What are Chia seeds ?
Relatively unknown to world until recently, Chia seeds have been the staple food in Mexico for centuries.
Chia? is an edible? seed? that comes from the desert plant Salvia Hispanic, grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. 'Chia' means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white? seeds? as an energy booster. That makes sense, as chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber,?
antioxidants, and? calcium.
Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds. One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains - 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus? vitamins? and minerals.
The mild, nutty flavor of chia seeds makes them easy to add to foods and beverages. They are most often sprinkled on cereal, sauces, vegetables, rice dishes, or yogurt or mixed into drinks and baked goods. They can also be mixed with water and made into a gel.
Chia seeds have gained a lot of fame over the last 5 years. Recently there has been a lot of talk about ?Chia seed oil? as well. Chia seed oil also has a nutty flavor and contains significant amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Chia seed oil is one of the very few sources that contains a perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6.
Important benefits of these chia seeds oil are:
Chia seeds help slow down the digestion process, while the ?jelly? coating that develops when they're
exposed to liquids is believed to aid in preventing blood sugar spikes that can lead to weight gain.
Packing almost 5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per 1-ounce serving, chia seeds are a more potent omega
source than flax seeds.
In just a single ounce of chia seeds, you receive nearly 20% of your recommended daily allowance for
calcium, this is essential for supporting bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
Chia seeds have an abundance of phosphorus, a mineral that not only critical in protein synthesis, but also
vital to healthy cell and tissue function and growth.
Because of their stabilizing effect on blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, chia seeds can help in
preventing excess belly fat and metabolic syndrome.