Known as the running food, the use of chia seeds as a high energy resistance food has been recorded since the ancient Aztecs. Aztec warriors were said to subsisted in Chia during their battles. They outperformed their Inca counterparts by surviving by consuming primarily chia seeds. They are very profitable for the recessive climate of this world. An ounce a day is all that most people need, especially when you consider that they expand to 9 times their size when they come in contact with food or drink.
9 healthy reasons why people use chia seeds
9. 1 ounce uses 2.8% of the calories in a 2000 calorie diet. Full daily servings only add 1 to 139 calories.
8. They are high in calcium and naturally contain boron which transfers calcium to the bones.
7. They fill you up when they come into contact with liquids and slow down the absorption of carbohydrates to control your appetite.
6. They do not contain gluten and are very good for a raw food diet because they are rich in protein, calcium, omega 3 and 6 and do not need to be cooked. Unlike flax seeds, you don’t need to grind them when you make a smoothie.
5. They are excellent for workouts. Before a race or sporting event where you need to hydrate, take a scoop or 2 in an 8-ounce bottle of water to help you hydrate. They will also help with protein to make the event cramp free. Also, it is good for the digestive system because it is a hydrophilic colloid.
4. High in Omega 3 – 1 ounce has 4915 mg of Omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids are loaded with protein, which is great for healthy skin, hair and nails.
3. They are good for diabetics: high fiber diets can help control diabetes. It is more difficult to lose weight with diabetes. Seeds supply fiber in 2 forms: insoluble (will not dissolve in water) from their outer layer and soluble fiber (will dissolve in water) from their inner layer. Soluble fiber has been found to be helpful in lowering cholesterol and diabetes. 1 oz has a glycemic index of 1.
2. Known to help with the thyroid: They help with hydration and are known to help deal with the symptoms of thyroid medications such as lack of energy, dry skin and hair, thyroid weight, and colon problems.
1. They are good for lowering cholesterol: seeds supply fiber in 2 ways: insoluble (does not dissolve in water) in their outer layer and soluble fiber (dissolves in water) in their inner layer. Soluble fiber has been found to be helpful in lowering cholesterol and diabetes. Omega 3 and 6 have also been shown to help.
For high-quality seeds, look for suppliers that display clear images on their websites. They are usually priced similarly to flax seeds. They can be taken dry with water or mixed with food. Go here for more information on prices, packaging and recipes.