About a year ago I discovered Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica) and have been using them off and on and I love them. Some information about them and my Chia Pudding recipe follows…
Make it soon, you will love it and experience many benefits.
Chia Seeds:
The forgotten food of the Aztecs – superior to other plant and marine sources of omega-3, low in sodium, high in protein, lipids, fiber and antioxidants, fewer carbohydrates than most other grains, gluten free.
Chia Seeds can be found in your Health Food Store.
Chia seeds are said to have:
*2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,
*5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones,
*2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,
*3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries
*3 times more iron than spinach
*copious amounts of omega-3 and omega-6; essential fatty acids
They are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form. They are also a fabulous source of soluble fiber. They can hold 9-12 times their weight in water and they absorb it very rapidly – in under 10 minutes.
One advantage of chia is its high antioxidant content. Chia seeds stay stable for much longer, whereas flax, for example, may turn rancid. Chia seeds can easily be stored dry for 4-5 years without deterioration in flavour, odour or nutritional value. You can substitute chia in any recipe that calls for flax.
The taste of chia is very mild and pleasant. That means you can easily combine it with other foods without changing the taste dramatically. People add chia to their sauces, bread batters, puddings, smoothies and more. The flavour is retained, plus a lot more nutrition is added.
The “Dieter’s Dream Food”
Chia has been called a dieter’s dream food because when added to foods, it bulks them up, displacing calories and fat without diluting the flavor. Thus, someone can eat a typical serving, yet only consume about half the calories they might have eaten, because the food has been bulked up with chia. PLUS, the eater gets a bellyful of nutrient-rich superfood goodness, which hydrates and sustains them – it’s magic.
Chia Provides:
* Provides energy
* Boosts strength
* Bolsters endurance
* Levels blood sugar
* Induces weight loss
* Aids intestinal regularity
Chia slows the impact of sugars on the system, if eaten together Due to the exceptional water-absorption quality of chia, it can help you prolong hydration and retain electrolytes, especially during exertion.
Here is my favorite feature of Chia Seeds:
Chia seeds bulk up, then work like an incredible digestive broom, sweeping through your intestinal tract, helping to dislodge and eliminate old accumulated waste in the intestines. Many people find their stools also become more regular once they eat chia.
Which medical conditions can Chia help relieve or support?
Chia is reported to be beneficial for a vast range of issues, for example:
*weight loss/balance
*thyroid conditions
*hypoglycemia
*diabetes
*IBS
*celiac disease
*acid reflux
*lowering cholesterol
In the traditional cultures that consumed chia, like the Aztecs, chia was also regarded as a medicine. It was used in myriad ways – from cleaning the eyes to helping heal wounds, topically, to relieving joint pain and so on. It was considered extremely valuable for healing.
One woman we know uses chia therapeutically to manage her acid reflux. Because of the highly absorbent properties of chia, she can swallow a Tbsp of dry seeds with just a little water and they go into her stomach and absorb the excess acid. She makes sure to drink a glass of water a few minutes later, as the seeds are so hydrophilic that if they do not find enough to absorb in the stomach, they will draw from the tissues instead. By allowing the seeds to first absorb the acid, then drinking some more water, our friend is able to very simply, effectively and cheaply handle her condition
My Favorite: CHIA PUDDING….
Raw ‘Chia Pudding’
4-5 tbsp chia seed
2 cups almond milk
raw honey or agave syrup to taste
Combine the ingredients to your taste. Leave the chia to soak for at least 10 minutes before consuming. You can also add other flavours like vanilla, cinnamon or cardamom. You can also add you favorite essential oil for flavoring: Cinnamon, Tangerine, Orange, Thieves to name a few.
The longer this pudding sits the more it grows…just add more water or almond milk.
Enjoy,
Jan Zerr, Gourmet Raw Food Chef
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The following info found and added by Alan Zerr.
chia fresca (also called iskiate), a popular drink made with chia seeds, water, and lemon or lime.
Ingredients:
about 10 oz of water
1 Tbsp dry chia seeds
a few teaspoons lemon or lime juice
honey or agave nectar or dark maple syrup, to taste (optional)
Stir the chia seeds into the water; let them sit for about five minutes. Stir again, and let sit for as long as you like. The more it sits, the more gel-like the seeds and water become. Add citrus juice and sweetener to taste or add a drop of your favorite essential oil.
I found chia fresca to be a refreshing drink for the morning or afternoon, and I swear I felt an energy boost from it. I really don’t mind the gel consistency in the drink and I prefer to sip mine through a straw as it gets all the chia seeds out of the glass and past the teeth (chia seeds can be a little sticky). Some prefer to get their chia in smoothies, like the strawberry-iskiate smoothie from Fuel Your Run the Tarahumara Way.
Do a google search for “chia seeds” or “chia fresca” for further information.
More good info:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-pirello/change-your-life-with-chi_b_446413.html
