Are you trying to shed your excess weight? Tired of trying all conventional methods – dieting, exercising, following a boring, disciplined regimen? You might be surprised by this weight loss tip: Start using terpenes of herbal plants!
Since time immemorial, our ancestors incorporated flora into their daily living by using different herbs for healing and curing ailments of body and mind. For instance, cannabis was regarded as one of the sacred plants that provided relief for a variety of diseases of both, body and mind. However, with the advent of the allopathic mode of medical treatment, the healing of body and healthy living through plant herbs took a back seat. But in recent times, scientists, researchers, and botanists have revived their interests in the healing properties of plants and their extracts and are discovering innumerable herbal therapeutic benefits. [1]
The compound ‘terpene’ is gradually and steadily generating curiosity and grabbing the attention of experts from the health and botanical industry across the globe.
What is a terpene?
A terpene is an aromatic organic hydrocarbon which is synthesized in a wide variety of plants, like cannabis, with the help of light exposure. These plants are recognized as safe for human consumption.
The compounds terpenes and terpenoids, in common parlance, are named in the same breath, although there is a fundamental difference in both of them. Terpenes are the naturally occurring combination of carbon and hydrogen, whereas terpenoids are terpenes that have undergone chemical modification by altering the oxygen content of the compound. [2]
Cannabis leaves Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Broadly, terpenes can be broken down into the category of – sweet, sour, spicy, or bitter — with each category further subdivided into more distinct smells.
However, there’s a whole lot more to terpenes than just smell. It plays an important role in terms of holistic medicinal effect from their parental plant. Terpenes are known to provide relief to a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, cholesterol and yes also it also aids weight loss!
Terpenes & Weight Loss
Let us look at the most popular terpenes and their amazing health benefits, including weight loss.
Terpenes In A Cannabis Plant
In the cannabis plant, there are innumerable terpenes, which affect the flavor and aroma of the plants, especially once these are cured. There are varying levels of different cannabis terpenes within the plant, and each has their distinct beneficial qualities.
It is a popular stereotype belief that consumption of cannabis or inhaling its terpene triggers the brain receptors to release hormones which induce hunger pangs and thus leading to weight gain. Contrary to this belief, recent studies have published results highlighting the health benefits of cannabis terpenes which might actually help in weight reduction. [3]
The cannabis plant is known to have diverse benefits and its terpenes are no exception. There are over 100 different identified terpenes in the cannabis plant and their benefits to patients are gradually being discovered.
Although consumption of cannabis plant is known to stimulate appetite, there are other strains that might, in fact, lead to the suppression of appetite. In other words, if you’re keen on losing weight, you must focus on consuming a high-CBD strain as compared to a high–THC strain of cannabis plant terpenes.
Limonene
Limonene is an aromatic extract produced in the flower’s resin glands or citric fruit rinds including lemon, orange, mandarin, lime, and grapefruit. Limonene has a sour scent and is known to have many therapeutic benefits. Limonene, found in citrus peels, has a number of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties apart from its natural weight regulating properties. Researchers have observed that regular intake of limonene, could result in considerable improvement in metabolic enzyme levels. Moreover, it can also suppress food intake and help in reducing excess body weight. [4]
Humulene
Humulene is one of the predominant terpenes in Humulus Lupulus, and it is also found in the cannabis plant. Humulene is yet to be recognized as a dietary cannabinoid. Humulene, akin to most other counterpart terpenes, has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It also displays anti-cancer properties. Humulene is unique because, like THC-V, it helps in suppressing the appetite of the consumer, making it an ideal ingredient for weight loss treatments.
Healthy weight plays a huge role in your mental stability. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Camphene
Camphene is a plant-derived mono-terpene which emits pungent odors of damp woodlands and fir needles. Camphene is anticipated to play a vital role in cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have found in their laboratory experiments that camphene has medicinal properties which aid in reducing plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. [5]
Researchers also believe that camphene might be used as an alternative to pharmaceutical lipid-lowering agents in near future. They anticipate that camphene may assist in curing intestinal problems, liver damage, and muscle inflammation. These cumulative benefits of camphene may result in improved metabolism and digestive function resulting in weight reduction! Presently camphene is found as a minor component of many essential oils such as turpentine, camphor oil, citronella oil and ginger oil. [6]
