Cha Cha Cha CHIA!!!

  

Chia Plant Seeds

I can always count on Lianne to be up on what’s new and healthy.  About a month ago she started telling me about chia seeds and the endless health benefits they possess.  I got on Amazon to get some oil pills and fell into a research craze when I realized the possibilities of this little seed were endless!  I ended up buying a bag of Bob’s Red Mill Chia Seed for around $10 at a grocery store. 

I LOVE this.   

I have drank it in water, added it to yogurt, and chewed it by the spoonful.  I immediately feel the long lasting energizing effects of this little beast!

History

For centuries, this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the southwest and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high-energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the southwest would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.

Benefits of the Chia Seed

• Contain Highest Plant Source Of Omega-3 On The Planet!
• FDA Approved
• Heart Health ~ Mental Health & Digestive Health
• Proven To Reduce the "Bad" (LDL) Cholesterol
• Great for Diabetics & Effective For Treating Hyperglycemia.
• Contain More Antioxidants Than Blueberries.
• A Complete Protein with All 9 Amino-Acids.
• An Excellent Source of Calcium, Magnesium & Iron.
• Chia Seeds Are 100% Natural, Raw, Non-GMO & Gluten-Free!
• Chia Seeds are an effective aid to healthy weight loss.  The fiber rich chia seeds and slowly metabolized carbs can help to curb the appetite and has been shown to help lose weight when included with a balanced and healthy diet.

Dieters Dream Food

Chia, as an ingredient, is a dieter’s dream food. There are limitless ways to incorporate the Chia seed into your diet. Chia can be prepared with pure water before using in recipes. The seed will absorb 9 times its weight in water in less than 10 minutes and is very simple to prepare.

The seed’s hydrophilic (water absorbing) saturated cells hold the water, so when it is mixed with foods, it displaces calories and fat without diluting flavor.

Chia Gel

Chia gel also works as a fat replacer for many recipes.

If you try mixing a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leaving it for approximately 30 minutes or so, when you return, the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Researchers believe this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.

Chia Improves Digestion

With Chia seeds, you retain moisture; regulate more efficiently the body’s absorption of nutrients and body fluids. Because there is a greater efficiency in the utilization of body fluids, the electrolyte balance is maintained.

Excellent Protein Source

Essential Omega 3

 

How to use eat Chia Seeds

• Add  chia seeds to smoothies
• Mix it with salad dressings
• Make it a Gel
• Add to puddings
• Bake with it
• Applesauce
• Yogurt
• Soups
• Oatmeal
• Grits
• Peanut butter
• Scrambled eggs
• Just about anything

Chia will absorb any liquid. You can add it in apple juice, orange juice, lemonade, and other liquids. In Mexico and Central America, they mix seeds in water and add lime or lemon juice and sugar to make a yummy drinks! Google recipes or get on pinterest and you'll find an endless amount of ways to add an extra hop-skip-jump to your step!  Here are a few tasty examples!

Raspberry, blood orange and chia seed jam

To find out more about where I found this recipe: Click Here .

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of raspberries, rinsed and patted dry
• 2 medium blood orange, peeled
• 1/2 cup of chia seeds
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1 packet of Truvia (or raw sugar to your tasting)

Directions:

• Puree the raspberries and blood orange in a food processor, or crush with a fork.
• Mix in chia and water, and stir until all ingredients are incorporated.
• Add 1 packet of Truvia, or a natural sweetener of your choice (honey, agave nectar).
• Allow the jam to thicken, by storing covered in the refrigerator for several hours.
• Enjoy as a topping for oatmeal, or a spread for toast, bagels or waffles.

This recipe yielded two small jars worth of jam, perfect for a week’s worth of breakfasts.

Chia Seed Pudding


Chia Seed Pudding 

 Cherry Lime Chia Fresca

 “Chia Fresca”

I'm energized, full, and in LOVE!

How have you used Chia Seeds?  Share your thoughts + ideas!