CBD & KETO: Are they compatible?
Both CBD and Keto have gained a growing amount of publicity in recent years. They may be hot trends but many believe they are here to stay as their foundations are supported by strong evidence. Today we look at the compatibility between CBD and Keto, as well as some of the latest ketogenic products.
What is CBD?
CBD is found in the hemp plant, a cousin to the marijuana plant. Unlike marijuana, CBD does not cause 'high' feeling typically associated with marijuana. Instead CBD has been shown to have positive effects on individuals with anxiety, sleep and pain related medical conditions (Grinspoon, 2020).
What is the keto diet?
The ketogenic diet is similar to the Atkins diets, however, there is one fundamental difference...FAT! Yes, both diets involve a low consumption of carbohydrate foods. However, the Atkins diet substitutes carbs with protein, whereas the ketogenic diet substitutes them with fat, which can make up to 80% of the keto diet (Campos, 2020).
Usually, the human body uses sugar (glucose) as its fuel. However, when the body receives an excessive amount of sugar, insulin is used to convert sugar into fat for storage.
In extreme circumstances, e.g. starvation, the body can access this fat storage by converting fat into ketones via the liver. Ketones are then used as the bodies fuel to replace sugar (glucose). This process is called ketosis, hence the name "the ketogenic diet". Ketosis can also be replicated without starvation (phew!) when the body receives between 20-50g of carbohydrates per day (Campos, 2020).
How are CBD and the ketogenic diet compatible?
1. Bioavailability
CBD is commonly absorbed into the blood stream through oral consumption. However, only 13% to 19% of the CBD you consume is actually absorbed into your bloodstream, the remaining CBD is broken down by enzymes in your liver.
A recent 2019 study tested the difference in CBD absorption in two groups, one that fasted, and one that ate high fat food before consuming the CBD. Interestingly, the high-fat group absorbed 4 times the amount of CBD as the fasted group.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation occurs when white blood cells are directed to the areas of inflammation in order to repair tissues or kill virus and bacteria. However, sometimes the body sends white blood cells to healthy tissues by mistake. As a result, the white blood cells attack joints, organs and the skins which can cause arthritis, acne, heart disease and cancer.
Both CBD and the ketogenic diet have been evidenced to reduce inflammatory markers. Research notes CBD's abilities to reduce inflammatory markers in patients with arthritis, colitis and brain inflammation. Similarly, a ketogenic study in 2014 found that a ketogenic diet can have "a favourable impact on low grade inflammation in type 2 diabetes with advice to follow a low-fat diet".
2. Neuro-Protective
CBD has been evidenced to have powerful therapeutic effects on a number of illnesses. CBD's neuroprotective abilities relates to its anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in neurons. A reduction in neuro-inflammation has been shown to be beneficial in managing diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.
A ketogenic diet has also been suggested to be beneficial for epilepsy, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This is because ketone bodies, particularly β-hydroxybutyrate provide protection against diverse cellular injury. In epilepsy, the ketogenic diet is said to interfere with the concentration of GABA in the cerebrospinal fluid which stabilises the synapse. 70% of epileptic patients have shown a positive response from the ketogenic diet.
Keto Friendly Products
Granutla
Granutla are advocates of reducing your carbohydrate content to feel great and live well. That is why they created a unique nut & fruit based granola that is 75% lower in carbohydrate than the average granola! Basing their recipe on nuts also has the added benefit of ensuring Granutla is gluten-free.
You might be thinking that a reduction in carbohydrates mean a reduction in taste. Well, Granutla beg to differ, their nuts and seeds are coated in a no added sugar fruit syrup to create clusters that are tastier than ever!
Granutla's products
Granutla's two fruity flavours, The Raspberry One & The Blueberry One can be found at www.granutla.com.
The Raspberry One: Deliciously sweet raspberry coated nut clusters.
The Blueberry One: Deliciously sweet blueberry coated nut clusters.
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