Emily Kyle, a holistic cannabis practitioner and registered dietician, said the early research on CBD suggests it can help with “ anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, epilepsy and seizure disorders, pain and inflammation. It is believed that CBD can nourish the body’s own endocannabinoid system, which is directly responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance, in the body.”
And the FDA warns that CBD and CBD products are “ being marketed with unproven medical claims.” In short, though CBD is legal at the federal level, use it at your own risk. And, Brun said, be mindful of its effects.
Recent News
CBD has been appearing in a wide spectrum of consumer goods recently, from topical salves to seltzers and soap. Now add olive oil to the list of CBD-infused products.
Though the amount of CBD and its purity matters in its potential effectiveness, Kyle said consuming it with a fat, such as olive oil, can help the chemical work.
But what does the research say about CBD and what happens when it is mixed in olive oil?
Inflammation is thought to be one of the key drivers behind certain chronic health problems, including Alzheimer’s and Type 2 Diabetes. The predominant monounsaturated fat in olive oil is oleic acid, which makes up almost 3/4 of the oil content. Studies have shown that oleic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect that has been compared to ibuprofen in terms of its profile and potency. It is suggested that this acid may be able to help fight cancer by protecting healthy cells from the genes linked to cancer cells.
Olive oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important in preventing heart disease. The body transforms these acids into prostaglandins, which are substances that can block inflammation and help regulate heart, liver and kidney function. EVOO also promotes heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving healthy cholesterol levels.
Olive oil is great for your skin too, which is why we use it as a base for our salve. Its humectant properties moisturize and soothe dry and sun-damaged skin. The oleic acid also supports the skin’s natural breathing process and sebum production.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
CBD, like all cannabinoids, is lipophilic – that means it loves fat! CBD is most readily absorbed in the body when paired with a fat, which explains why tinctures most often use an oil for a carrier. MCT and hempseed oils are common carrier oils, but here at Lily Hill we prefer using organic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in our products for its long shelf-life and great health benefits.
You have probably heard that olive oil is one of the shining stars in the Mediterranean diet. Inhabitants of the Mediterranean region have used olive oil for centuries; many believe that this is the key to its population’s youth and longevity. Olive oil is high in antioxidants – these reduce the negative effects of free radicals that can contribute to the development of disease.
Extra virgin olive oil is an unrefined oil made from the first pressing of the olives. It is considered the finest grade because it has the freshest, fruitiest flavor and is typically darker in color than other grades of olive oil.
An intake of sufficient omega-3 and omega-6 is needed to repair and replace CB1 and CB2 receptors. This repair and replacement process is important so our bodies can utilize both phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids sources outside the body) like CBD and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids made in the body), which regulate homeostasis within the body. Research has shown that in order to get the maximum benefit from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, you need to ingest them in the proper ratio; 1 part omega-3 to 10 parts omega-6. Coincidentally, that is the ratio in which they are present in olive oil.
Improved Skin
Molecules: “Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa) as an Emerging Source for Value-Added Functional Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals.”
Health Benefits
Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) present in hemp seed oil has been shown to reduce inflammation. A review of studies suggests that natural herbs rich in GLA are effective in relieving symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research: “A Review of Hemp As Food and Nutritional Supplement.”
Pain Relief