Is Hemp Oil the Next Drug for Diabetes?
Based on a recent study, hemp oil may aid users to remain slim while lowering the risk of developing
diabetes. This indicates the herb may actually be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.
While hemp oil has coughed up a reputation for enhancing appetite from what recreational users call
“the munchies,” one study, which was published several years back, isn’t the first to discover the herb
has a two-way relationship regarding weight.
Research Studies
Several previous studies indicate that hemp users will less likely to develop obesity, lower risk diabetes
development, and lower body-mass-index measurements. Such trends happened despite what may
seem like more caloric intake.
Hemp oil users also possessed more high density lipoprotein levels (good cholesterol), which offers
protection from heart disease. Frequent hemp oils users also showed smaller waistlines than users who
have never tried hemp oil.
Scientists still have no idea how to specifically explain these correlations in detail. Since most of the
studies done weren’t controlled trials, it’s still not clear whether the hemp oil or user lifestyle actually
account for such health-benefitting effects.
However, those same studies indicated that Cannabinoid brain receptors affected by hemp oil
consumption involved appetite and metabolism. Precise details on how hemp can alter the relationship
between hunger, insulin response, and caloric consumption hasn’t really been officially explained.
Rimonabant and Its Effects
One clue may be found in the effects of a dietary supplement made to trigger the opposite actions that
hemp oil has on the brain. The drug, Rimonabant, is known for promoting weight loss and lower fasting
insulin happens by influencing specific Cannabinoid receptors in the opposite manner of hemp oil.
Such action is a complex process. The drug doesn’t just block the Cannabinoid receptors and its
activating properties. Instead, while the biological normal activity already happening within the body
continues to increase, Rimonabant lowers it so the end result is the opposite of activating the
Cannabinoid receptors.
But due to the psychiatric side effects such as increased suicide risk, the drug was swiftly pulled from the
market and never received U.S. approval.
Weight Loss
How can hemp oil and a compound with a reversed Cannabinoid effect act within the brain receptors
and still lead to weight reduction?
Hemp oil has a number of active compounds and one of them could be the reason for such effect. One
likely candidate is a compound known as Cannabidiol, which has great influence on Cannabinoid
receptors, but in a different manner unlike that of Rimonabant or THC.
Another candidate may involve tolerance. Using Rimonabant repeatedly may lead to reduced receptor
sensitivity over time.
While hemp oil may promote overeating and hunger at the beginning, in the long term, it actually has an
opposite effect since it desensitizes Cannabinoid receptors while preventing obesity.
Lack of Data
So stop avoiding the gym while you’re cooking up a hemp oil-filled recipe. There’s still not enough
information on hemp oil. Just like alcohol, health benefits can only be attained through moderate
intake. Most “studies” revealed over the years are self-reported, which may not be reliable. However,
since people will likely conceal drug use than making false claims, findings may underestimate the
effects of hemp oil.
While hemp oil may have a window when it comes to understanding blood glucose and insulin control,
its properties aren’t fully known. Even with more than a dozen U.S. states now approving hemp for
medical use, politics will always make it a habit to cover research efforts in understanding its
mechanisms within the brain or its influence against certain diseases. Doing a follow up on such finding
could result to new insights on how to take down one of the biggest health issues in the country today.