You’ve probably heard of chia seeds. Salvia
Hispanica or Chia is a flowering plant and it’s a member of the mint family –
Lamaiaceae. Chia originates from Guatemala and Central and South Mexico. Chia
is actually a Mayan world for strength. Well, this amazing and incredible plant
was used for centuries in order to boost energy levels, especially for running
messengers. This is why some people call Chia – the Indian Running Food. Chia
has mild and pleasant taste and you can use it in different types of meals and
dishes, because it doesn’t affect the taste too much. You can add chia to your
favorite smoothies, sauces, bread butters, etc. The chia seeds are loaded with
healthy nutrients and they can provide many health benefits.
Chia Seeds – Health Benefits
§ 2 times
more protein than any other seed or grain
§ 2 times more potassium than bananas
§ 3 times more antioxidants than blueberries
§ 3 times more iron than spinach
§ 5 times
more calcium than milk, and boron as well (boron – trace mineral that helps
transfer calcium in the bones)
§ High
amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 – essential fatty acids
We can also mention that chia seeds are loaded
with soluble fiber and protein and amino acids, which are very useful for the
digestive process. These seeds are highly hydrophilic, which means that they
can absorb water and form a mucilaginous gel. Chia seeds can absorb 9-12 times
their weight in water very quickly, no longer than 10 minutes.
Antioxidants
As we said before, chia seeds are loaded with
antioxidants. These seeds can be stored in dry place for 4-5 years and they
won’t lose their odor, taste or nutritional value. These seeds are the best
replacement for flaxseed.
Weight loss
Did you know that these seeds can displace
calories and fat when added to food, but they don’t alter the flavor of the
meal? So, this means that you can still enjoy all your meals, but you will
consume just half of the calories that you used to consume before – from the
same meals.
Chia seeds have many other
health benefits, such as:
§ Chia
seeds will boost your strength
§ Chia
seeds will speed up the weight loss process
§ Chia seeds will provide energy
§ It will
help you regulate your blood sugar levels
§ Chia
seeds will improve your digestion
§ Chia
seeds will boost your endurance
This means that chia seeds can
help you in many different health condition, such as:
§ Diabetes
§ Hypoglycemia
§ Reduces cholesterol levels
§ Weight loss/balance
§ Thyroid conditions
§ Acid reflux
§ Celiac disease
§ IBS
Chia seeds are easy to digest
All you have to do is soak these seeds in water.
Your body can digest and absorb them very easy.
Absorb and retain water
These seeds can prolong hydration and retain
electrolytes. This is very good, especially during the process of excretion.
Acid reflux
Here’s what you need to do – just add 1 tbs. of
chia seeds in some water and it will absorb the excess acid. Just after 5
minutes, you need to drink the cup of water, and because these seeds are
hydrophilic – they will absorb it from the tissues (if they lack water).
Versatile taste
As we said, these seeds have mild taste. So,
they can be a part of many recipes. Just add chia seeds to your salad
dressings, smoothies, crackers, juicers, ice creams and cookie mixtures.
Cleanse the intestines
These seeds are also very useful in removing the
waste deposits in the intestines. Chia seeds also promote regular bowel
movements.
Regeneration
Chia seeds contain many healthy nutrients and
they can provide many health benefits. So, because of the many healthy
nutrients, they will promote fast tissue regeneration and they are very useful
and extremely beneficial in many cases, such as: during pregnancy and
breastfeeding, recovering from injuries.
Sugar absorption
Chia seeds promote faster sugar absorption. It’s
because the chia gel forms a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the
digestive enzymes responsible for their breakdown, which means that they
speed-up the carbs’ conversion into sugar.
Cheap
Chia seeds are not expensive. 1 lb. bags cost
$8. And 1/3 cup of dry chia seeds (2 ounces) makes about 17 ounces of chia gel
which costs about $1. Since these 17oz will last around 4 days, their price is
about 25 cents daily.
Chia Seeds – How to use them?
Well, you should soak these seeds in water. They
will absorb it very quickly.
Basic gel
Here’s how to make chia gel – you need to add
1/3 cup of chia seeds (2 oz.) to 2 cups of hot water. Then, you need to pour
the mixture in a glass jar, close it and put it in the fridge. You will make
around 17 oz. of chia gel. You will make this chia gel in just 10 minutes, so
you can consume it immediately. But, you need to wait for the energy boost and
the nutrient-power – you will “receive it” after few hours. This chia gel will
last up to 3 weeks.
Whole seeds
You can mix chia seeds with whole seeds. Or, you
can add chia seeds and whole seeds in a coffee grinder and add the grounded
powder in your favorite soups or smoothies. Or, you can sprinkle from this
mixture on your special meals and salads. Or, add it to your granola mixes.
Add it to drinks
As we mentioned before, chia seeds can absorb
high amounts of water. But, you should also know that these seeds can also
absorb all kinds of juices and liquids. This means that you can add chia seeds
to your favorite juices, or you can mix them with some raw fruits and make some
fresh smoothie. But, as we said – you should wait at least 10 minutes, before
you drink it.
