What are Chia Seeds?

Are Chia Seeds The Perfect Food?

 

We're all familiar with those funny and retro Chia Pets, but did you know the seeds of the Chia plant might be one of the worlds most perfect foods?

The Chia plant dates back to pre-Columbian times and was a main component of the Aztec and Mayan diets.  In fact, it was believed that one tablespoon could sustain an Aztec or Mayan individual for 24 hours!

So, what are Chia seeds?

Chia seeds come from the desert plant known as Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows abundantly in southern Mexico. Just 25 grams (about 1 1/2 tblsps) of Chia seeds provides:  

• Almost 9 grams of fiber
• 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain
• 5 times the calcium of milk
• 2 times the amount of potassium as bananas
• 3 times the antioxidants of blueberries
• 2 times more iron than spinach
• Essential fatty acids including Omega 3's and Omega 6's

Chia seeds also provides

• energy
• strength
• levels blood sugar
• induces WEIGHT LOSS
• promotes intestinal health

WOW! And HOW?

Chia Seeds turn into a gel when added to liquids and absorb many times their weight in liquid. This ability to absorb liquid and form a gel provides many health benefits when ingested.


 RUNNERS or ATHLETES : Chia seeds provide needed and sustained hydration. Once ingested, the chia seeds turn into a gel and this gel provides constant hydration for a much longer time than drinking water. The gel provides needed electrolytes as well.
 DIABETICS: Chia seeds slow down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars. Again, the gel absorbs the carbohydrate, thus lessening the effects of sugar which helps control blood sugar readings.

WEIGHT LOSS:   Chia has been called a dieter's dream food because when added to foods, it bulks them up, displacing calories and fat without diluting the flavor.  Thus, someone can eat a typical serving, yet only consume about half the calories they might have eaten, because the food has been bulked up with chia. Also, the chia seed contains fiber which also helps with weight loss and bloating.  Since the chia seed can also help with blood sugar control, you can also better manage your weight-loss.


So, adding chia seeds to your diet is a very smart idea. You can find them in health food stores anywhere. You can also get them online.
For Chia seed recipes click here:   Chia Seed Recipes

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