THC is often associated with stimulating hunger or ‘the munchies’ but CBD can influence our metabolism in a different way.

THC is just one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

CBD is the other big cannabinoid; it’s non-psychoactive and offers a variety of therapeutic qualities. CBD for weight loss is one of the many potential benefits of using CBD oil.

How does CBD interact with the human body?

It is due to the endocannabinoid system that CBD is able to interact with our bodies. The endocannabinoid system is made up of signaling chemicals, receptors, and metabolic enzymes, and is involved in many physiological processes.

Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found in the brain, organs, glands, connective tissues and immune cells. This clever system regulates processes that take place in the body.

One of the processes that the endocannabinoid system is directly involved in is the metabolic functions, such as energy storage and nutrient transport.

CBD and the endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system has its own cannabinoids so it can regulate the body naturally. There are two endogenous cannabinoids known as anandamide (also referred to as “the bliss molecule”) and 2-AG (or 2-Arachidonoylglycerol) which work to naturally regulate the processes within the body, one of this being metabolism.

These two endogenous cannabinoids interact with two types of receptors (CB1 and CB2), which are located in the brain, digestive tract, adipose tissue, and in other parts of the body.

CBD can also stimulate the receptors in these areas to assist with metabolizing compounds absorbed from food during digestion. CBD can bring the body into balance, also known as homeostasis, so can influence the metabolism in two ways:

• Cutting appetite in people who over-eat
• Increasing appetite in those who need to eat more

CBD for weight loss: studies on CBD and metabolism

One of the largest studies relating to CBD and metabolism was conducted in 2016 by researchers based in Korea. They published a study which explored the impact of CBD on a process called ‘fat browning’.

There are essentially two types of fat found in the human body, one being white fat, the other being brown fat. White fat is believed to increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, whereas brown fat has been shown to help burn calories and energy.

The study conducted by the researchers in Korea was published by the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and explored the idea that CBD could help to turn white fat into brown fat. If found to be true, this could be a way of treating obesity. The study found that CBD oil could:

• Stimulate genes and proteins which enhance the breakdown and oxidation of fat
• Increase the number and activity of mitochondria (and so increase the body’s ability to burn calories)
• Decrease the expression of proteins involved in lipogenesis (fat cell generation)

The overall conclusion of the study was that CBD could help to convert white fat in the human body into more beneficial brown fat.

CBD and ‘fat browning’

The process of turning white fat into brown fat or ‘fat browning’, influenced by CBD, could, therefore, have a direct impact on the body’s metabolism by encouraging the burning of calories and energy.

If CBD oil has the ability to promote ‘fat browning’, this is potentially revolutionary. The process of CBD interacting with the two receptors CB1 And CB2 in the body and therefore assisting with the metabolism of food could not only help with weight loss but also be beneficial for those with diabetes too.

CBD and diabetes

The endocannabinoid system already plays a vital role in diabetes, so CBD can potentially enhance this process by:

• Stabilizing blood sugar
• Acting as a “vasodilator” to help keep blood vessels open and improve circulation
• Lowering blood pressure
• Helping calm diabetic “restless leg syndrome” (RLS)

People who have type 2 diabetes have been found to have excessive amounts of fatty tissue. This disrupts the glucose metabolism which leads to an increased level of sugar in the bloodstream.

Studies show that CBD can help to counteract this because it contains anti-inflammatory properties which can combat glucose metabolic disorders and improves the metabolism.

Whilst CBD is one of the cannabinoids that can lower food intake, lessen weight gain and work as an appetite-suppressant, other compounds found in the cannabis plant such as CBN and THC can actually have the opposite effect.

There is currently a lot of research being conducted in the field of CBD for weight loss and CBD for diabetes, with lots more still to learn about how CBD and other cannabinoids can affect our metabolism. However, evidence is already being gathered to suggest that CBD is one of the cannabinoids that can help people boost their metabolism, maintain a healthy weight and therefore feel more energetic and active.

Active CBD oil

Our Active CBD oil is a wellness product from Hawaiian Choice aimed at helping to control your appetite and remain a healthy weight, whilst also making you feel more active and motivated to exercise. If you’re looking to improve your lifestyle then Active CBD oil could be the perfect choice for you. That’s because not only does it have all that full spectrum CBD oil, it also has a range of added terpenes focused on helping you make that change!

Those terpenes are:

• Delta 3 Carene, which helps to remove excess fluids, is anti-inflammatory and supports bone growth.
• Humulene, an appetite suppressant, which is also anti-inflammatory and provides  pain relief.
• Limonene, which helps with gastric problems, increases energy and focus, reduces inflammation, and has uplifting qualities.

You can view all of the Hawaiian Choice CBD oils for health and wellbeing in our online shop.