What are Chia Seeds?

How about only one of the most powerful, functional, and nutritious super foods in the world!

And for those of you having visions of the Terra cotta figurine smothered with chia seeds -that grow green hair - those chia seeds have not  been approved by the FDA - so get them from a health food source.

Did you know that chia seeds are actually a better source of omega-3 fatty acids than flaxseed (the fats protect against inflammation and heart disease)?  That's right!  Dr. Weil says: "They have among the highest antioxidant activity of any whole food -- even more than fresh blueberries. And they do good stuff for the body, like keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control.

Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows in southern Mexico.  In pre-Columbian times, chia seeds were a component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors; they even played a role in religious ceremonies.

Supposedly, 1 tablespoon of the seeds could sustain a person for 24 hours. The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to relieve joint pain and skin conditions. It was a major crop in central and southern

Mexico well into the 16th century, but it was banned after the Spanish conquest because of its association with the Aztec "pagan" religion. Over the past few decades, commercial production has resumed in Latin America. And here is more good news: Insects hate the chia plant, so it's easy to find organic seeds.

Unlike flaxseed, chia seeds can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid and don't require grinding (whole flaxseed is tough to digest). Chia provides fiber (about 2 tablespoons--25 g--give you 7 g of fiber) as well as other important nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, and zinc.

Everyone from children to senior citizens can benefit from the wonderful nutritional qualities of chia seeds.

Just by adding 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds to your daily diet gives you 7 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein,  205 milligrams of calcium, and a whopping 5 grams of Omega 3!

So that's:

More Omega-3 than Atlantic Salmon

More Antioxidants than fresh blueberries
More Fiber than bran flakes
More Calcium than 2% milk
More Protein, Fiber & Calcium than flax seed

Top 5 Reasons to Eat Chia Seeds 1.  Chia seeds are Nutritious - On top of the fact that chia seeds have more omega-3 than any other natural source, they are  loaded with antioxidants, calcium, protein, fiber, and many other vitamins & minerals.

2.  Chia seeds are Energizing - Not only do chia seeds give you a boost of energy that lasts,

they also provide stamina and endurance. A single tablespoon could sustain Aztec warriors for an entire day.

3.  Chia seeds Reduce Cravings - Because chia seeds absorb so much water and have high soluble fiber levels, they help release natural, unrefined carbohydrate  energy slowly into the bloodstream.

4.  Chia seeds are easily digestible- Unlike flax seed, chia seeds do not have to be ground up before you ingest them. The human body can easily digest chia seeds, and with about 7 grams of fiber per serving, they actually help.

5.  Chia seeds are Convenient & Versatile-  You can eat chia seeds straight from the bag, mix them with your
favorite drink, add them to your cereal or salad, and just about anything else.

10 Of The Easiest Foods To Add Chia Seeds To: Smoothies Cereal Muffin, Cookie and Pancake recipes Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Soup Salsa & Dips Yogurt Salad Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches Or make your own "chia fresca," a drink popular in Mexico and Central America: Stir 2 teaspoons of the seeds into 8 to 10 ounces of water (you'll end up with a slightly gelatinous liquid).  Add lime or lemon juice and sugar to taste, and enjoy."

DO YOU HAVE A CHIA SEED RECIPE TO SHARE?

There is currently no evidence of adverse effects of whole or ground Chia seeds.
As with any dietary supplement consult your healthcare practitioner before using
this product, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or under medical supervision.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by

the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to

diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.