CBD oils certainly contain oil, as the name suggests, and is generally in the form of vegetable oil or vegetable glycerine. These oils serve a very important purpose that is helping in delivering the active component, CBD, to the body.
Various types of carrier oils are used in CBD products, such as coconut, MCT, palm, olive, avocado, hemp seed, sesame, and grape seed oil. Each of these types of oils has its pros and cons. In this article, you will learn about the basics of carrier oils that will help you make the right selection. For more on the topic, we took the help of CBD Oil in helping us gain a better understanding.
Carrier Oil
Carrier oil is a type of a simple solution that carries CBD and other chemicals. It acts as a solvent to help in dissolving the compounds of the hemp plant to make them easier to use.
Benefits of adding carrier oils to CBD
1. Carrier Oils Enhance CBD Absorption
One of the primary reasons why oil manufacturers dilute hemp extracts like CBD into carrier oil is because they want to improve its absorption in the consumer’s gut. CBD is a fat-soluble substance, so when it is taken alongside other types of fats, it signals the body to prepare for fat absorption.
2. Carrier Oils Make Measuring Doses Easier
There is not much of a difference between two similar milligram dosages of pure CBD crystals, and getting the precise dosage is not possible for the naked eye. Special equipment is required for this, and it isn’t a real deal for most CBD users. Therefore, the CBD crystals are diluted in carrier oils so that it makes dosing CBD significantly more accurate and consistent.
3. Carrier Oils May Offer Additional Health Benefits
Many carrier oils bring additional health benefits such as coconut oil is famous for its antibacterial and antifungal properties and might help in increasing good cholesterol levels. Olive oil, on the other hand, can help in reducing heart diseases by its mode of action. Some other types of carrier oils provide antioxidant benefits along with energy and some essential omega fatty acids as well. Most of these advantages will, of course, be more in larger amounts of carrier oil.
Types of Carrier oil
Various CBD brands use different carrier oils, and some even mix multiple carrier oils into the same product for a unique blend. Having the carrier oil make the dispensing easy and the application smooth. Some of the common types of carrier oils are:
1. MCT
MCT oil is derived from coconut or palm oil and is considered the best for use with CBD oils because their shorter structure permits them to be absorbed easily in the digestive system, and they do not have to be broken down into smaller units for absorption.
2. Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is a derivative of the seeds of the hemp plant. There are essentially no cannabinoids or terpenes in these oils, and they are widely known for their health benefits on the brain, joints, skin, and immune tissues.
3. Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is derived from the seeds present in the grapes. It has a fruity flavor that is not too strong and is high in unsaturated fat content. It’s known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Olive oil
Although olive oil is commonly used for cooking, it also serves as an excellent carrier oil. It is rich in phytonutrients and is high in iron, vitamin K, vitamin E, and a host of antioxidant compounds.
The bottom line is that, although MCP is considered the best carrier oil but still there isn’t enough evidence to assure that specific oil is better than the other. That being said, any carrier oil is good enough to do its job of dissolving CBD and making it ready for the body to absorb.
Interesting related article: “What is Cannabidiol?”