"Chia Seeds"

Written By: Natalie

I have been learning all about health from what to eat to what not to eat. From eating an alkaline diet to how powerful and versatile the almond nut is. I cannot believe all the uses for so many foods. You begin to realize how close minded you have become when you are introduced to an entirely new and required lifestyle. Today, I learned about the Chia Seed.

According to Wikipedia:

“ It was cultivated by the Aztecs in pre-Columbian times, and was so valued that it was given as an annual tribute by the people to the rulers. It is still widely used in Mexico and South America, with the seeds ground for nutritious drinks and as a food source.[1] Chia seeds typically contain 20% protein, 34% oil, 25% dietary fiber (mostly soluble with high molecular weight), and significant levels of antioxidants (chlorogenic and caffeic acids, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol flavonols). The oil from chia seeds contains a very high concentration of omega-3 fatty acid — approximately 64%.[3] Chia seeds contain no gluten and trace levels of sodium.[4]"

Chia seeds are the richest plant source of Omega-3, have more fiber, protein and calcium than flax seed, have more antioxidants than blueberries, and more dietary fiber than bran flakes. They also have more calcium than 2% milk (non-hydrogenated or pasteurized).

I have read testimony after testimony of the positive affects these seeds have on the health of others. With all the versatile ways to use them I am excited to try them out in super food smoothies, salads, baking, and more. To boot, I am getting more raw enzymes and nutrition, which is always a plus. Not only is it great for me, but my whole family.

These seed gems are known for:
1. Rehydrating an athlete
2. Excelling energy within an hour
3. Helping you feel more full because they absorb ten times their weight in water, reducing food cravings, and they block calorie absorption as well.
4. Reducing your blood pressure
5. Being the richest plant source of Omeg-3, containing more Omega-3 than salmon, which is great for inflammation issues, heart disease, and inflammatory disease such as arthritis.
6. Benefiting those with diabetes, because they can control blood sugar
7. Having more ease on the digestive tract than flax seeds
8. Having no need to be grounded up.
9. Their versatility in how they can be eaten raw(have a nutty flavor), or baked, and soaked in fruit juice, which is called “chia fresca".

If you have never tried Chia Seeds, but would like to, here are some recipes I found on nutsonline.com (a great resource for shopping whole foods and alternatives):

· Chia Water
· Chia Smoothie
· Chia Pudding with Maca
· Chia Rice Salad
· Chia Vegetable Stir Fry
· Chia French Toast
· Chia Seed Fruit Drink
· Chocolate Truffles with Chia Seeds (Gluten Free)
· Apricot Truffles with Chia Seeds (Gluten Free)
· Chia Cereal

I would love to hear your personal experiences if you have ever eaten these or happen try one of these recipes!

To Better Health!

Natalie

http://friendinreach.blogspot.com