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Chia seeds are one of the most powerful, functional, and nutritious superfoods in the world! The chia seed is an excellent source of fiber, packed with antioxidants, full of protein, loaded with vitamins and minerals, and the richest known plant source of omega-3. Chia seeds contain 32% oil of which 60% is omega-3, alfa- linoleic acid.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Chia seeds last for years so stock up now!
History Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L) have been a staple food source (named ‘pinole’) for the American Native people for centuries.
Native people have used Chia gel on wounds, for colds and sore throats, for upset stomachs, body odors, prostate problems, and even constipation.
Aztec warriors would eat Chia during hunting trips, and the Indians of the Southwest would eat only Chia seed mixed with water as they ran from the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean to trade products.
Use The fastest and easiest way to take Chia seed is to add one tablespoon Chia seed into an eight-ounce glass of water or juice, stir to break up any lumps, let sit about five minutes, stir again, and then drink.
Chia can be added to jams, jellies, nut spreads, smoothies, cereals, sauces, soups etc. as a fat replacer, for energy and endurance, or for added great taste.
Here's how to make a ready-made gel, which has a slightly nutty flavor (unless you throw in lots of other ingredients, like herbs): Put nine parts water in a sealable plastic container. Slowly pour one part seed into the water, then mix with a wire whisk or fork. This process will avoid any clumping of the seed. Wait a few minutes and stir again to break up any clumps, let stand ten minutes, and stir again. Store up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Add the gel to any of the above-mentioned foods, mix well, and taste. You will notice a very smooth texture, with the integrity of the flavor intact, but you have added 50 to 70 percent more volume to your food and have displaced calories and fat by incorporating an ingredient that is ninety percent water and 10% highly nutritional!
Per 100g Chia seeds: (Daily value %) Calories 490 (2052 kJ) (24%) Protein 15.6 g (31%) Total Fat 30.8 g (47%) Saturated Fat 3.2 g Monounsaturated Fat 2.1 g Polyunsaturated Fat 23.3 g Total Omega-3 fatty acids 17.6 g Total Omega-6 fatty acids 5.8 g Total Carbohydrate 43.8 g (15%) Dietary Fiber 37.7 g (151%) Calcium 631 mg (63%) Potassium 160 mg (5%) Phosphorus 948 mg (95%) Zinc 3.5 mg (23%) Manganese 2.2 mg (108%) Sodium 19 mg (1%)
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