Chia Seeds – What is all the fuss about?

If you have even a remote interest in natural health, you will no doubt have heard about Chia seeds at some point over the last year. Often classed as a ‘superfood’ Chia seeds were one of the main components of Aztec diet and known to be one of the oldest cultivated crops on the planet. In the 1500s Chia production was prohibited in South America by the invading Spanish due to its close religious and ritual significance. Chia only survived in remote areas of Mexico until around 1990 when commercial production restarted due to the recently discovered health properties.

• Chia can aid in weight loss: The main reason people don’t reach their weight loss goal is hunger. Once you’re hungry, it’s very hard to do much else but think about eating. When Chia seeds are exposed to water the develop a small layer of gel that helps our stomachs to feel full for longer.

• Balance your blood sugar with Chia seeds: The highly soluble starch content of Chia seeds help to slow down the conversion of insoluble starches into sugar within our bodies.  

• Chia seeds are a rich source of Omega-3: Yes, that’s right the same healthy Omega-3 oil as found in fish is present in Chia seeds without the danger posed from heavy metals found in much marine life.

• Chia seeds are great at boosting energy: The powerful combination of complete proteins, minerals and vitamins found in Chia seeds helps to give our bodies a steady, constant supply of energy without any of the jitters associated with coffee and weight loss pills.

• Powerful antioxidant action: Chia seeds have a unique ability to stay fresh for very long periods of time, this is largely due to high levels of antioxidants that prevent oxidation and once consumed can fight free radicals within our bodies.

• More calcium than milk: Weight for weight Chia seeds offer our bodies more calcium than both milk or cheese, this can be very useful for people who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

  

How do I include Chia seeds into my diet?

There are so many great ways to use Chia seeds in the kitchen.

Egg substitute – There are many people that either avoid eggs through choice or dietary need and Chia seed are one of the very best options when looking to replace the egg component of many recipes. To do this finely grind 1 tablespoon of Chia seeds and add to 3 tablespoons of water per egg.

Thickening soups and gravy – Chia seeds can be used as a replacement for corn starch and other thickening agents, and of course you get all the great health benefits as well as nice think creamy soup.

Allow Chia seeds to sprout for great salads: Sprouted seeds can be a great healthy addition to any salad. To do this simply add your Chia seeds to a glass jar and cover with water, allow them to sit in the water for 5 minutes, then drain off, repeat for around 3 days for perfect sprouts.

A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of Chia seeds contains:

Fiber: 11 grams.

Protein: 4 grams.

Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3s).

Calcium: 18% of the RDA.

Manganese: 30% of the RDA.

Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.

Phosphorus: 27% of the RDA.

They also contain a decent amount of Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2.

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