Chia Seeds
The word chia often conjures visions of those terra-cotta figurines that, when slathered with chia seeds, grow green “hair.” In reality, these healthful, edible seeds are a better source of omega-3 fatty acids than flax seed (the fats protect against inflammation and heart disease). Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia Hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows in southern Mexico.
Nutty-tasting whole-grain chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, and they have among the highest antioxidant activity of any whole food–even more than fresh blueberries. And they do good stuff for the body, like keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control. The chia seeds you get in a Chia Pet have not been approved as food by the FDA, so get yours from a health food store, or order some online
vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, Chia benefits from its mild flavor, ease of use and diversity.
Here are just some of its many benefits:
Chia Seeds Are Incredibly Nutritious
A highly important fact is that Chia seeds have more health giving omega-3 than any other plant or marine source. Chia is loaded with antioxidants, fiber, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, protein and many other vitamins and minerals.
Chia Seeds Are Energizing
Not only do Chia seeds give you a boost of energy that lasts, they also provide stamina and endurance. About the amount in a single tablespoon could sustain Aztec warriors by providing energy for an entire day.
Chia Stabilizes Blood Sugar, Reduces Blood Glucose Swings and Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Chia’s soluble fiber provides a stabilizing influence on high blood glucose levels by regulating the rate at which complex carbohydrates from the food you consume are digested and assimilated in your body. This creates steady, stable blood glucose levels.
Chia Seed Supports Improved Mental Focus, Mood and Concentration
The essential fats in Chia are well known for helping improve brain function, elevating your mood and having strong anti-depressive effects. Chia’s balanced essential fats (omega-3 and omega-6) can significantly boost your brain power and brighten your mood. Essential fats make cell membranes more flexible, and enable more efficient membrane function, including better nerve transmission and nutrient transportation into cells.
Chia Helps Increase Lean Muscle Mass and Can Help with Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance
Chia is highly useful for weight loss and weight maintenance. Chia is suitable for all lifestyles and dietary regimens, including low carb diets and vegetarian diets. In addition, Chia’s essential fatty acids (see above) actually boost metabolism and contribute to optimal metabolic function, thereby serving to build and maintain lean muscle mass.
Chia Seeds Are Easily Digestible
Unlike flax seed, Chia seeds do not have to be ground up before you ingest them. The human body can easily digest Chia seeds, and with about 7 grams of fiber per serving, they actually help improve digestion and elimination.
Chia Seeds Are Convenient and Versatile
You can take Chia as a daily supplement or use powder form to mix with your favorite drink and sprinkle on your cereal or salad and just about anything else. Chia seeds last for years.
Chia Seed are High in Antioxidants
Chia Seed contain more antioxidants than blueberries. Antioxidants help prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various tissues
Move over acai berries, chia seeds are here to stay. They are the latest in the long line of superfood fads that usually begin in LA and slowly make their way around the world. Like quinoa, kombucha and wheatgrass before them, chia seeds are currently feeding the health-food frenzy in fancy grocery stores around the world.
Chia, or Silvia Hispanic L, is a member of the mint family. With more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon, a wealth of antioxidants and minerals, they are a complete source of protein and pack more fiber than flax seeds. That makes them a front runner for the miracle seeds tag, and a must for anyone who wants to inject serious power into their nutrition and health routine.
The good news about chia?
They’re versatile: mix them in your dal or rice or add to couscous, along with a handful of quinoa, for a supercharged side-dish. Sprinkle over salads, add to yogurt and even experiment with adding them to flour while you are kneading the dough for chapattis. You can also soak them overnight to add to smoothies.
It’s an easy nutritional boost, upping your mineral, fiber, protein, and omega-3 intake with a few easy tweaks.
