Drink water, it's good for you!

(January, 30, 2015)

You have likely been told every summer since you were a child that you should drink plenty water so you don’t dehydrate. While this is an accurate statement it is not the only positive aspect that drinking water offers. There are actually numerous benefits that consuming water has on your body, which will have these positive effects throughout the entire year.

Throughout the day our bodies continuously lose bodily fluids as we sweat, create saliva, urinate and even breathe. It is therefore imperative that we replace these fluids so our bodies can function properly and stay healthy. Dehydration occurs if our input of liquids does not equal the output of fluids our body is exhausting. During the summer months when the temperatures are much higher our bodies sweat much more and we therefore need to replace these fluids at a quicker pace. The same applies to the other months of the year where people may forget to drink. 

In addition to maintaining bodily fluids, drinking water also helps us control our calorie intake. This is because with the consumption of water our bodies will feel very full from the water weight, which will deter us from snacking or eating more than is necessary and thus keep our calorie count in check. This can help you loose weight while still feeling satisfied after your meal.

 

Another use that is often overlooked is that our skin contains plenty of water, and is used as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. If we become dehydrated our skin will start to feel dry and may wrinkle.

So what are you waiting for go-ahead grab a cup of water and keep yourself fit and healthy.

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.