This article assumes that you, the reader, are already familiar with CBD. If not, please first read our page Cannabidiol: The Ultimate Guide to CBD, which lists four main ways of taking CBD. You can also check out our article “How to Take CBD” which goes into further detail as to determining the best intake method for you.

Here we discuss mixing oil with food and liquids. Although CBD oil is most effective when taken under the tongue about 15 minutes before eating, some folks dislike its earthy taste and prefer to mix it with food and liquids. Although this is not breaking news, we are frequently asked for recipes or advice on mixing CBD with food and liquids, thus leading us to publishing this article.

Obviously, the reason to include CBD oil in your daily meals is to maximize the intake of supplements into the bloodstream. So how can you maximize the effects by pairing it with the right foods/liquids?

You can incorporate CBD into all of your meals. Your mind/body will get into a groove of digesting the nutrients and, with its adaptogenic effects, over time it will stabilize physiological processes and promote homeostasis.

Benefits of Taking CBD Oil with Food.

Increased bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to the rate at which a particular food compound is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it becomes active. When you take CBD Oil with certain foods, there’s an increased and enhanced breakdown and absorption of the substances into the body.

Limited misappropriation of concentrates

Whenever a substance is taken orally, it is absorbed through the digestive system. Before absorption into the bloodstream, CBD Oil is broken down by an enzyme called Cytochrome, which is found in the liver. From here, it is broken down into different metabolites which may not be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Most of those metabolites that are not absorbed are excreted out of the body, meaning only small concentrations of CBD are absorbed. However, when taken with the right food or liquids, this breakdown is reduced. Thus, more of the CBD concentrate is absorbed into the body. The body tends to pick what nutrients and minerals it needs/wants the most, so, by pairing it with the right food/liquids, your body will absorb the most important ingredients, i.e. the “active ingredients” of the product.

What foods are ideal to take CBD oil with?

Extensive research has proven that both medium and long-term triglycerides are the best type of foods/liquids to take Cannabidiol supplements with. Simply put, triglycerides are rich in fatty acids and which act as a binding agent for CBD. As the body burns the fats, Cannabidiol traces are also metabolized and thus dissolve into the bloodstream.

Fatty acids are foods that are rich in fats and oils, especially coconut oil. More foods/liquids include milk, cheese, nuts (especially soybean and sesame products), eggs and avocado. If your diet consists of any of these food components, then you have found the perfect combination to take CBD Oil with!

When is it ideal to eat/drink with CBD oil?

As mentioned earlier, CBD does work best on an empty stomach but you can incorporate CBD into any or all of your meals. In other words, you have the choice of having CBD with a light snack about 15 minutes before your full meal or you can simply eat it with your “main course”, preferably earlier on in the meal, not later. However, regarding the second choice, we still suggest light meals.

Some users prefer not to take CBD with every meal. For example, some users only take CBD shortly after waking up. This could be an opportune time to kick-start your day with its benefits. Others prefer taking it at dinner or just before going to bed. There’s no rule! It’s important to consider how much CBD concentrate you want a day and when you need the strongest effects. To elaborate: you will feel the effects of CBD within approximately 30 – 60 minutes and the peak effects will be felt in 1-2 hours. So, for example, if you commonly feel pain/discomfort during the afternoon, perhaps just take 25mg of CBD with your lunch. (If you recall, on an average 25mg of CBD a day is effective for most people.)

Now some recipe ideas!

Check out The List’s recent video on trending CBD foods/liquids!