My Chia Seed Craze

An Aztec super food, chia seeds have been around for a long time but I discovered them not so long ago. I’ve seen them splashed around in healthy eating articles but never gave much importance until lately when I decided to make myself a green smoothie (more on that later). Like any good researcher, I set out to discover how chias will benefit me and found an astonishing number of reasons. Before I go into those, a little more about the history of chias. (By the way, chias is a term I have coined. The seeds are usually referred to as chia seeds). 

Chia seeds, also known as Salvia Hispanica, are a member of the mint family and native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. An Aztec code from the 16^th century shows proof that chias were cultivated in pre-Columbian times and were as important as maize as a food crop. 

The chias are power packed with nutrition – one ounce contains 9% of daily protein, 13% of fat and 42% of fiber. They also contain essential minerals such as phosphorous, manganese, calcium, potassium and sodium in amounts comparable to flax and sesame seeds. 

When immersed in water, chias become a bulky gel which helps keep you fuller longer. This brings us to the benefits-

• Chia seeds are ideal for weight loss as they help fight food cravings
• They absorb 10 times their weight in water keeping you fuller longer 
• Chia gel is great way to hydrate the body
• They help reduce blood pressure 
• They are the richest sources of Omega – 3 (fats which protect against inflammation (i.e. arthritis) and heart disease). Some evidence suggests they have more Omega – 3 than salmon! 
• Because chias slow down how fast our bodies convert carbs into simple sugars, they can control blood sugar making it ideal for diabetics
• They are rich in antioxidants

Word of caution: The brown seeds are immature seeds or weeds. Black, dark gray and white are okay to eat. 

How to Use the Chia:

Chia seeds can be used in a variety of ways – simply add it to your water or yogurt. They can be added to salads, smoothies or soaked in juice. Mull the chia and they can be used in baking to make muffins or breads.

2 Chia Seeds Recipes:

Chia Water:

1/2 cup lime juice

10 cups water

1/2 cup chia seeds   

1/2 cup agave (if you desire a sweetner)

Pour lime juice and agave into the water and stir. Add the chia seeds. Shake or stir vigorously. Serve.

Green Smoothie:

1 leaf kale

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 medium cucumber

2-3 sprigs of parsley

1 ½ cups water/pear juice/coconut water (you can use either one or a mixture)

5-6 pieces of pineapple/banana (if using only water otherwise the kale is overpowering)

Blend everything until smooth and drink immediately.