High cholesterol level, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is one of the common problems seen in middle-aged individuals. Hypercholesterolemia can lead to many chronic conditions and can even cause heart attacks. This condition causes fat deposits in your blood vessels and as a result, it causes hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.
Some studies have mentioned that CBD can help to reduce cholesterol levels and the many risks related to this condition. In this article, we are explaining whether it is beneficial to use CBD for reducing cholesterol levels. First, let us look at the negative effects of elevated cholesterol levels.
How Do Higher Levels Of Bad Cholesterol Affect You?
If the serum total cholesterol level is higher than 200 mg/dl, then it is categorized as hypercholesterolemia. The most common cause of high cholesterol levels is leading a sedentary lifestyle, consuming high cholesterol foods like fried items and junk food, etc. If you have other medical conditions like diabetes and kidney disease, they can also increase the cholesterol levels in your blood. Constant fatigue, breathlessness, and chest pain are some common symptoms of hypercholesterolemia. You can diagnose cholesterol levels by a blood test. Diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, etc are some medical conditions that can follow if you leave hypercholesterolemia untreated.
CBD For Managing High Cholesterol Levels
The endocannabinoid system, commonly known as the ECS, is responsible for managing many bodily functions in the body and maintaining homeostasis. Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 can be seen in many parts of different organs in the human body. Endocannabinoids act on these receptors to instruct the ECS to produce different hormones and compounds to manage different bodily functions.
When the body is healthy, sufficient endocannabinoids will be present in the body and therefore the ECS works properly. Proper working of the ECS results in reduced inflammation. High cholesterol levels, diabetes, etc can trouble the ECS and these conditions hinder the working of the ECS. As a result, the endocannabinoids in the body decrease and thereby worsening the above-mentioned medical conditions.
When you consume CBD, it mimics endocannabinoids and binds to the CB2 receptors. This interaction regains the balance of the ECS and helps to reduce cholesterol levels to optimum levels. CBD can also help to reduce insulin resistance and thereby reduces diabetes. Another advantage of CBD is that it can help to reduce inflammation in blood vessels. This highly reduces the possibility of a heart attack and stroke.