CBD For Weight Loss, Benefits, Side Effects, Recipes & The Keto Diet
While many people have heard of CBD and the potential benefits, few people understand how CBD works within the body. Recently, there has been a rising trend in using CBD for weight, and in combination with the Keto Diet as well. But, how much of it is hype, and where can we find the truth?
In order to know how CBD works, you need to be able to weed out fact from fiction. And that’s why we’re here to help. In this article, we will analyze what the research is saying, and discover how CBD can work with the metabolism and CBD for Keto Diet as well.
How Does CBD Work?
Before trying to understand how CBD for Weight Loss works, let’s take a brief glance at how CBD is generally interacting with our bodies.
To put it plainly, the way that CBD interacts with the body encourages a restoration towards a state of homeostasis. How could this be beneficial for people that are struggling with obesity or want to lose weight?
As CBD grows increasingly under the spotlight, there is more research being invested in the ways that hemp and cannabinoids such as CBD can be used. When a person is overweight and is struggling to lose weight, there is usually a slow metabolism behind the problem. When a person has a slow metabolism, the body will struggle with burning calories at a rate that encourages weight loss.
CBD and the Metabolism
Studies show that when CBD enters the body, it has a direct link to the metabolism. In a research paper published in the journal, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, a group of Korean scientists found that after CBD had been administered to preadipocytes (fat cells that have not yet reached full maturation), the CBD encouraged the breakdown of fats and decreased the overall creation of new fat cells.
What does this mean?
If you have a slow metabolism, then your metabolism is affecting your body in many ways, not just your weight or percentage of body fat. A slow metabolism results in seemingly constant fatigue, high blood pressure, and increased blood sugar. Furthermore, your sluggish metabolism is struggling to convert food into energy and burn the number of calories that you need to stay active and feeling healthy.
Studies such as the one mentioned above are showing us how CBD is able to assist with the breaking down of fats. This potential can be great news for those struggling with a slow metabolism.
CBD for Weight Loss
Have you been on a strict diet and exercise routine but just can’t seem to shake off the pounds? Do you feel like you are fighting a losing battle? For people that have a slow metabolism, losing weight can be an uphill battle. CBD could assist through a process called ‘fat browning.’
How CBD for Weight Loss Works
We already know that the CBD phytocannabinoid interacts directly with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system act as a balancer for the body, sending and receiving messages to maintain this state of balance, the balance that we call health.
In a study performed on rodent models, researchers witnessed that the rats who had been administered with CBD reduced their overall consumption of food, and potentially a reduced appetite. Another study, published in the Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, revealed that CBD has an essential function during the ‘fat browning’ process.
Once the preliminary results hinted that CBD could assist with weight loss, scientists dug deeper. Their findings revealed CBD has a profound effect on preadipocytes, what we can call immature fat cells. Here’s what the researchers found:
– CBD assists in stimulating specific fat and protein genes. These genes then assist with the breaking down of fat.
– CBD stimulates mitochondria within the body. Mitochondria activity assists in the burning of calories.
– CBD reduces the production of the specific proteins that are connected to lipogenesis.
Overall, the above results indicate that CBD assists in fat browning. This process is where fat tissue is turned into beige fat tissue, the tissues that are responsible for burning the energy stored by white fat.
But is CBD for Weight Loss Safe?
Recently, the WHO released a statement regarding CBD. According to the WHO, CBD is safe and possess a minimal risk of dependence or addiction. Furthermore, the statement goes on to say that there are no harmful side effects that come with CBD, although some people do report a mixed variety of mild effects.
Taking CBD is pretty much the same as taking any other dietary supplement. But there is one thing to always bear in mind, and that is the source of your CBD. Just like you would (or should) check out the company selling you a vitamin, you should do background research on a company selling CBD.
Before you purchase CBD or Hemp for weight loss, you should check for the following:
– Third-Party Testing
The company should offer third party test results for you to ensure that you are receiving the exact amount of CBD that they provide. You can check that the CBD product is free from harmful pesticides and/or chemicals.
