Wednesday, September 17, 2014

A Chock full of Chia Seeds:



You may have heard about the recent chia seed craze, or you may not have, but no worries we’ve got you covered on the healthfulness of chia seeds. It is claimed that many years ago the Incans, Mayans, and Aztec people used chia seeds as a staple food and their prime source of energy. In fact it is said to be that chia means “strength” in the Mayan language. So what is it about these tiny seeds that pack a punch?

First and foremost chia seeds are filled with fiber which is essential to one’s diet. Many people do not get enough fiber based on the recommended amount of 20-30 grams daily, but chia seeds help solve this problem. This is because chia can give you over 40% of the daily value, just in one small serving. Fiber is necessary for healthy and proper digestion, those who are having trouble in this area should look into incorporating chia seeds into their diet.

One of the special properties of chia seeds is its ability to expand and absorb about 12 times its own weight. This factor gives chia seeds many health benefits such as a curbed appetite for those looking to lose weight, and a boost of energy. Along with that it also prevents dehydration as it absorbs and retains water.

If you aren’t sold on the chia craze yet then take a look at the amazing nutrients and minerals these tiny seeds contain. A one ounce serving of chia seeds will give you 20% of your recommended daily value of calcium,  4 grams of protein, and 5 grams of omega-3 fats. In just a small amount of chia seeds you can easily benefit from a concentrated amount of these nutrients which are essentials for healthy bones, muscles, and overall health.


Because chia seeds are basically flavorless they are easy to mix in with every food. It can be topped on your salad, breaded on your chicken, and sprinkled on your soup. Additionally, chia can be used as a replacement for many things. For example, ground up chia seeds can be used as flour, chia seeds mixed with water can be used to replace eggs in a recipe, and a chia seed gel can be used as a sports drink replacement. The next time you are in your local market pick up a bag of chia seeds which have a shelf life of about five years. You never know what benefits this superfood can bring you, and don’t forget to make your own “Chia-Pet” while you’re at it.

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