Thursday, May 23, 2013

Chia Seeds - Have you heard about their Benifits?

Anti-Inflammatory and Cleansing Benefits:
Chia seeds are a true superfood. Oddly, they are members of the mint family but they taste totally neutral. This makes them a very versatile food. Chia seeds have been used in ancient cultures for many medicinal purposes such as helping to ease joint pain and digestive issues.

Chia seeds are filled with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in nature, as well as being great for the brain. Did you know that Chia seeds contain even more omega three fatty acids by weight than salmon does? These tiny seeds are also a complete protein, meaning that they contain all 8 essential amino acids that your body cannot synthesize on its own, and must get from food.

Chia seeds are able to absorb 9 time their own volume in water.
This ability causes them to help your own body retain needed water and electrolytes. You can use them in place of your morning oatmeal by adding a few tbsp. of Chia seeds to almond, hemp or coconut milk and letting it stand for 15-2 minutes, to give the chia seeds time to absorb the liquid. You can then throw in some fresh or dried berries for a quick cereal.

Chia seeds help to clean out the digestive tract.
They contain high amounts of both soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as drawing water to themselves. This adds bulk and water to the stools, which is important for keeping your system clean and clear. Chia seeds will also help your body absorb the fat soluble vitamins A, C, E and K, which need fat in order to be properly utilized by the body. Chia seeds are great for helping to keep blood sugar levels stable as well as binding to cholesterol and helping to usher it out of the body.

What are some other benefits of eating Chia?

  • Provides energy

  • Boosts strength

  • Bolsters endurance

  • Levels blood sugar

  • Induces weight loss

  • Aids intestinal regularity

Chia slows the impact of sugars on the system, if eaten together. Chia gel creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, which slows the conversion of carbs into sugar. That means the energy from the food is released steadily, resulting in more endurance. This is clearly of great benefit to diabetics in particular.

Try this for a quick and filling Breakfast:

3 tablespoons Chia Seeds

1/2 cup Vanilla Almond milk (Rice, Coconut or plain Almond)
1 tsp Agave

handful of Granola

Fresh fruits

Sprinkle cinnamon

splash of Vanilla flavoring

Instructions:
Add Chia seeds to a bowl with the Almond milk and stir briskly until slightly thickened. Add all other ingredients and enjoy!

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