One of the most beneficial foods you can add to your diet.
I love Chia seeds and my kitchen is never without them. I mainly use them as a thickener in sauces as they're a great alternative to egg or flour for once they come into contact with liquid, the little crunchy seeds turn into a kind of a jelly frog spawn type substance.
Great for juices, soups, sauces, baking and even in spring water (great for high intensity workouts) sustaining your energy throughout a workout.
The seeds are either white or black and are actually a member of the mint family. Historically they were grown in Mexico and used for medicinal purposes to relieve joint pain and stimulate saliva.
Originally I was looking for ways to add more protein and omega oils into my diet, whilst being gluten free, but since then have discoverd they are so much more than that. Have a look at my top 7's to eat Chia...
Top 7's to eat Chia Seeds...
1. PROTEIN
Chia seeds make a great source of protein for vegetarians + vegans and they don't contain any cholesterol – or animal obviously. One 28-gram serving of these super seeds has 4.4 grams of protein, nearly 10 per cent of the daily value. Chia seed possess 23 percent protein; much higher than other traditional cereals such as wheat (13.7 %), corn (9.4 %), rice (6.5 %), oats (16.9 percent) and barley (12.5 %).
2. BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Chia seeds actually help to stabilise blood sugar levels as they form a barrier in the stomach which means carbohydrates are broken down more slowly. Making them an awesome addition to any diabetics diet and are super popular amongst high performance trainers as they have a slow release energy source and can sustain you for longer, lessening the blood sugar peaks & troughs.
3. ANTIOXIDANTS
The body naturally produces antioxidants to help protect + clear the cells from Free Radicals.
Free radicals basically hack healthy molecules and once attacked, mutate them into free radical, resulting in a disruption in the living cell. Normally the body can handle this, but if it doesn't have enough antioxidants, or if you are free radical dominant, it can weaken the immune system.
Luckily, Chia contains high portions of antioxidants, to help support our detoxification process. They don't putrefy or go rancid either like its rival Flax seed and the antioxidant properties within the seeds actually enable the seeds to have a longer shelf life - literally inside and outside your body!
4. FIBRE
High in fibre, Chia is similar to Psyllium and thankfully gluten free. I can't take Psyllium, so I was so excited to find it has similar properties. It has a soothing action, rather than being an irritant to the digestive lining. The seeds have a swelling action that actually help to cleanse and absorb toxins whilst simultaneously lubricating and strengthening the muscles of the colon.
5. OMEGA-3
Originally I was looking for an authentic Omega oil to support my nervous system, to soothe my frazzled nerves, induce sleep and improve my brain function. Not only does Chia contain 8 times more Omega-3 than salmon more importantly it don’t contain cholesterol or the toxic heavy metal components found in fish, making them a very trustworthy source of omega-3's. Chia also contains Tryptophan, an amino acid (that aids sleep) and helps the body to produce the B vitamin Niacin, which in turn helps the body to produce Serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that acts as a calming agent to the brain, maintains sleep, mood, libido, energy, appetite, and anxiety.
6. TEETH + BONES
Get Stronger! The word Chia actually comes from the Mayan language which actually means strength…! Chia seeds have 5 times more calcium than milk!
In just one serving of Chia seeds has 18% of the recommended daily intake of calcium, which puts you in great stead for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, also known for helping deter osteoporosis.
7. MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is something I'm never without. Two tablespoons of Chia and you have 13% of your RDA of magnesium which aids a multitude of unwanted symptoms, PMS, anxiety, headaches, irritability, encourages elimination, aids the absorption of calcium and promotes sleep.