– Full Spectrum or Isolate
Whether you buy a CBD Isolate or a Full Spectrum CBD product is up to you. However, studies show that full-spectrum products are more effective than isolates due to what has become known as the “entourage effect.”
Look out for a full spectrum product that is THC-free.
To ensure optimum safety, always consult with a doctor. This is so that your initial health condition can be professionally understood, and the doctor may also see if any past health issues could be fired up by CBD. This is not common, but if you are concerned about taking CBD, then it can set your mind at ease.
Dosing CBD for Weight Loss
There are no set dosages for CBD, and especially not for CBD or Hemp for weight loss. Every person responds slightly different to CBD, and therefore, it would be irresponsible to have one exact amount for everyone to take, at this stage.
However, it is advised that when you do begin taking CBD, you should start with low amounts. Gradually increase this amount in increments until you are satisfied with how your body is responding. Start with a low dose and then assess how your body responds. Remain at the same dose for at least 3 – 5 days before increasing the dose.
Let’s Recap: What is CBD?
If you are still unsure if CBD is the right thing for you, maybe you are unclear as to what exactly CBD is. Let’s give this cannabinoid a quick analysis:
– There is scientific evidence purporting that CBD can be beneficial for a variety of health issues, including slow metabolism, anxiety, and pain. Following this evidence, a new surge in the natural health scene arrived in the form of a demand for hemp and CBD products.
– But CBD is not the only cannabinoid within the cannabis species; in fact, it is one of approximately 100 cannabinoids. It has shown great promise in recent studies that it could assist people with diabetes as well, as it could help to manage blood sugar.
Is CBD Psychoactive?
CBD is not a psychotropic cannabinoid- that is THC. CBD and THC are chemically very different compounds, and CBD is not able to stimulate any psychoactive reactions. It has, however, exhibited the ability to be an anti-depressant, anti-nausea, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-epileptic.
How Does CBD Interact with the Body?
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, an interconnected network messaging system that governs many essential functions within the body.
There are approximately 65 places in the human body that can be targeted by CBD, and this is why CBD can have such diverse effects.
The Benefits of Using Hemp for Weight Loss and/or CBD oil for weight loss
Various benefits come with using hemp-derived CBD oil. Let’s start off by looking at weight-loss specific benefits:
Fat browning
We have already touched on the subject of fat browning. Now, let’s take a closer look. A study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry shows evidence of CBD’s ability to change the energy-storing white fat tissue into the energy-burning beige fat tissue. This increases the rate at which fat is oxidized and broken down. It also helps to increase the number of calories the body burns, and CBD can also reduce the fat generating protein expression.
Increased Glucose Tolerance
Furthermore, the animal models showed an increased tolerance towards glucose, which tells us that there is a reduced risk of diabetes and illness relating to blood lipids.
Some other benefits related to weight loss are:
– Hemp oil and CBD oil are low in calories.
– Hemp oil for weight loss also helps to supply additional Omega-3s to the body. These are the fatty acids which are known to reduce triglyceride levels.
– If you are considering using hemp oil for weight loss, then you will be happy to know that hemp oil contains GLA, gamma-linolenic acid. GLA’s, in the right amounts, are helpful when trying to prevent gaining weight.
– According to the Journal of Nutrition (among others), CBD oil can balance a slow metabolism.
The following are other benefits of CBD, not directly related to weight loss. These benefits are all backed up with evidence:
– Anti-amatory
– Fights against free radicals
– Neuroprotective and enhances neurogenesis
– Has properties to ward off epileptic seizures
– Analgesic (pain-relieving)
– Reduces anxiety
– Improves memory and learning
Check out this link for the evidence behind these benefits.
CBD for Keto Diet
Both CBD and the Keto diet are, without a doubt, two of the trendiest things at the moment. So, it only makes sense that these two things would begin to be paired together.
