These little guys are growing more and more in popularity recently due to all of their great health benefits. They even sell them in Whole Foods now, and I would bet that Trader Joe's is not far behind. Chia seeds have been a staple food source for American Indians for centuries. Here is a brief list of these benefits:
- Chia Seeds are high in Omega 3s.
- They absorb about 8 times their weight in water, and so athletes like them because they can help hydrate the body. This can also help with dieters since they make you feel fuller longer.
- They are a complete source of dietary protein, providing all the essential amino acids
- The gel-forming properties of Chia Seeds help to slow digestion and sustain balanced blood sugar levels, which can be helpful in preventing and controlling of diabetes.
- They help facilitate growth and regeneration of tissue during pregnancy and lactation, as well as regeneration of muscles for athletes and bodybuilders.
- They are an excellent source of fiber.
- There has been promise with cancer research and Chia.
- They contain large amounts of B vitamins and calcium.
You can eat Chia Seeds in a variety of ways - mix them with water or juice and just drink them, mix them into your daily yogurt or oatmeal, or you can bake them into breads or muffins. Here is a recipe for a Chia Seed "pudding" that I recently made:
Mix 1/4 cup of Chia Seeds with 1+1/4 cups Almond Milk and mix well. (I use Organic Vanilla Amond Milk that is slightly sweetened. If you use unsweetened Almond Milk, then you can add a squirt of Agave Nectar to the mix). Add about 1 teaspon of finely grated lemon zest and stir in. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least a couple hours to let the seeds form their jelly shells and so the mixture is tapioca-like.
Serve with sliced fruit on top. I ate it with bananas, but it would also be good with citrus fruits or mango.
Makes about 2 servings.
