Lemon Juice And Chia Seeds Against Cholesterol
Lemon juice with chia seeds is widely used as a complementary remedy against cholesterol. However, first of all, it is important to clarify that this is not a first line treatment for this problem nor is it a “cure”. Simply, thanks to its properties, it can be useful as an adjuvant to avoid complications.
Both lemon and chia seeds are foods that can be part of the diet on a regular basis. In general, they contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and proteins. Plus, they’re low in calories and help satiate your appetite.
What Are the Risks of High Cholesterol? Why should you try this remedy? In this article we want to share its main benefits with you. Discover them yourself and introduce this preparation in your regular diet.
The Risks of High Cholesterol
At first, high cholesterol levels go unnoticed because they don’t cause any notable symptoms. However, as they increase, some complications arise that endanger the quality of life. According to the Mayo Clinic:
- They can be the direct cause of chest pain.
- Suffering from hypercholesterolemia is twice as likely to suffer a myocardial infarction than people with normal levels.
- They contribute to the progressive thinning of the arteries, eventually causing arteriosclerosis.
Proper control of this condition is of paramount importance, because its development can lead to fatal outcomes. Hence, it is good to have regular medical checkups and follow the doctor’s recommendations. Depending on the specific case, the doctor can prescribe the use of drugs and the adoption of changes in habits, especially regarding diet.
Regarding the latter aspect, we can add a lemon and chia seed drink as a supplement, which, if taken regularly, offers some benefits. In the following lines we explain what its properties are and how to prepare it.
Benefits of lemon juice and chia seeds against cholesterol
Properties of lemon
The lemon, like other citrus fruits, is noted for its high content of flavonoids and vitamin C. It is also rich in other macronutrients, such as sugars, dietary fiber, potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid , according to a study published in the Chemistry Central Journal .
- According to an article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry , it helps to optimize liver function, exerting a lipid-lowering effect: in other words, it manages to reduce the amount of lipids in the blood, as well as high cholesterol and triglycerides. A study published in 2010 found a significant decrease in triglycerides and cholesterol in animals treated with lemon.
- Some studies conducted by the Faculty of Human Wellness, in Japan, demonstrate the antioxidant capacity of lemon.
Properties of chia seeds
Some studies show that chia seeds can help lower triglycerides, although they don’t show the same effectiveness against cholesterol. However, their properties include some elements that, as a study published in the journal Nutrients points out , help fight cholesterol.
- Chia seeds have a high content of Omega 3 fatty acids.
- They are very rich in antioxidants, proteins, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and mineral salts, such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper.
- They provide 27% fiber for every 100 grams.
- They contain phytosterols and alpha-linolenic acid. They are an easy resource for promoting general health.
How to take lemon juice and chia seeds to treat cholesterol
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- Honey (25 g)
- Water (300 ml)
- Chia seeds (5 g)
Preparation
- Soak the chia seeds in half a glass of water (100 ml) for about an hour to make them softer.
- Squeeze the lemon.
- Once ready, we will mix it with a glass of water at room temperature.
- Mix the glass of water with the lemon with the chia seeds.
If you find it difficult to mix them together, use a blender. This way, you can also include the spoonful of honey, so that this drink tastes even better. You will like it very much.
Mode of consumption
- Drink the water with lemon juice and chia seeds every morning on an empty stomach for several days and then stop taking it for a week.
- It is important that you do not use too much lemon, if this causes you problems, and that the consumption of the drink takes place in the context of a healthy lifestyle.
- Never replace any main meal with this drink or consume it to “compensate” for an excess, as it would have no effect.
Lemon juice with chia seeds cannot in itself represent a remedy for high cholesterol; however, it constitutes an adjuvant. If we already suffer from hypercholesterolemia, it is important to have regular medical checks. Or, we can take this remedy as a preventative measure.
