Known as the running food, Chia seeds 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 Chia during their battles. They outmaneuvered their counterpart Inca’s by surviving mostly consuming chia seeds. They are very cost effective for this worlds’ recessionary climate. One ounce a day is all most people need, especially when you consider they expand to 9 times their size when they come in contact with and food or drink.
9 Healthy Reasons people use Chia Seeds
9. 1 ounce uses 2.8% of the calories in a 2000 calorie diet. The full daily servings only add 1 up to 139 calories.
8. They are high in calcium and naturally have boron in them which transfers the calcium into your bones.
6. They are gluten free and are very good for a Raw Food Diet because they are high in protein, calcium, omega 3 and 6 and don’t need to be cooked. Unlike Flax Seed, you do not have to ground them up when you make a smoothie.
5. They are great for workouts. Prior to a run or an athletic event in which you need to hydrate, take a tablespoon or 2 in a 8 ounce bottle of water which will help you hydrate. They will also help with protein to do the event without cramping up. Also, it is good for the digestive system because it is a hydrophillic colloid.
4. They are high in Omega 3 – 1 oz has 4915mg 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 in managing diabetes. It is harder to lose weight as a diabetic. The seeds supplies fiber in 2 forms: insoluble (won’t dissolve in water) from its outer coat and soluble fiber (will dissolve in water) from its inner shell. Soluble fiber has been found helpful in lowering cholesterol and diabetes. 1 oz has a Glycemic Index of 1.
2. They are known to help with Thyroid – They help with hydration and are known to help deal with thyroid medication symptoms like lack of energy, dry skin and hair, thyroid weight, and colon issues.
1. They are good for lowering cholesterol – The seeds supplies fiber in 2 forms: insoluble (won’t dissolve in water) from its outer coat and soluble fiber (will dissolve in water) from its inner shell. Soluble fiber has been found helpful in lowering cholesterol and diabetes. Also the omega 3 and 6 has been shown to help.
For high quality seeds, look for suppliers who show clear pictures on their websites. They are usually priced similar to flax seeds. They can be taken dry with water or mixed with food. Go here to learn more about pricing, packaging, and recipes.