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View Full Version : NEW SUPER FOOD! The CHIA Seed!!!



Peaceful28
06-02-2009, 12:05 AM
The chia seed is a very healthy seed and is quickly becoming a very popular health food. What makes this seed such a healthy addition to the daily diet? (Yep, one in the same...as the "Chia pet") :D


Look out flax! There is a new seed in town! Could the Chia Seed be healthier than the Flax Seed? With the popularity of Flax Seed Oil and the sales of all Flax products soaring in health food stores across America, the flax market has some new competition.


What makes the Chia Seed the super food that many claim it to be?

30% of the chia seed's oil is Omega 3 oil. 40% of its oil is Omega 6 oil. This provides the nice balance those who take supplemental Essential Fatty Acids are looking for. The chia seed's substantially dense percentage in alpha-linolenic fatty acid also makes this seed a healthy dietary source of fatty acids.

You do not need to grind the Chia Seeds to digest it. It is a relatively easy to digest seed, whereas flax seeds are not. Often, one has to grind flax seeds to be able to process them in their digestive system. That is not the case with chia seeds.


Studies show that eating chia seed slows down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars. This leads scientists to believe that the chia seed may have great benefits for diabetics.

Chia seeds provide antioxidant activity!

Chia is a great addition to a detoxification program. Chia seeds are high in fiber and in healthy oils making them an excellent addition to many detox programs.

Mix Chia seeds into yogurt, sprinkle them on cereal in the morning, add to salads, or even add them to your baking. There are many ways to add chia seeds into your daily routine!

Around for centuries, the chia seed in only now starting to gain recognition as the super food that many health gurus have always known it to be. Will this be a short lived health fad or will the chia seed become common place in the household cupboards of the 21st century?

SallyAnne
06-02-2009, 12:07 AM
Where can one buy chia seeds? I never knew you could eat a chia pet.

Peaceful28
06-02-2009, 12:07 AM
Scientific Name: Chia Salvia Columbariae


Chia is a member of the mint family and grows naturally from the Mojave Desert all the way down Argentina. Chia for centuries was of great economic importance to Native Americans of Southwest and California Coast. It was a major food crop of Aztecs.


The roasted seeds were mixed with water and eaten as gruel or ground into flour for baking. Indians also placed the seeds in water to make poultices and drinks. One tablespoon of chia seeds mixed in water was reputed to have enough nutrition to sustain a man on a forced march for 24 hours. An infusion of the seeds was also given as a fever remedy and as a poultice for gunshot wounds by the Spanish Missionaries. At present long distance hikers eat Chia seeds to provide energy.


Chia seeds come in two colors: black and white, the black seeds are more abundant and cost less than the white one. The nutritional values of the two varieties are similar, but some study think the white may be more nutritious.


Chia Seed is a Good Source of: B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper.


Nutritional Benefits:

According to study, Chia possesses the highest percentage of the polyunsaturated fatty acids(linolenic and linoleic) of all crops. Chia seed contain 60% omega 3 fatty acids.

The protein content of Chia is higher that other nutritional grains. Unlike other grains, it is a complete protein, meaning that it has the appropriate balance of all essential amino acids. About 19 to 23% of chia seed weight is protein.

Chia seed is high in fiber, a 15 gm serving of chia seeds will provide 4 to 5 gm of fiber. Our body requires at least 35 gm of fiber a day to stay healthy.

Chia seed contain boron which is essential for bone health.

Chia seed is rich in calcium, about 2 oz of chia seeds contains 600 mg of Calcium, as compared to 120 mg for a cup of milk.

Chia seeds has 2 times more potassium than banana.

Chia seeds has 3 times more antioxidants than blueberries.

Uses of Chia Seeds: The pleasant and mild aroma of Chia seed makes it a versatile ingredient to any food preparation like baked goods, soup, sandwiches, sauces, smoothies and in recipes where you ordinarily use sesame seeds. Chia can be eaten raw, hydrated or cooked. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per serving.

Peaceful28
06-02-2009, 12:10 AM
Where can one buy chia seeds? I never knew you could eat a chia pet.

I didnt either, until recently. lol I just happened upon a lot of info on it.

Apparently, you can get them at healthfood stores, the vitamin shop... as well as online stores.

Or we can wait to get another Chia pet for Christmas. :p

SallyAnne
06-02-2009, 12:13 AM
http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_sep2007/ChiaCar.jpg




Seriously, though - here's a link to chia seeds.

http://www.getchia.com/chiaproducts.html

Peaceful28
06-02-2009, 12:16 AM
http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_sep2007/ChiaCar.jpg




Seriously, though - here's a link to chia seeds.

http://www.getchia.com/chiaproducts.html

That car! lol

AdolfOliverBush
06-02-2009, 12:46 AM
chia is good mixed with water it reminds me of boba except that its much smaller