For millions of Westerners, the word “cholesterol” has become one of their greatest fears in recent years. Most of us are aware that high cholesterol can raise the risk of heart disease, artery diseases, or stroke. In fact, high cholesterol is frequently used interchangeably with coronary heart disease. However, what on earth is cholesterol? Exists a “good” one and a “bad” one? Can cannabis also aid in lowering cholesterol?
If you’re considering using cannabis to address a cholesterol concern, it’s recommended to consult a medical marijuana doctor first. They’ll assess whether cannabis is suitable for your health condition. If you prefer not to visit a clinic, you can easily connect with a medical marijuana doctor online.
Research indicates that cannabis can increase levels of “good cholesterol,” even though scientists are still unsure if cannabinoids can directly lower cholesterol. Furthermore, CBD may have an impact on fat browning, or the process by which unhealthy white fat is transformed into healthy brown fat, according to a 2016 study from the Korean University of Daegu.
What Exactly Is Cholesterol?
An organic substance made by the liver that is naturally present in our cells, cholesterol aids in the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D, and other chemicals during digestion. The majority of the cholesterol our bodies require is produced by them; the portion we get from food should only make up a small portion of that total. Fats and cholesterol float in the bloodstream and do not dissolve in water, just like cannabis resin does. By combining with the blood to maintain efficient transportation, lipoproteins—tiny particles—allow our body to lower cholesterol levels. If not, our veins’ inner surface would be covered in fatty granules.
Low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs, or “bad” cholesterol, can build up inside blood vessels and cause the arteries to narrow and harden to the point where blood cannot flow through them regularly. High-density lipoproteins, or HDLs, are considered “good” cholesterol because they aid in the breakdown of LDL deposits. Blood thinners and statins, which can save lives and prevent other diseases, are typically used by patients to treat this condition, though they are not always effective. They may also have some serious adverse effects.
For our health, the ratio of LDL to HDL and triglycerides is what counts most. For instance, it is possible to have a low total cholesterol level and a high blood level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. On the other hand, a high HDL cholesterol level might simply be the result of a high cholesterol value.
The Relationship Between Cannabis and Metabolic Syndrome
The multifaceted disorder known as metabolic syndrome is typified by elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and visceral fat. It comes as no surprise that it raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease. To learn more about the impact of cannabis use on metabolic syndrome, researchers from the University of Miami analyzed data compiled from multiple surveys.
More than 8,000 participants in the study met the criteria for metabolic syndrome if they had high blood sugar, high LDL, low HDL, hypertension, or increased belly fat, among other symptoms. The metabolic syndrome was found in 19.5% of nonsmokers, 17.5% of former smokers, and only 13.8% of cannabis users at the time of the study. The study comes to the conclusion that among young and middle-aged adults in the US, current cannabis use is linked to a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Regular cannabis users have been linked to lower body mass index, smaller waist circumference, higher HDL levels, and fewer diabetes risk factors, according to a number of other studies. The purpose of a 2013 study was to investigate the possible correlations between cannabis use, insulin, glucose, cholesterol, and insulin levels in order to estimate the risk of developing diabetes. According to the study, there is a correlation between cannabis use and a decreased incidence of diabetes.
Researchers also found that patients on Rimonabant, an anorectic anti-obesity synthetic cannabinoid medication that was taken off the market due to extremely negative side effects, had higher HDL cholesterol. Rimonabant is an inverse agonist of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, which may be harmful. This synthetic cannabinoid unexpectedly increases good cholesterol, which implies that endocannabinoid system modulation may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels.
As was previously mentioned, a small number of studies have indicated that CBD may support healthy insulin production and sugar metabolism, assisting the body’s conversion of harmful white fat to brown fat. Over-insulin encourages the body to convert carbohydrates into fat that is stored, which results in weight gain and obesity.
We consistently recommend consulting your primary care physician before beginning medical cannabis consumption. Additionally, reaching out to MMJ doctors can provide guidance on the safe and appropriate usage of medical cannabis.
How to Maintain Balanced Cholesterol Levels: Tips and Strategies
Subsequent research endeavors will delve deeper into the correlation between the endocannabinoid system and cholesterol balance, potentially yielding novel formulations.
Your lifestyle and genetics play a major role in determining the appropriate level of cholesterol in your body. Preclinical research is still being done on the evidence mentioned above. In addition to well-established strategies like maintaining a healthy weight, abstaining from smoking, and eating a diet low in saturated fat and sodium, scientists are attempting to ascertain whether cannabis or particular cannabinoids could aid in the regulation of cholesterol. Cycling is an aerobic exercise that is very beneficial to cholesterol levels because it raises the percentage of HDL while lowering the percentage of triglycerides and LDL.
It’s important to keep in mind that smoking cannabis is most likely the worst method of consumption. Furthermore, a diet high in animal products—meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, and other dairy products—is likely to result in elevated cholesterol levels. It is crucial to take into account cholesterol from all angles and the ways in which it is impacted by different factors.