Marijuana use and metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is referred to as a condition where different factors contribute to a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The American Journal of Medicine has recently concluded that “Marijuana use is associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome across merging and middle-aged US Adults”.

Metabolic syndrome is a grouping of conditions, where at least three medical conditions out of five puts an individual at risk of being diagnosed with this disorder. These conditions are obesity (particularly stomach fat), high blood pressure, high blood sugar while fasting, high serum triglyceride and low HDL cholesterol levels. Many people with metabolic syndrome also have insulin resistance, which means that their bodies cannot properly use insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

Metabolic syndrome is on the rise, particularly among young adults who are obese. The condition seems to escalate with age.

Of course, preventing the onset of metabolic syndrome can be prevented easily and naturally by adhering to an eating plan that includes fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This is because not only are these foods excellent for overall health, containing as they do, the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need to function efficiently, but they are absorbed slowly by the body and can keep blood sugar levels from spiking. Avoiding, or at least limiting, consumption of processed foods, meat and sugar is a sure way to avoid this type of health problem in the first place. Exercise will certainly help the waistline to stay at a healthy size. So what does marijuana have to do with metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome and marijuana – what the scientists say

As mentioned at the onset of this article, scientists have recently concluded that marijuana consumption reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome. These results were recently published by The American Journal of Medicine and Pubmed. According to the study, among adults, current marijuana users were 54% less likely to present with metabolic syndrome than those who have never used marijuana. This is despite the fact that marijuana users tend to consume more calories than non-users. Why this is the case is still not entirely clear and needs further research.

What is clear, however, is that the much maligned cannabis plant has medicinal advantages that are only beginning to be discovered. Indeed, as marijuana use becomes more accepted, studies such as these are providing evidence that cannabis users generally enjoy a slimmer body and fewer incidence of type 2 diabetes. Marijuana use can hold out hope for those living in nations where the rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are increasing.

Sources:

Pubmedhealth.com

amjmed.com

Natural News