What Are Chia Seeds?

What Are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds are one of the most powerful, functional, and nutritious
superfoods in the world! The chia seed is an excellent source of
fiber, packed with antioxidants, full of protein, loaded with vitamins
and minerals, and the richest known plant source of omega-3.
Everyone from children to senior citizens can benefit from the
wonderful nutritional qualities of chia seeds.

Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to your daily diet will give you approximately 7 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, and a whopping 5 grams of omega-3! More Omega-3 than Atlantic Salmon More Antioxidants than fresh blueberries More Fiber than bran flakes More Calcium than 2% milk More Protein, Fiber & Calcium than flax seed

Nutrition expert Dr. Weil says:
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 flaxseed (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.

In pre-Columbian times, chia seeds were a component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors; they even played a role in religious ceremonies.
Supposedly, 1 tablespoon of the seeds could sustain a person for 24 hours.

The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to relieve joint pain and skin conditions. It was a major crop in central and southern Mexico well into the 16th century, but it was banned after the
Spanish conquest because of its association with the Aztec "pagan" religion. Over the past few decades, commercial production has resumed in Latin America. And here is more good news: Insects hate the chia plant, so it's easy to find organic seeds.

Unlike flaxseed, chia seeds can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid and don't require grinding (whole flaxseed is tough to digest). Chia provides fiber (about 2
tablespoons--25 g--give you 7 g of fiber) as well as other important nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, and zinc.

Very few formal studies have looked at chia's benefits, although I expect that more will soon. In a preliminary study from the University of Toronto, researchers fed 21 diabetics either a
supplement made from chia or grains with similar fiber content. After 3 months, blood pressure in patients taking chia dropped (10 points diastolic, 5 points systolic) while the grain group's BP
remained steady.

I enjoy the seeds' nutlike flavor and consider them to be a healthful and interesting addition to my diet. You can sprinkle ground or whole chia seeds on cereal, yogurt, or salads; eat a
handful of whole seeds as a snack; or grind them up and mix with flour when making muffins or other baked goods. Or make your own "chia fresca," a drink popular in Mexico and
Central America: Stir 2 teaspoons of the seeds into 8 to 10 ounces of water (you'll end up with a slightly gelatinous liquid). Add lime or lemon juice and sugar to taste, and enjoy. My prediction? You will begin to see chia being added to more and more commercial products, such as prepared baby foods, nutrition bars, and baked goods.

Dr. Oz from the Oprah show says:
The truth is, chia seeds are actually good for you -- we’re talking really good for you! In fact, they just may be one of the healthiest things around. Here’s why: 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. RealAge recommends two daily doses of about 20 grams each (a total of 1.5 ounces).

Top 5 Reasons to Eat Chia Seeds
1.Chia Seeds Are Nutritious
On top of the fact that chia seeds have more omega-3 than any other natural source, they are loaded with antioxidants, calcium, protein, fiber, and many other vitamins & minerals.

2.Chia Seeds Are Energizing
Not only do chia seeds give you a boost of energy that lasts, they also provide stamina and endurance. A single tablespoon could sustain Aztec warriors for an entire day.

3.Chia Seeds Reduce Cravings
Because chia seeds absorb so much water and have high soluble fiber levels, they help release natural, unrefined carbohydrate energy slowly into the bloodstream.

4.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.

5.Chia Seeds Are Convenient & Versatile
You can eat chia seeds straight from the bag, mix them with your favorite drink, add them to your cereal or salad, and just about anything else. Chia seeds last for years so stock up now!

10 Of The Easiest Foods To Add Chia Seeds To:

1. Cereal
2. Yogurt
3. Salad
4. Muffin, Cookie, & Pancake Recipes
5. Cottage Cheese
6. Soup
7. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
8. Oatmeal
9. Salsa & Dips
10. Smoothies