Chia Seeds that is! I'm guessing by now we have all heard something about chia seeds. It seems that they were are the rage a few years ago, and though they aren't the "latest & greatest", their benefits have kept them as a favorite superfood.
Even though you may have heard of chia seeds, do you know exactly what they are? How they taste, or how to add them to your diet? Why don't we start at the beginning...
"...Long ago, before the Spanish conquest of Latin America – and well before the Ch-ch-ch-chia Pet was born – chia seeds were a staple food, like corn and beans, in the diets of the Aztecs and Mayans. Chia actually got its name from the Mayan word for “strength.”
Most evidence shows that humans began using chia seeds around 3500 BC. Aztecs and Mayans consumed chia seeds regularly, grinding them into flour, pressing them for oil and drinking them mixed with water. At this time in history, chia seeds were considered to be almost magical because of their ability to increase stamina and energy over long periods of time.
The chia seeds are “super” because, like a superfruit, they deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories. They have several of the same benefits as the more well-known “super seed” flax, but unlike flax seed, you don’t need to grind them to reap the health benefits. The nutritional benefits of chia include fiber, omega fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants and much more – even protein!..." -Lindsey Duncan, ND, CN http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/lindsey-duncan-nd-cn/chia-ancient-super-secret
So what's so "super" about these super foods and what benefits do you gain by eating them? Its recommended that you get 20-35 grams of fiber each day, but that hardly happens. Fiber helps slow digestion and makes you feel fuller by soaking up fluid and expanding in your digestive tract. Chia will deliver 42% of your recommended daily value in 1 serving, as well as absorb up to 12 times its own weight and expands to curb your appetite!
Are you wanting beautiful hair, skin & nails? Then you're looking for omega-3 & omega-6 rich foods. Chia is one of the most concentrated sources of omega-3! What about stronger bones?? Yep... Chia also contains 18% of your daily value of calcium per ounce... 3X's more than skim milk!!If that wasn't enough, chia seeds contain a great amount of protein. By weight, they are about 14% protein. Compared to most plants, that's a lot of protein to offer in a little seed. A high protein intake helps reduce your appetite; great for those looking for weight loss.
The best part about Chia Seeds is the easy ability to add them into your everyday food and lifestyle. They can be eaten raw, soaked in juice, or added to baked goods. You can also sprinkle them on cereal, yogurt, vegetables or rice dishes. They can be used to thicken sauces or simply mixed with water. (They do turn into a gel, so drink up quick!) Personally, I mix mine into oatmeal!
Also, try out this AMAZING recipe from Minimalist Baker
http://minimalistbaker.com/overnight-chocolate-chia-seed-pudding/
Let me know what you think, how you used them and how the Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding turned out:)
No comments:
Post a Comment