But, how much is hype and where are the facts?
Let’s find out…
Firstly, let’s simplify our understanding of the Keto Diet.
What is the keto diet?
The keto diet is based on the philosophy that the majority of foods consumed should be healthy fats, with less emphasis on carbs. The guiding principle behind this is the belief that this combo of high-fat and low-carb can assist the body in burning fat. The keto diet is named such because this combination of foods promotes the development of ketone molecules. These ketones become fuel for the body when the body is in short supply of glucose.
In short, because you are eating a minimal amount of carbs, your body begins to burn fat to produce these ketones for fuel. This process, or state, is known as ‘ketosis.’
Here are some of the purported benefits of following a Keto Diet:
– Diminishes hunger and cravings
– Ketones assist in decreasing inflammation
– Because the Keto Diet helps to reduce overall fat and weight, the body’s insulin resistance is increased.
What are the Benefits of Using CBD for Keto Diet?
As we can see, CBD and the Keto Diet both share a couple of similar benefits. However, the question many people are wondering is, how do they work in symbiosis?
According to several anecdotal reports, CBD can help people with sticking to the Keto Diet as well as several other benefits when used in combination.
Check out this video explaining CBD and Ketosis in detail:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8g4gE-81Cg
CBD for Keto Diet can be helpful when you want to ward off cravings. Just make sure that you are using CBD from Hemp for Keto Diet because you want to steer clear of THC, the cannabinoid that can induce cravings.
Do you know what triggers hunger cravings? Despite popular belief, it is not the stomach, but the brain where these cravings originate. The hypothalamus is the regulator for the appetite and two hormones in specific, ghrelin (hunger stimulating) and leptin (generates the feeling of being ‘full’). When these two hormones are either under or overproduced, cravings can ensue.
And because of the way that CBD can assist the endocannabinoid system in bringing balance to the endocrine system, the cravings can be diminished.
Inflammation: How it Plays a Role in Weight Loss and CBD for Keto Diet
Inflammation is only just beginning to be recognized for the villain it truly is. There are many health conditions whose roots are being traced back to inflammation. Now, we already know that both CBD and the Keto Diet have anti-inflammatory properties associated. Join the two, and you have a winning combination.
But how does this Relate to Using CBD for Keto Diet in Weight Loss?
There are a variety of conditions where weight gain is a constant struggle, and most of these conditions have inflammation at their core. For example, inflammation in the bowels can cause distress in digestion, hindering digestion, and the proper assimilation of nutrients.
Ketosis and Rapid Results
What has made the Keto Diet skyrocket in popularity? Well, most people who have tried this diet have experienced almost immediate weight loss. And in a society that craves instant gratification, this means that the Keto Diet has been accepted with arms wide open. But, remember that the ketosis helps to shed excess water from the body in the initial couple of weeks. So, your initial rapid ‘weight loss’ will simply be a reduction in water retention.
Ketosis and Belly Fat
The ketosis process also has another benefit; it can help you to lose stubborn belly fat. This is because the abdominal cavity (where this belly fat is) has a type of fat known as visceral fat. This fat gathers around the abdominal cavity and the organs therein. Visceral fat is believed to be the cause of many illnesses and health conditions where the metabolic system is dysfunctional.
When you use CBD, a cannabinoid that is proving to assist in harmonizing the metabolism, in combination with the Keto Diet, it could lead to increased visceral fat reduction. This combination can, therefore, help to stave off those chronic diseases that stem from a dysfunctional metabolism.
CBD Keto Recipes
CBD Gummies and CBD Brownies are two of the most popular edibles. Take a look at these two fun recipes if you want to combine your keto diet with CBD:
Keto CBD Gummies
The CBD gummy is one of the most popular CBD edibles, so let’s take a look at a CBD gummy recipe with a keto spin.
In 2018, CBD gummies were the most searched for food in the google search engine. Aside from CBD, this recipe is filled with antioxidants, collagen, and vitamin C.
