Flax Seed and Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar

About 9 months ago, my husband and I did a 21 day cleanse.  Not only was it challenging but enlightening at the same time.  The idea behind a cleanse is to reboot your digestive system by introducing healthy, detoxifying foods to your diet.  The emphasis is placed on eliminating foods that are addictive or difficult to digest.

 Two very important items that we were encouraged to incorporate in our diet were “Ground” Flax Seed and Apple Cider Vinegar.  Ground vs. whole flax seed is recommended because ground is easier to digest.  You may be wondering why are they important?  The answer is that both have amazing digestive properties.

Flaxseed is high in fiber, omega 3 fatty acids and phytochemicals (remember this word from my last blog?) called lignans.   Flaxseed is commonly used as a laxative (to improve digestive health and relieve constipation).  Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used to lower cholesterol and LDL levels and as a result, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

 Here are some tips for including flaxseed in your diet:

1. Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to your hot or cold cereal
2. Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed to mayo or mustard when making a sandwich
3. Mix a tablespoon of ground flaxseed into an 8 oz container of yogurt or cottage cheese
4. Mix a tablespoon of ground flaxseed in a protein or smoothie shake
5. Bake ground flaxseed into cookies, muffins, breads and other baked goods

“Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar” is the other amazing tool to better digestion. Each day drink 1 teaspoon of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of water.  Braggs is raw, unfiltered vinegar that you can find in most grocery or health food stores.  I have to admit that at first it tastes very nasty, but after about a week, you do get used to it.   Braggs will help to clear congestion and aid in digestion.  Isn’t this is a nice “healthy” alternative to over the counter medicines?

There are a number of notable benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, including that it is rich in enzymes and potassium; it supports a healthy immune system; it promotes digestion and ph balance; it helps remove body sludge toxins and it helps to maintain healthy skin!

If you care enough to keep your body the most healthy it can be, give Flax Seed and Apple Cider Vinegar a try.  What are you waiting for?