Three reasons you should eat clay — and other benefits

You may remember playing with clay as a child but do you know it is edible and possesses useful benefits?

To sate your curiosity about edible clay, it is important to first of all understand the type of clay you should be ingesting.

This wonder clay is known as bentonite clay; it is composed of aged volcanic ash and found in various parts of the world. It is safe and poses no potential side effect as it is 100 percent natural.

Benefits of bentonite clay and how it works

By simply applying bentonite clay on your skin or drinking it, powerful chemical processes kick off. It contains mostly negative ions(oxygen atoms charged with extra electron) and adding water causes it to expand, allowing it absorb its dry mass.

This chemical process results in a situation where harmful materials are bound to the clay instead of your body.

Some of the benefits include:

Aids digestion

Antacid and antiemetic compounds found in bentonite clay are common components in anti-nausea drugs as they help to neutralise harmful bacteria which create digestive problems.

Some studies carried out on mammals praise this clay for absorbing rotaviruses and coronaviruses, major causes of gastrointestinal diseases.

Also, the major components of clay, especially white clay kaolin, is important for making drugs to soothe and relieve an upset stomach.

Improves immunity

According to the hygiene hypothesis, individuals in modern society are too clean and therefore, more prone to diseases and falling ill.

This theory states that a lack of early childhood exposure to infectious agents, symbiotic micro-organisms, and parasites as well as playing with dirt (clay inclusive) increases susceptibility to allergic diseases by suppressing the natural development of the immune system.

In addition, bentonite clay, according to Arizona State University, might be able to kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics—or that have no known therapeutic agents.

Although researchers have made promising efforts as regards bentonite clay, so far, not enough research has been carried out to fully comprehend how exactly the clay’s antibacterial properties work.

Improves skin condition

Clay is a great remedy for skin problems like rashes, blemishes, and acne. The use of bentonite clay draws excess sebum as well as other impurities from the skin.

The French green clay also works excellently on the skin especially oily skin as it draws excess oil from the pores.

Some uses of clay

Detox: By mixing as little as half a spoon of bentonite clay in a glass of water, you are set for a thorough detox. Thankfully, the clay’s odourless and tasteless nature makes it easier to ingest.

For first timers, it is advisable to try a little quantity when detoxing and monitor your body’s reaction.

While some individuals prefer to take a daily dose of this detoxifier, others do so occasionally.

Skin maintenance: Since bentonite clay, as well as other kinds of clay, act as a skin purifier, they are ideal skincare must-haves.

Side effects

It is important to conduct proper research before using any kind of clay on the skin or ingesting it. Make careful inquiries before purchasing any kind of clay and research the buyer thoroughly.

As mentioned earlier, because bentonite clay, as well as most kinds of clay, are natural, their health risks are relatively low.

And although bentonite clay is safe for consumption, pregnant women and children should avoid ingesting it without at least consulting a qualified medical practitioner first.