How to Make CBD Gummies
Make sure that you have a decent silicone mold for this recipe. Before we begin, it is essential to note that when it comes to dosing, you should start with a low dose and slowly increase this in increments until you feel like the CBD is at an adequate dose.
Dosing with CBD
Before you make edibles, you should know what dose works for you. An average low dose that many people use is 0.25ml. Simply multiply your chosen dose by the number of gummies you will be making.
Other Ingredients:
– Gelatin (try to find organic, grass-fed gelatin, or vegan gelatin)
– Sweetener for taste (Xylitol, monk fruit extract, or allulose)
– Fruit juice (you can use a powder option or even an organic fruit tea as your juice)
– Vitamin C powder (optional)
How To:
- Mix your ingredients together, adding in the CBD oil at the very end.
- Use a gumdrop to fill your silicone molds.
- Let the molds set at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes
- Place the molds in the fridge for about 30 mins
CBD Keto Recipes: Keto Salted CBD Brownies
The ‘pot brownie’ is a quintessential edible. It is arguably where the idea for edibles came from, and it is easily adjusted to fit the low-carb and high fat needs of the Hemp For Keto Diet specifications.
This recipe shouldn’t take you longer than 30 minutes, and it is quick, simple and altogether one of the most delicious CBD Keto Recipes you can get your hands on.
Ingredients:
1 cup almond flour
Salt for the finishing sprinkle
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons CBD infused butter or vegan alternative (such as coconut oil or margarine)
½ cup cocoa powder
6 tablespoons melted ghee or vegan butter
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/3 (or more depending on how sweet you would like them) sweetener such as birch xylitol or erythritol
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ Organic Chocolate bar, in chunks
How To:
- Allow the oven to preheat to 340 degrees first. Have a bread tin ready, lined with parchment paper.
- Combine all ingredients into a large bowl, except for the chocolate chunks.
- Spoon the mixture into the lined bread tin.
- Now you can insert the chocolate chunks, haphazardly into the mixture and onto as well.
- Place the bread tin into the oven and let it bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove and allow to cool at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle your salt over the top, slice, and enjoy!
CBD for Weight Loss Recipes
When you are looking for CBD for weight loss recipes, you should remember that the way CBD interacts with your body, is what can help you in your weight loss journey. Combined with a healthy and active lifestyle, you will be well on your way to living a healthier life, and lose some weight along the way.
CBD derived from hemp is the best option for people looking to lose weight. This is because hemp, by definition, cannot contain significant levels of THC. THC interacts with the brain to stimulate appetite and is, therefore, best avoided for those looking to control their appetite.
The best CBD for weight loss recipes is those that use natural and healthy ingredients, and those that steer clear of processed ingredients. Keep it simple; stay away from refined flours and sugars. Keep in mind there are many hemp protein powders on the market, but just because it is a hemp protein powder does not mean that it contains CBD. So, once again, we stress the importance of fact-checking each brand before you purchase their product. If the company does not list its Phytocannabinoid content, then request for it.
It comes as no surprise that Hemp for Keto Diet is proving to be a trend that is sticking. Hemp is naturally high in protein and healthy fats, and low in carbohydrates which makes Hemp for Keto Diet a sensible decision.
At the end of the day, you can use CBD to help you stick to your Keto Diet. And because scientists believe that CBD binds well with fat, the Keto Diet could even complement (and possibly prolong) the effects of CBD.
Whether you want to add CBD oil to your morning shake, or bake your special keto-brownies for a weekend treat, get only the highest grade CBD oil that you can trust, today.
Jessica Rosslee is a former journalist that has dedicated her writing skills and passion for communication to the cannabis industry. Jessica has spent her life in the field of wellness and communication, committed to allowing people access to accurate health and wellness information.
As a freelance cannabis writer, Jessica is passionate about free-flowing education for the public and the destigmatization of cannabis.