CBD or cannabidiol is one of the main cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant. Although its name might be deceiving, it must not be confused with THC, the other most important cannabinoid of the plant. Contrary to THC, CBD doesn’t hold any psychoactive properties. Additionally, it is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. Although hemp and marihuana are both parts of the cannabis family, they have differences and are grown for different purposes.
Hemp’s growing processes allow it to have a high concentration of CBD and a very low concentration of THC. Additionally, hemp can be used in different industries, including:
- Building
- Textile
- Pharmaceutical
- Food
In this article, we’ll focus on the last one and, especially in the use of CBD oil in the kitchen.
Properties of CBD Oil
Cannabidiol or CBD is a chemical substance which belongs to a group of substances called cannabinoids. These substances act in our endocannabinoid system, which is formed by cells and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and anandamide. The endocannabinoid system regulates important human functions, such as sleep, appetite, pain, or immune response.
Some of the main properties of CBD include:
- Helps improve mental conditions: It can alleviate stress and anxiety. Additionally, it is a good aid to relieve social phobia. In fact, a study from the Sao Paulo University found less anxiety in social situations such as speaking in public.
- It can help reduce seizures: Users report that CBD can help reduce the frequency and intensity of convulsions caused by epilepsy.
- CBD helps relieve insomnia: A study from the Colorado University found that CBD helped relieved insomnia in a 10-year-old girl who suffered from PTSD.
- Helps relieve chronic pain caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and
- It helps relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy treatments.
- CBD has a positive impact on the cardiovascular system by helping reduce blood pressure.
- It can help delay dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Can I Use CBD Oil to Cook?
The most common way to consume CBD is sublingual. This means that you must place a few drops of CBD under your tongue and allow it to dissolve there. But there are more ways to consume CBD oil. One of them is by adding it as an ingredient to some recipes. However, CBD oil is more bitter than other cooking oils, so you should use it with caution and add it only to recipes that require small amounts. The reason for this is that you shouldn’t exceed the CBD dosage that works for you.
You can use CBD oil to cook sweet and savory dishes. However, due to its bitterness, CBD oil is mainly used in sweet recipes. In fact, dishes which include chocolate are a great option, as it can effectively mask CBD’s flavor.
When cooking with CBD you should consider the temperature that you use. Although warming the oil can increase its properties, high temperatures will have the opposite effect and kill its active compounds. So, remember to never heat your CBD oil over 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, consider that you should only use CBD oil in recipes with a high-fat percentage. This can be animal fat, butter, or vegetable butter. The reason for this is that this way, the oil will adhere to the food and it won’t slide from it. However, if you prefer not to use too much fat in your recipes, you can dissolve the oil in an alcoholic beverage, such as rum, vodka or cognac.
CBD Oil to Cook: CBD Oil Salad Dressing Recipe
An excellent way to introduce CBD oil in your kitchen is by preparing a dressing that you can use in your salads. Below you’ll find an easy salad dressing recipe:
Ingredients:
- A few drops CBD oil (in this case you should use your regular CBD dose)
- 2 tbsp apple vinegar
- ½ tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mustard (you can use your favorite type)
- 2 tbsp honey
- A pinch of salt
Preparation:
Simply mix all the ingredients together and pour it over your favorite salads.
And, how about you? Have you ever used CBD oil to cook? If so, let us know your favorite recipe in the comment section below!
