Chia Seeds - Not Just For Clay Pets!
Chia Seeds-Revisited Over a year ago I wrote a feature article on Chia for my newsletter.
A year later, it seems like Chia is still misunderstood and shouldn't be.
Let me put it this way, if you haven't looked into using Chia as part of your everyday diet - YOU SHOULD! Chia has been around for centuries and is perhaps one of the best Superfoods you can add to your every day diet.
I know that most of us think of the Vitamin Shoppe as a place to buy our supplements, but these days it is where I buy my Superfoods too.
Chia is a new addition to my family's everyday diet.
Why? Check out the following info and you might think differently about adding this amazing seed to your family's diet too.
What makes Chia so Great? The nutritional profile of Chia is amazing.
Here are just a few of reasons: High in Omega-3 The oil from the seeds naturally contain more than 60% Omega-3 fatty acid.
This is the higher than any other plant we know.
Chia seeds do not have to be ground up prior to consumption like many other seeds high in good fats, which adds a convenience factor.
Health Benefits: Cardiovascular, Weight Loss, Anti-inflammatory, Cellular, etc.
Just about every health challenge benefits from more Omega-3s.
High in Protein It is estimated that between 19-23 percent of the seed by weight is protein.
This too is higher than most other seeds and grains.
Combining the good fats with an excellent source of protein make this a dieters dream.
Health Benefits: Weight Loss, Bone, Blood Sugar, Athletic recovery and performance.
High in Fiber We need to consume 35+ grams of fiber per day and if it doesn't come from your food you must supplement.
Now, with Chia, 1 tablespoon serving can give you about 1/5th of your daily needs (7.
4grams).
One tablespoon of Chia isn't very much so I recommend at least 2 to 4 per day as part of your every day diet.
Also, Chia can absorb up to 30 times its weight in water.
This also works with other liquids like juices.
This ability can prolong hydration (I call it having time released water) and retain electrolytes in body fluids, especially during exertion or exercise.
Health Benefits: Digestive, Diabetes, Cardiovascular, etc.
Antioxidants Chia contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E but also has something named Cinnamic acids.
It is believed that these three (especially the cinnamic acid) which help preserve the seeds and more importantly protect the good fats from oxidizing (going bad).
Health Benefits: Everything! Calcium This one will make you stop in your tracks: Just two ounces of Chia seeds contain 600mg of Calcium, compared with 120mg per the same serving size of Milk.
Following the Herbal Pharmacist® recommendations to find your vitamins and minerals in a food or "food form" make Chia a top suggestion for those looking for more calcium in their diet without having to take more tablets or capsules.
Throw on top if it that Chia also contains Boron-a critical mineral for bones-this also becomes part of your diet for those concerned with Osteoporosis and overall bone health.
Benefits: Bone, Cardiovascular, Athletic Performance and recovery, etc.
The bottom line: Chia is a great Superfood! You and the rest of your family (all ages) can benefit from adding this to your diet.
It has no taste so even your kids won't object.
A year later, it seems like Chia is still misunderstood and shouldn't be.
Let me put it this way, if you haven't looked into using Chia as part of your everyday diet - YOU SHOULD! Chia has been around for centuries and is perhaps one of the best Superfoods you can add to your every day diet.
I know that most of us think of the Vitamin Shoppe as a place to buy our supplements, but these days it is where I buy my Superfoods too.
Chia is a new addition to my family's everyday diet.
Why? Check out the following info and you might think differently about adding this amazing seed to your family's diet too.
What makes Chia so Great? The nutritional profile of Chia is amazing.
Here are just a few of reasons: High in Omega-3 The oil from the seeds naturally contain more than 60% Omega-3 fatty acid.
This is the higher than any other plant we know.
Chia seeds do not have to be ground up prior to consumption like many other seeds high in good fats, which adds a convenience factor.
Health Benefits: Cardiovascular, Weight Loss, Anti-inflammatory, Cellular, etc.
Just about every health challenge benefits from more Omega-3s.
High in Protein It is estimated that between 19-23 percent of the seed by weight is protein.
This too is higher than most other seeds and grains.
Combining the good fats with an excellent source of protein make this a dieters dream.
Health Benefits: Weight Loss, Bone, Blood Sugar, Athletic recovery and performance.
High in Fiber We need to consume 35+ grams of fiber per day and if it doesn't come from your food you must supplement.
Now, with Chia, 1 tablespoon serving can give you about 1/5th of your daily needs (7.
4grams).
One tablespoon of Chia isn't very much so I recommend at least 2 to 4 per day as part of your every day diet.
Also, Chia can absorb up to 30 times its weight in water.
This also works with other liquids like juices.
This ability can prolong hydration (I call it having time released water) and retain electrolytes in body fluids, especially during exertion or exercise.
Health Benefits: Digestive, Diabetes, Cardiovascular, etc.
Antioxidants Chia contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E but also has something named Cinnamic acids.
It is believed that these three (especially the cinnamic acid) which help preserve the seeds and more importantly protect the good fats from oxidizing (going bad).
Health Benefits: Everything! Calcium This one will make you stop in your tracks: Just two ounces of Chia seeds contain 600mg of Calcium, compared with 120mg per the same serving size of Milk.
Following the Herbal Pharmacist® recommendations to find your vitamins and minerals in a food or "food form" make Chia a top suggestion for those looking for more calcium in their diet without having to take more tablets or capsules.
Throw on top if it that Chia also contains Boron-a critical mineral for bones-this also becomes part of your diet for those concerned with Osteoporosis and overall bone health.
Benefits: Bone, Cardiovascular, Athletic Performance and recovery, etc.
The bottom line: Chia is a great Superfood! You and the rest of your family (all ages) can benefit from adding this to your diet.
It has no taste so even your kids won't object.