A popular recipe that includes ingredients with some evidence for these benefits is below.
Heart-Healthy Spoonful Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon raw honey (optional, for taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- A pinch of turmeric (optional)
- A pinch of black pepper (helps improve turmeric absorption)
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and lemon juice to a clean glass jar.
- Stir in the ground flaxseed and chia seeds.
- Add the cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper.
- If using honey, mix it in thoroughly.
- Close the jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the seeds to absorb some liquid.
- Stir before each use.
How to Take It
- Eat 1 tablespoon daily, preferably with breakfast or another meal.
- Refrigerate and use within 5–7 days. Stir before serving.
Potential Benefits of the Ingredients
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats that can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol when replacing saturated fats.
- Flaxseed: High in soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which may modestly improve cholesterol levels.
- Chia seeds: Provide fiber that may increase fullness and support healthy blood sugar after meals.
- Cinnamon: Some studies suggest a small effect on blood sugar, though results are mixed.
- Ginger: May have mild anti-inflammatory effects.
- Lemon juice: Adds vitamin C and flavor but is not known to clean arteries.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, although absorption from food is limited.
Important Notes
- This mixture does not clean or unblock arteries. Plaque buildup cannot be removed by a homemade remedy.
- If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar and avoid or reduce the honey.
- If you take blood thinners (such as warfarin), or have gallbladder disease, speak with your healthcare provider before regularly consuming large amounts of ginger, turmeric, or flaxseed.
For lasting improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar, and appetite, this type of mixture works best alongside a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats, regular physical activity, and any medications your healthcare provider has prescribed.