Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!!!!!!

I know I am not the only one that remembers those awfully annoying commercials advertising the little terracotta figurines that all you had to do was provide some H2O, slather on the seeds and it would grow magnificent “fur” or “hair”!

Well who would have known that chia seeds are good for something other than providing us with cute little “furry” animals??  The Mayans, Aztecs and Incas have been using these little super-foods for years and chia actually means “strength” in Mayan.  In ancient times, Chia seeds were used as medicine and were valued more than gold due to their incredible health enhancing properties!

Salvia Hispanica (commonly known as Chia) is actually chock full of a number of healthy benefits and has been called nature’s most powerful food.  It is a great source of stamina and provides the following:

·        5 more times more calcium than milk (and includes boron which is a trace mineral that helps the calcium get into your bones)

·        More Omega 3 than flax seed

·        Excellent source of dietary fiber

·        Excellent source of iron and other minerals

·        Low glycemic index, delivering it’s amazing nutrients slowly to impart energy throughout your day (awesome super-food for the diabetic)

·        Extremely high in anti-oxidants (3x more than blueberries!)

·        One of the highest plant-based sources of complete protein (a complete protein is a source of protein that contains all 9 of the essential amino acids in the correct proportions necessary for our dietary needs)

·        Great for weight loss

They really don’t have a flavor so they can be mixed into just about anything!  When you add water to the seeds, it creates a gel-like coating around the seed.  Both the gelling action of the seed, and it’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

So what are you waiting for??  Start adding these guys to everything!

Uses:

Mix into sauces to thicken them, add some to your smoothies, stir into your granola or yogurt and even your cake mixes!  I love adding them to my morning oatmeal and even sprinkle them over my salads.  Basically, whatever you come up with, these guys will join the fun without altering the taste.

Enjoy!