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| Chia Seeds |
Remember the commercial with the terracotta animals? You were to soak them in water and them apply the chia seed and watch them grow “hair.” Did they ever tell us what to do with the “hair” after it was long? That “hair” is sprouted seed, like any other sprouts we might enjoy and can be added to salads or sandwiches. They can also be eaten as micro-greens. Raw food at their best.
Chia is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, even more so than flax seeds. Another advantage over flax is that chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. Unlike flax, chia seeds do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body.
Chia seeds also provide fiber (25 grams give you 6.9 grams of fiber) as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc. One ounce of Chia Seeds has 4915mg of Omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids are loaded with protein which is great for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Chia Seeds are high in calcium and naturally have Boron in them which transfer the calcium into your bones.
When added to water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes, Chia forms a gel. Researchers suggest that this reaction also takes place in the stomach, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar. They grow to 9x their size and they slow down the absorption of carbohydrates to control the appetite. This effect in itself has many health implications and applications.
When added to water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes, Chia forms a gel. Researchers suggest that this reaction also takes place in the stomach, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar. They grow to 9x their size and they slow down the absorption of carbohydrates to control the appetite. This effect in itself has many health implications and applications.
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| Oatmeal walnut chia seed cookies (with chocolate chips) |
Chia has a nutlike flavor. You can mix seeds in water and add lime or lemon juice and sugar to make a drink known in Mexico and Central America as "Chia fresca." As with ground flax seeds, you can sprinkle ground or whole Chia seeds on cereal, in yogurt or salads, eat them as a snack, or grind them and mix them with flour when making muffins or other baked goods. Chia can also be added to commercially prepared infant formulas, baby foods, juices, drinks, yogurt, and other foods.
Chia seeds can be used to extend servings without compromising flavor and while decreasing fat. The Chia gel (seeds soaked in water) can be used as a substitute for fat in recipes. Sound like a miracle food? Well it was for the Aztecs who are said to have survived for twenty four hours on a single ounce. Want to learn even more? Enjoy.
To your health!
