CBD and caffeine - You won’t believe the benefits of this combination
As if caffeine lovers need any more reason to be obsessed with their cappuccinos and mocha lattes, CBD has been added to the mix to deliver a range of benefits you can’t get from any other combination. This new trend that is conquering the hearts of coffeeholics and enriching coffee houses is known as CBD coffee.
What does the combination of CBD and coffee promise? To answer this question, it is worth taking a closer look at the ingredients and effects of CBD and caffeine.
The aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans alone puts many people in a good mood. A caffeinated beverage is drunk as a pick-me-up, serves as a concentration booster and is an excellent companion to a delicious piece of pastry.
As the trend of hemp products continues, the novel combination of CBD and coffee enjoys great popularity.
CBD and coffee sound more like adversaries than allies, as CBD is said to have a relaxing effect and coffee is consumed for its stimulating effect. By taking a closer look at the ingredients, you can learn more about this unusual combination.
So how did this new trend of CBD coffee start?
Caffeine as the main active ingredient in coffee can have undesirable side effects and some people react adversely to coffee. Some reactions include feeling anxious, nervousness, trembling, palpitations or sleep disturbances among many different reactions.
When taking these reactions into consideration, the combination of CBD and caffeine makes more sense. Using CBD as an antidote should be able to reduce any undesirable side effects.
How Should you Use CBD and Caffeine?
There are many ways to enjoy CBD and caffeine. Coffee with added CBD among other things, you can buy coffee with added CBD or have CBD coffee brought to your table in a coffee house.
CBD coffee is said to enhance the alertness caused by caffeine and even prolong the effect of both substances. Caffeine is popular for increasing alertness, it has a stimulating effect on the psyche and increases drive and concentration. It is therefore primarily stimulating.
At low doses, only these central excitatory effects come into play.
What happens in the body when we get our caffeine boost with a cup of coffee?
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, it raises the pulse and increases heart activity. After a fresh cup of coffee, your blood pressure rises and there is bronchial dilation. Most commonly, intestinal activity is stimulated and the blood flow rate in the brain and intestines is reduced.
These effects are due to the fact that caffeine blocks adenosine receptors. The role of adenosine is to protect our brain from overload. When our nerve cells are very active, adenosine is produced and attaches itself to receptors on certain nerve pathways. This causes the nerve cells to work more slowly. Caffeine prevents adenosine from docking and thus prevents the dampening effect of adenosine. So you stay awake although you should actually be tired.
However, heavy caffeine consumption leads to a habituation effect. You develop a tolerance and the stimulating effect of caffeine diminishes.
Can CBD help reduce the side effects of caffeine?
As mentioned, caffeine can also have unwanted effects. For example, it causes restlessness, nervousness or irritability in some people. Shaky hands or even anxiety can be accompanying symptoms. Using CBD in your coffee can help reduce these side undesired side effects.
The endocannabinoid system, i.e. our body's own cannabinoid system, acts as a regulator of the nervous system. The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are found throughout the body and have the task of transmitting signals from the outside to the inside of the cells and vice versa. Cannabinoids from the hemp plant interact with our endocannabinoid system. To put it simply, when CB1 receptors are activated, a feeling of stress reduction, well-being and pain relief is triggered, for example.
Therefore, the effect of CBD can help reduce the side effects of caffeine.
Does CBD support caffeine-induced alertness?
Caffeine is considered the pick-me-up par excellence and for many, the first-morning coffee is the salvation to take on the day.
Our body regulates nerve cell overload by producing more adenosine, slowing down the speed of neurons in the brain. Caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors, so we stay awake and don't feel tired. Adenosine cannot develop its effect.
If CBD is added, the effectiveness of the adenosine receptors is improved and a calming effect occurs.
Cannabinoid receptors also play a major role in the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, as well as histamine. The increased activity of serotonin, known as the "happy hormone", for example, supports alertness, motivation and our sense of well-being.
Does the CBD coffee blend contribute to a balance between tension and relaxation?
Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the body because the central nervous system is stimulated and the body is prevented from becoming tired. As a result, CBD can improve the efficiency of the adenosine receptors and counteract tension.
More research still needs to be done on the interaction between CBD and coffee. But studies completed thus far suggest that the combination brings out the best of both agents. The effect of caffeine embedded in the balancing effect of CBD sounds like a dream team.
Can CBD coffee improve the quality of falling asleep when caffeine consumption is too high/late?
CBD supports the body's own endocannabinoid system when it becomes unbalanced due to stress or other environmental factors. CBD docks onto receptors that are responsible for regulating sleep behaviour. CBD can therefore counteract the wakefulness of coffee when it is consumed too much or too late.
For health reasons, careful handling of caffeine is advisable. Too high a dose or regular late coffee consumption should be avoided.
What effect should be expected when combining the cannabinoid with coffee?
Even though research results on the interaction of CBD and coffee or caffeine are still pending, there are many indications of a beneficial synergy.
The effect of both substances could be prolonged by the slowed degradation in the liver, as the liver needs the same CYP enzymes for both substances.
CBD could help reduce the unwanted side effects of caffeine, such as tremors and restlessness, and the increased activity of serotonin through CBD leads to more alertness and well-being.
Whether in a self-test or at your local barista, CBD coffee might be worth a try for curious fragrant lovers. However, dripping CBD oil into coffee without exact dosage or instructions is not advisable.
When enjoying CBD coffee, it is important to pay attention to the good quality of the individual ingredients and only use high-quality hemp products such as CBD oils or coffee beans with added CBD. Organic products guarantee compliance with legal requirements such as transparent information about the country of origin, and processing and harvesting methods are another quality feature.
How about ordering a CBD coffee from your favourite barista next time you visit a coffee shop?