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Many Americans live with high cholesterol, which can elevate the risk of developing peripheral artery disease, heart disease, or having a stroke- all of which are potentially life-threatening.
Luckily, scientists have researched cannabis and have discovered that it may hold the key to lower cholesterol levels.
Though little research has been carried out on the subject, existing research has raised some fascinating points about marijuana- specifically cannabis edibles from Weedsmart’s- potential in combat against cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.
Perhaps you’re learning about cannabis edibles for the first time and are wondering how they can regulate cholesterol levels. Read on for more.
What are Cannabis Edibles?
Also referred to simply as edibles or cannabis-infused foods, cannabis edibles are food items that contain cannabis.
Thanks to advances in infusion techniques, you can find a vast array of cannabis-infused:
- Breath strips
- Baked goods
- Cooking oil
- Breath strips
- Seasoning packets
- Chocolates
- Gummies
- Mints
- and many more
The major benefit of consuming edibles is the ability to feel the cannabis effects without vaporizing concentrates or smoking flowers.
After consumption, you’ll have to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours for their effects to kick in. This is because cannabis first must go through your digestive system before reaching the bloodstream.
Please note that they’re safe to use as they contain less than 0.3% THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the compound in cannabis that gets you high.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a lipoprotein, which means that it contains both protein and fat molecules. It’s a waxy substance and a prime component of cell membranes.
It’s got several essential functions in the body, such as vitamin D production and acting as a predecessor to sex hormones.
Our bodies manufacture all the cholesterol they need, mainly in the liver. However, many foods contain cholesterol, including dairy products, meat, and eggs.
Although some cholesterol is important for good health, excess of it can be harmful. This is because the surplus cholesterol can mix with other substances and accumulate in the blood vessels.
There are several types of cholesterol, including:
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as ‘good cholesterol.’
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is also referred to as ‘bad cholesterol.’
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is also harmful.
How Can Cannabis Affect Your Cholesterol?
A 2013 research for the Diabetes Care periodical compared 30 control subjects’ cholesterol levels with that of 30 cannabis users. The investigators discovered that the cannabis users had lower HDL levels than the control subjects.
Furthermore, the outcomes of a 2018 evaluation for Annals of Internal Medicine claim that cannabis users have higher-than-normal HDL levels according to three isolated studies.
Cannabis Edibles That Can Lower Cholesterol Levels
Rather than purchasing unauthentic, processed foodstuff or buying them, here are some healthy edibles that are easy to make and contain sufficient antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that your body needs:
1. Strawberry Ba-cannabis Smoothie
To prepare it, you’ll need:
- ½ cup of orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups of strawberries, frozen
- 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds (optional)
- ¼ gram of decarboxylated hash, kief, or hash oil
- 1 banana medium, peeled, frozen
- 1 cup of coconut milk
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend to a smooth paste. Serve instantly.
2. Ganja Granola Bars
You’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Coconut oil spray
- ⅔ cup of honey
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4-5 cooked oatmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ⅔ melted CannaButter
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
To prepare,
- Heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
- Spray a 9×13- inch pan with coconut oil
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl
- Spread the mixture in the pan and spread by hand
- Bake until golden brown for 30-35 minutes.
3. “Baked” Kale Chips
You’ll need:
- One teaspoon seasoning salt
- 8 ounces of fresh kale
- Four teaspoons cannabis-infused oil
To make it:
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash kale well and remove them from the stem.
- Place dry kale leaves in a bowl. Drizzle some cannabis oil on them and stir.
- Sprinkle seasoning salt and toss to mix.
- Spread the oiled and seasoned kale leaves in one layer on baking sheets.
- Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes.
4. Raw Vegan Energy Canni-Balls
You’ll require:
- ½ cup pitted dates
- 240 mg CBD/THC infused oil/butter
- ⅔ cup cashews
- ½ cup almond butter
- ½ cup brown rice, agave, or maple syrup
- ¼ tablespoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
To prepare:
- Put a small handful of cashews in a food processor and pulse until it’s coarsely ground. Place aside.
- Put sunflower seeds and the remaining cashews in the processor and pulse until coarsely ground. Add the dates and pulse until it’s well-mixed. Include the salt, syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract and mix until the combination is smooth.
- Add the infused oil.
- Form the mixture into golf-sized balls with your hands.
- Roll the balls in a topping or leave plain.
- Put into a freezer until they’re firm.
Conclusion
Cannabis edibles play an important part in lowering cholesterol levels. If it’s your first time eating them, we believe you’ll enjoy their sweet and all-natural taste.
Please don’t eat them on an empty stomach and always take them as per the recommended dosage.
These healthy treats continue helping countless people worldwide, and you could be one of them. Try them today!
