(NaturalNews) Researchers from Oxford University have recently discovered that chimps, our closest animal relative, have started eating clay in response to the loss of raffia palms which used to comprise their primary source of minerals. Instead, the tobacco industry has virtually depleted what the chimps routinely fed on, and experts have found that the animals have instinctively turned to the detoxifying properties of clay.⁽¹⁾

Observed scooping clay from the ground, they've been seen eating lumps of the mineral-rich material and even dipping leaves in clay water. Like humans, their behavior can also be rather picky; these chimps of the Budongo forest in Uganda routinely opt to pass on eating ground soil in favor of the more preferred snack: clay. They actually squeeze soil or water with their tongues and fingers to extract the clay, believed to neutralize high levels of tannins from their bodies.

Chimps, like humans, turn to alternatives when diet is compromised

Coauthor of the study, Dr. Cat Hobaiter, says, "Chimpanzees are often thought of as being very conservative, and the destruction of their natural feeding species can be hugely problematic." Just as humans consider other methods to improve their diet and health when its been compromised, so too do these chimpanzees. "It's fascinating to see that Budongo chimps may compensate for the loss of one major source of minerals in their diet by increasing their use of alternatives like the clay." It's explained that kaolinite clays, which these chimps are enjoying, are particularly high in aluminum, iron, potassium and magnesium.⁽¹⁾

The findings were published in PLOS ONE in an article titled, "Mineral Acquisition from Clay by Budongo Forest Chimpanzees." Observations were made at the Budongo Conservation Field Station (BCFS) from within the Budongo Forest Reserve and commentary about clay is reported in the journal as follows:

A commonly known explanation for eating clay is that the mineral-binding properties of the fine particulate structure of clays (kaolinite in particular) aid in digestion, counteract over-acidity and toxins, and aid absorption of nutrients in the gut. The presence of a high level of aluminium in the clay consumed by Budongo chimpanzees (but not in clay-water...) indicates that the clay was in large part kaolinite. It appears that clay, besides mineral supplementation, is important in detoxification, especially of tannins and other antifeedants.⁽²⁾

Taking a cue from chimps: why you should turn to clay to improve health

Perhaps humans should take a cue from these intelligent animals and also improve their health with clay supplements. Lead author Professor Reynolds, from Oxford University, explains that the chimps' reason for eating clay appears not to be linked to a need for sodium, which was found in the raffia they were used to eating, but as a complementary item to boost health. He says, "...the wide rage of minerals present in their diet suggests that clay is eaten as a general mineral supplement."⁽¹⁾

Many experts agree that clay--whether ingested, deposited anally or vaginally, or bathed in--restores the body's pH balance to one that is more alkaline than acidic. Because it draws out damaging properties throughout the body, it's considered to be an incredible way to absorb and help rid toxins which, left ignored, can wreak havoc on your system. Considered a live medium that acts as a natural chelator to cleanse the body, it's also said to help reduce pain if applied topically.⁽³⁾

As with any supplementation or detoxification process like this one, be sure to discuss with your medical professional and to only use items from trusted health stores or other locations which sell high-quality, natural, healing products. Bath clays, for example, should be clean, raw and natural smelling; they typically include bentonites and montmorillonites. You many want to look for wording such as "living clays." Avoid clays with additives, as they're contaminated and not ideal. Also be sure they're stored in well sealed containers and clays should not be used for children or pregnant women.^(1,4)

For other great ways to detox with natural cures, go to NaturalCures.news

Sources for this article include:

(1) DailyMail.co.uk

(2) Journals.plos.org

(3) NaturalNews.com

(4) NaturalNews.com