Chia seed is an ancient SUPER-FOOD that is currently experiencing a glorious comeback. It’s a member of the sage family (Salvia Hispanica). This tiny black and whitish seed was once the main food source of the Incan, Mayan and Aztec cultures and Chia is derived from the Mayan word strength. The seeds were used by these ancient cultures as well as Native Indians due to it’s mega-energy food. Chia has been called the ‘Indian Running Food’ and gives an incredibly sustaining surge of energy.
If you’re a reader of my blog then you will know I love hot yoga. Usually before I go to my hot yoga class I take a kefir shake with chia seeds. I first soak the seeds in water to allow them to absorb 9-12 times their weight in water, usually takes about 10 min to have a jelly like liquid. I then mix the chia seeds in with my shake. It’s such a great hydrator and when you do hot yoga you need to keep your hydration up. Chia seeds are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids and are easily digested. This creates a power packed nutrient filled protein shake which is 100% gluten free and lactose free. Adding chia seeds into my shake makes my endurance and ability to do hot yoga for 90 min with greater ease than not taking them. It enhances my stamina and curves my hunger as you shouldn’t eat heavy while doing any form of yoga or exercise for that matter. These tiny seeds are pretty impressive and are also an amazing source of fibre.
You can buy chia seeds in most health food stores and I have also seen them in local grocery stores too. You can also substitute chia seeds in any recipe that calls for flax seeds. In some areas of the world they say that one tablespoon of chia seeds can sustain a person for 24 hours. Chia seeds also taste and looks great, and are ready to eat really quickly. You can just sprinkle some in your mouth and drink some water with them and keep you going. Chia seeds have an incredible nutritional profile and have so many health benefits. This is why I am calling this seed the Super-food of the golden age.
Now, why would you want to eat Chia Seeds…
Did you know that Chia Seeds have two times the protein of any other seed or grain? They also carry five times the calcium of milk, and promote boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones. Chia seeds also have two times the amount of potassium like bananas. They have three times the reported antioxidant property of blueberries, with an abundant amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, great essential fatty acids. They are also packed with three times more iron than spinach. To bad Popeye didn’t know this!
Chia seeds can easily be stored away for about four to five years, as long as they are stored in a dry and sealed. Their nutritional value will not breakdown nor will their flavour or absorb any odours.
Eating Chia seeds will also make you lose weight, especially when adding them to foods. It bulks any food that can be prepared, losing calories and fat without changing the flavour. Basically cause you to get full faster, filling up your belly with more nutrients, water and proteins.
Chia also slows the impact of sugars on your system, if eaten together with foods that have a higher sugar content it will slow the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. This means the energy from the food is released bit by bit.
Chia seeds will also work like liquid plumber, but not as quickly, they will unclog any drain. They will go through your intestinal tract, helping to loosen and get rid of old collected waste in the intestines. You will find that your stools will also become more regular once chia seeds are introduce into your diet. 
Chia seeds will assist the rapid development of tissue payable to its unbelievable nutrient biography and easy assimilation. I feel like I might be turning into a Borg, that was a Trekkie joke 
. It can be very healthful for those healing from injuries, people like athletes or people like myself who have done a 60 day hot yoga challenge, and who are trying to prevent scar tissue from forming again. It is also good for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Here are some other benefits of eating Chia Seeds and or relieves or supports some of your medical conditions?
- Provides energy
- Increase Energy
- Boosts strength
- Boost endurance
- Levels blood sugar
- Diabetes
- Heart Wellness
- Lowering cholesterol
- Relief From Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Feeling Good
- Anti Aging
- Regulated Blood Pressure
- Reducing Menopause Symptoms
- Gastro-intestinal Health
- Bone Health
- Mental Health
- Control Of Type ll Diabetes
- Prenatal Health
- Breast Health
- Prostate Health
- Weight loss/Maintenance
- Thyroid conditions
- Hypo-glycaemia
- IBS
- Aids intestinal regularity
- Celiac disease
- Gluten Intolerance/Sensitivity
- Acid reflux
Here is the recipe to make Chia Gel. 1/3 cup chia seeds and 2 cups water. Enjoy.
This was brought to you by Gluten Free Ottawa and FUK Flour. We hope you enjoyed this article and come back again soon. GF Swami
