Many people have asked us about carrier oils and their differences so we though we would give you a quick explanation on this.
There are 3 main reasons CBD is carried in an oil;
1 – CBD is soluble in oil not water
2 – The body needs to ingest CBD alongside a fat to fully absorb it
3 – To be able to manage the dosage of CBD
There are many different carrier oils used and by far the most common is MCT (medium-chain triglyceride oil). MCT oil is derived from coconut oil which is naturally high in triglycerides made of medium-chain fatty acids. Medium-chain fatty acids are considered the best for use with CBD oils because their shorter structure allows them to be absorbed immediately through the digestive tract. This oil also has very little taste compared to oils like hemp seed oil which some people find too strong.
Olive oil is also used widely to carry CBD. This oil is rich in phytonutrients and also contains high levels of Iron, Vitamin K and Vitamin E. Olive oil has a light fruity taste, which may be noticeable in some tinctures. Monounsaturated fats are the primary fat molecules in olive oil, generally in the form of oleic acid which may help reduce inflammation. Further, olive oil is packed with antioxidants.
Hemp seed oil is becoming more popular as a carrier oil as some people think there may be trace elements of other phytochemicals within the oil which may compliment CBD. You could say this is the same as taking a full spectrum oil, whatever the carrier, as this process contains all the phytochemicals which can create an entourage effect. This oil will however, have a strong taste which is why most customers choose an MCT carrier oil as the taste is virtually non existent.
Ultimately, it is up to the customer and their preference of which oil is best for them.