Gluten the Enemy

All About The Fantastic Chia Seed

By Niky Rahner  

The Origin Of Chis Seeds

The word Chia comes from the ancient Mayan word for strength. It is believed that the Aztecs and Mayans first began using Chia seeds around 3500 BC. It was a staple part of these ancient peoples diet. This highly revered superfood was considered magical and godly because of its ability to increase stamina and energy for long periods of time.

Chia crops were cultivated in central Mexico until the 1700. After the Spanish conquest, the growing and use of chia seeds were banned as it was used by thee natives in religious ceremonies.

Benefits Of Chia Seeds

Adding chia seeds to your diet holds many benefits; in fact there is a myth that tells of Aztec warriors that could sustain themselves on just one tablespoon of chia per day... This may be because this amazing little superseed comes very close to being a complete food. One tiny seed that gives you everything you need!

... So adding chia to your diet is like adding EVERYTHING to your diet!

Read on to find out more about why this little superseed is so well loved.

Vitamins And Minerals

Chia seeds have exceptional amounts of good fats, including the essential omegas. Omega 6 is found in many foods while omega 3 is much harder to come by; these fats are called essential because the body does not produce them. They are however essential for the proper function of most of our vital organs and therefore need to be taken in through our diets.

This little superseed also contains high levels of protein and 19 amino acids making it a near complete source of protein. They also have high levels of calcium and magnesium, and are a good source of fiber. All of that goodness rolled into one tiny and shiny pretty little seed.
Brain Food

Chia's very oily make up is mostly what makes it such an extremely attractive food. This is because our brains not only need certain amounts of these essential fatty acids (EFA), but also thrive with increased intake. This is especially true for the rare and essential omega 3 fatty acid.

The potent chia seeds contain an essential fatty acids which is called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), this oil is an essential structural component of brain cells. EFA's are also known to make cell membranes more flexible making nerve transmission more efficient.

There is so much more that could be said on this matter but basically; if your brain is happy and functioning well, just imagine how well you, as a whole, will happily be able to function in life.

Jelly Belly

When chia seeds get wet, a thick and soluble gel layer forms around the seed. This gel is rich in soluble fiber and smoothly moves through the digestive system cleaning things up as it goes.

This chia gel is also believed to inhibit the breaking down of carbohydrates. This slowed break down of carbs is believed to slow the uptake of sugars into the blood stream.

Healthy Bones

We all know that calcium is essential for bone health and chia contains 63% of our daily recommended intake in a 100g serving- that is five times more calcium than milk! But now, even more fascinating is the fact that this beautiful food contains a trace mineral known as boron, which promotes the transfer of calcium from your blood to your bones.

The chia seed also contains high levels of magnesium, magnesium is as important to bone health as calcium is. It helps regulate calcium levels as well as contributing to the bones strength. This amazing mineral combination makes chia a very effective skeletal food.

Athletes Food

The chia seed has been known as the runners' food, this is because chia is a near complete source of protein, a good source of fiber and has a very good balance of essential fats. This combination is excellent for improved endurance and heightening levels of fitness. The essential fats also help to lubricate the joints and obtain optimum flexibility.

Amazing Chia facts

1.    Chia seeds can absorb about 9 times their own weight in water, making them excellent for keeping hydrated and maintaining electrolyte balance.

2.    Chai seeds contain a trace mineral known as strontium, which showed marked improvement in osteoporosis patients bone density in 2 separate studies done in 2004 and 2009 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

3.    Chia seeds combination of omega 3 and dietary fiber are believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and heart disease related issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

4.    Chia is great for weight loss as it bulks up food without adding flavor or calories and it slows down the conversion of carbs into sugar making you feel fuller for longer and keeping sugar levels balanced.

5.    Missionaries and Indians of old used chia to make healing poultice for gunshot wounds. Chia is an anti-inflammatory food, and the near perfect balance of omega 3and 6 are believed to protect against inflammations like arthritis when consumed.

Ways To Use Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are most commonly sold whole but can be milled as well. They are extremely mild, and add barley any flavor when added to other foods. When eaten alone, their slight but distinctive earthy flavor is just most enjoyable.

Chia seeds can be added to fresh water, juices, smoothies, nut milks or any other liquid or they can be chewed on dry. If you decide to have them plain, make sure you are fully hydrated or that you have a glass of water as they will draw liquid to hydrate themselves which could leave you in need of a bit of extra liquid.

There are many different chia seed recipes out there. Recipes for chia porridges, chia desserts, drinks, cracker, cookies and so much more. Once you have tried a few of these recipes for yourself, and the chia oil start working its super magic on your mind, there is no doubt, you will be adding to this creative data base yourself.

Follow the link for lots of amazing information on the Top 10 Superfoods [http://top10superfoods.net]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Niky_Rahner/1409848

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