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How Chia Seeds Benefit your Health

3/31/2013

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Heart Health
Chia seeds can help lower blood pressure. The seeds contain one of the highest known plant sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). EFAs cannot be synthesized by our bodies however, it is very important that we get enough to support our immune, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems. EFA deficiency is quite common in North America.
 

Blood Sugar Regulator

Normally, complex carbohydrates are metabolized very quickly due to the nature of the carbohydrate. Chia seeds slow the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body. Therefore, soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose levels resulting in steady, sustained energy throughout the day. 


Energizing Effects

The word “Chia” comes from the Mayan language and means strength. Chia seeds are a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber. It is said that 1 tablespoon of Chia can sustain a person for 24 hours. Athletes have reported that Chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time. 


Anti-Inflammatory Properties  
 High Omega-3 concentration of Chia seeds anoint the major joints of the body. Prostaglandins, which are known to have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects and are made from the Omega-3s in Chia seeds. 


Weight Loss

The essential fatty acids contained in Chia seeds helps to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass. The seeds are added to foods as a bulking agent, which bulks up the meal leading to consuming fewer calories and a faster feeling of satiety. For these reasons, Chia seeds have been found to be quite useful in weight loss and weight maintenance plans.


Detoxing and Eliminating Properties

Chia seeds swell, very similarly to Psyllium husk often used as a soluble fiber supplement. The swelling of the seeds helps the body to cleanse and empty the colon. The extra fiber helps stimulate and strengthen peristaltic action of the large intestine for elimination.


Packed with Protein
Chia seeds contain about 20% protein, which is much higher than other grains such as wheat and rice.  Strontium, a nutrient in Chia seeds, helps to assimilate protein and provides high energy output.


Antioxidants
Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants containing even more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. The high amounts of antioxidants in Chia seeds also keeps the oils from going rancid - contributing to a long shelf life. 


Fiber and other Nutrients
  Chia seeds provide Essential Fatty Acids, fiber, iron, calcium, niacin, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. 
2 tablespoons of Chia = 7 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, 5 grams omega-3
 

Enhance Brain Function

Essential Fatty Acids assist with nutrient absorption and nerve transmission, which ultimately helps with overall brain function. Memory and concentration being positively affected. 
 

Source: http://whatscookingamerica.net/CharlotteBradley/Chai-Seeds.htm


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14 foods that cleanse the Liver

3/28/2013

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The environment we live in today has and continues to over tax our livers. Liver detoxification is one of the most important parts of detox because the liver is the filter of our body. The following list are some foods that help detox the liver and replenish healthy liver cells and function.

1. Garlic 
- activates liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins
- high amounts of natural liver cleansing agents, allicin and selenium

2. Grapefruit
- High in both vitamin C and antioxidants
- boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes, flushing out carcinogens and other toxins

3. Beets and Carrots
- extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene
- stimulate and improve overall liver function.

4. Green Tea
-Loaded with plant antioxidants known as catechins, which assists liver function

5. Leafy Green Vegetables
- Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, which absorb environmental toxins from the blood stream
- ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides
- powerful protective mechanism for the liver

6. Avocados
- helps the body produce glutathione, a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins

7. Apples
- High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract

8. Olive Oil
- help the body by providing lipids which absorb harmful toxins in the body
- lessens the toxic overload of liver

9. Whole Grains
- rich in B-complex vitamins 
- improve overall fat metabolization, liver function and liver decongestion

10. Cruciferous Vegetables
- increases the amount of glucosinolate in your system, needed for enzyme production in the liver
- help flush out carcinogens, and other toxins, out of our body which may significantly lower risks associated with cancer

11. Lemons & Limes
- high amounts of vitamin C, assists in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water
- stimulate the liver by drinking fresh lemon juice in the morning

12. Walnuts
- high amounts of the amino acid arginine, which helps rid the liver of ammonia
- high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, needed for normal liver cleansing actions

13. Cabbage
- stimulates the activation of two very important enzymes for liver detoxification
- for example eat kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup or sauerkraut.

14. Turmeric
- boost liver detox 
- actively flush out dietary carcinogens


Source: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/liver-cleanse-foods/
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