower blood pressure helped in the reduction of stress and anxiety as well, and potentially offsetting more clinically serious symptoms of anxiety and depression. Especially in today’s society, the idea of mental health is stigmatized and resources for receiving adequate care aren’t as up to par as they should be. This has resulted in a mental health epidemic as well; however, instead of trying to cure the ailments after the symptoms have shown, using CBD can help manage and prevent the onset of such symptoms.

Reduce Inflammation and Relieve Pain

While CBD is used to treat or manage other more serious ailments, it is just as effective in managing the side-effects of those ailments as well. Specifically, CBD is good for relieving pain. The human body produces neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. Studies have shown that CBD interacts with these neurotransmitters to reduce inflammation and relieve both general and chronic pain.

Furthermore, because CBD addresses the body directly, instead of manipulating how the brain interprets the pain, it not only addresses the pain at the source but also helps the body repair itself unlike painkillers which seek only to mask the pain.

Neuroprotective Properties

Circling back to the endocannabinoid system, researchers believe that CBD’s effects on this system helps those with neurological disorders. Two of the more common disorders that CBD has found success in mitigating are MS and epilepsy. Specifically, in one study, researchers found that people with epilepsy and MS who interacted with CBD oil had significantly reduced symptoms including reduced seizure activity. Though, it is noted that a few participants experienced adverse side-effects. However, for daily use, these properties show the potential to mitigate neurological degradation and can be used to prevent neurological disease to some extent.

Preventing Arthritis

As we age, it is inevitable that the tissues in and around your joints will deteriorate leading to arthritis. Several types of arthritis exist that cause pain or inhibit motion. However, due to the listed benefits of CBD, researchers have tested and found that CBD can relieve pain and improve joint function. Furthermore, CBD can reduce stiffness that comes from inflammation and thus loss of motion.

Should You Use CBD?

This all depends on what your preferences are. CBD is perfectly safe to use and readily available, it all just depends on your comfort. Know that while there aren't many serious downsides there are risks associated with using CBD so one must consult a physician first.