Considering how tiny they are, it might be surprising to learn just how powerful seeds like flax, chia and hemp are when it comes to supporting healthy cleansing.
Just through day-to-day living, all of us are exposed to toxins in a variety of ways – a cleansing can aid the body in purging those toxins to support better health and even weight loss.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are one of the world’s most powerfully nutritious foods. They were used in ancient cultures for a wide range of medicinal purposes, including easing joint pain and relieving digestive problems. They’re packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein.
Omega-3 fatty acids are known as one of nature’s most potent anti-inflammatory compounds, and chia seeds contain even more of this important substance by weight than salmon. They’re also considered a complete protein, in that they contain all eight essential amino acids that the body can’t make on its own, and must get from food.
As chia seeds contain high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber, they help to clean out the digestive tract. They also help the body absorb the fat soluble vitamins – A, D, E and K – which are needed in order for the body to properly utilize fat. These tiny seeds can even help keep blood sugar levels stable and lower cholesterol, too.
Chia seeds are tasteless, so you can add them to just about anything. You might sprinkle them on a salad, plain Greek yogurt mixed with fresh berries, or a smoothie.
Hemp seeds
Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil have the perfect ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as soluble and insoluble fiber, helping to cleanse the colon and intestinal tract. Hemp seeds also contain chlorophyll, which works to clean the blood of impurities and reduce cellular damage from toxins. Additionally, they offer the amino acids cysteine and methionine, which stimulate the liver to eliminate toxins.
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Seville in Spain found that with their ideal ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as plant chemicals known to lower high blood pressure, hemp seed oil and hemp seeds have great potential as part of a heart-healthy diet.
Hemp seeds have a pleasant, nutty flavor and can be used in a variety of ways. Like chia seeds, then can be added to smoothies, and sprinkled on yogurt or salads. They’re also delicious eaten right out of the bag.
Flaxseeds
Ground flaxseeds are another one of nature’s best cleansers. They contain a balanced level of soluble and insoluble fiber which work as natural detoxifiers. They can help prevent digestive problems like constipation and even offer healing properties to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and colitis.
Flaxseeds have long been used as a natural laxative, as they expand in your digestive system upon contact with water, adding bulk to stools to help them pass smoothly through the intestinal tract.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a study involving 55 people with chronic constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome found that taking flaxseed was able to significantly reduce symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating and constipation over a three month period.
Flaxseeds should be eaten ground or they won’t be fully digested, which means your body won’t receive their nutrients. They can be used in soups or salads for a crunchy texture, baked in healthy homemade treats, or eaten raw.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/03/chia-seed-benefits-_n_3379831.html?just_reloaded=1
http://www.guidetobodycleansing.com/chiaseeds.html
http://hemphealer.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/need-to-detox-your-body-reach-for-the-hemp
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf404278q?journalCode=jafcau
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/irritable-bowel-syndrome
