‘Because we cannot scrub our inner body, we need to learn a few skills to help cleanse our tissues, organs and mind. This is the art of Ayurveda.’
Happy New Year from Plant to Table. Wishing you and yours love, light, laughter and good health in 2021.
If you are ready to cleanse 2020, this month’s recipes are certainly for you.
There are many ways to cleanse and detox your body. Abstaining from food completely for some period of time, abstaining from certain foods, or adding in foods that assist with the elimination of toxins. In Ayurvedic fasting you include all of these elements. With my favored option being to integrate all of the below for 3-5 days:
- 16: 8 fasting. Eat for an 8-hour period
- Cut out stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, recreational drugs)
- Eat whole food plant based, nutrient dense food, easy on the digestion
For your free detox guide, email me at [email protected]
Our bodies are continuously detoxing. Sorting out waste and eliminating it.
Our kidneys for example, filter 200 liters of blood a day. Our liver filters out and transforms toxic substances that have entered the blood and can’t be managed out by the kidneys.
So why do we choose to detox if the body is constantly doing this for us?
Our bodies are overrun with toxins and our organs are not always supported. Toxicity is caused by excess refined flour, sugar and salt. Poor quality fats found in processed foods. Alcohol. Household chemicals. Environmental pollutants. Stress. This is compounded by a deficiency of vegetables, essential fatty acids, nutrients of concern, e.g. D and B12, weak microbiome (due to low amounts of pre/probiotics and antibiotics in animal protein or subscription), improper hydration.
By taking time to intentionally detox, by nourishing the body with health supportive ingredients and giving the organs a break, we allow them to reset and renew.
Hemp milk is a great nutrient dense drink, easy to add into your diet to support your organs. It is also a great breakfast on fasting days, due to the nourishment it provides.
Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats and essential fatty acids. They are also a great protein source and contain high amounts of vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc. 2–3 tablespoons, provides about 11 grams of protein. They are considered a complete protein source, which means that they provide all the essential amino acids.
The gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seeds has also been linked to reduced inflammation, which may decrease your risk of diseases like heart disease. Fatty acids may affect immune responses in your body. Studies suggest that your immune system depends on the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Hemp seeds are a good source of polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids. They have about a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, which is considered in the optimal range. Studies have shown that giving hemp seed oil to people with eczema may improve blood levels of essential fatty acids.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, hemp seeds nourish the blood, strengthening all bodily systems. They are soothing for the nervous system, stimulative to the digestive system, kidney and urinary tract as they act as a diuretic. They are grounding and so Vata benefits most, Pitta will also benefit, but due to the oily heaviness they aggravate Kapha in excess.
Ingredients
– 1 cup hemp hearts (de-shelled hemp seeds)
– 3 cups water
– 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
– 2 dates, soaked overnight
– Pinch of salt
Method
Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend till smooth. Serve at room temperature or warm
