This past year I have been making a drink in the morning that helps detoxify and alkalize my body all while providing the protein it needs. This drink is a combination of water, chia seeds, freshly squeezed lemon, cayenne pepper and maple syrup (recipe below).
We all know why we need to drink water (such as keeping hydrated, essential for our health), but do you know why you need to add the ingredients I listed above? Let me explain.
Why Chia Seeds?
Energizing
- The word Chia comes from the Mayan language meaning strength (scientific name is Salvia hispanica L). It has a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fibre. Athletes have reported that Chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time.
Hydrating & Detoxifying
- Chia seeds are hydrophilic which means they have the ability to absorb and retain water! These seeds can retain up to 9 times their weight in water, which helps keep you well hydrated, and maintains electrolyte balance which is great for athletes. Chia’s gelling ability soothes and lubricates the digestive tract, helping to preserve the health of cells, as well as eliminate excess waste and toxins.
Nutritionally Dense
- Chia seeds have an ideal ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 (3:1), they are high in fibre, full of protein, an excellent source of antioxidants, full of iron, calcium, niacin (Vitamin B3), Magnesium, Zinc and Phosphorous.
Helps alkalize the body
- Do you remember those litmus paper tests you had to do as a kid in school? Well the scale that is used also applies to our bodies. The more alkaline your body is, the healthier your body will be. A pH of 7.4 is ideal for optimum body function. A body that is properly alkalized contains high oxygen levels, which destroy diseases and unwanted organisms. So if you think about this from the opposite side, the more acidic your body is, the higher your chances are for getting sick. Your body becomes a great host for bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeasts and mold, and colds and flus love these conditions.
- Vitamin C is great as it works against infections.
- I always seem to forget this, but the liver is very important in maintaining good health as it is our body’s primary means to remove toxins from our bloodstreams. We are exposed to toxins every day from our surroundings, to the chemicals in food we may eat, or put on our bodies on a daily basis. Lemons are a stimulant to the liver and are a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons, and support liver function by strengthening liver enzymes.
Anti-Irritant
- Believe it or not, even though this is one spicy spice, it actually has the ability to ease upset stomachs, ulcers, sore throats, irritating coughs, and even diarrhea!
- Cayenne pepper helps in breaking up and moving congested mucus. Once mucus begins to move, generally relief from flu symptoms follow.
- Digestion is one the most important things to keep your body working. Cayenne helps stimulate digestion by increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. Did you know that it is also helpful for relieving intestinal gas?
Making this drink can be a little time consuming so here are my suggestions to make it as easy as possible:
1 - Buy a bunch of lemons, juice them all at once, and keep it sealed tight. It can last approximately 1 week in the fridge. I recommend buying a lemon juicer because it makes this process much easier. The one pictured cost me approximately $5 at Kitchen Stuff Plus.
2 - Prepare the drink the night before, but making sure to leave room for boiling water which you will put in the next morning. I put all the ingredients in a cup and cover with saran wrap and keep in the fridge overnight. I wake up early for the gym in the mornings, so I roll out of bed, turn on the kettle, do my business, and then pour the hot water in my prepared drink. Easy peasy!
3 -Investing in Chia seeds, and the thought of taking cayenne pepper down, may be a bit of a tall order. So how about just starting with warm water and lemon first thing in the morning. It is a great way to kick start your system for the day! When you are ready, try the recipe below.
If you have any other suggestions to making this drink more amazing, please comment, I would love to hear!
Shameen
Morning Body Booster Recipe
- 1 cup
of cold water
- 1/2 cup
of boiling hot water
- 1 tbs
of chia seeds soaked (min 5 mins to overnight)
- 1 tbs
of fresh lemon juice
- 1/8th
teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Maple
Syrup or Agave nectar, to taste
Mix all the ingredients above, stir well, and
enjoy!
Great drink
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