Chia Seeds are my perfect accompaniment to breakfast these days. It is fuss free and gives me the energy I need, for my morning run. It keeps me awake and alert all day.
And these are just the physical improvements and manifestations of Chia. What really happens in our bodies when we consume Chia Seeds? What are the true benefits that go into our bodies when we ingest these tiny seeds?
Chia seeds are:
1. chock full of the basic building blocks of a healthy diet – protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and a lot of vitamins and minerals.
2. more densely packed than other fruits, vegetables, and health foods with nutrients.
3. higher in calcium content than milk – about six times that of milk. And calcium is just the beginning.
4. a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are the substances that help protect our cardiovascular system, promote brain function and development, and prevent heart disease and strokes. Chia seeds has an equivalent to about 8 times what is normally found in pink salmon! And scientific studies have shown that omega-3 from plant sources is both safer and more effective than omega-3 derived from fish oils.
5. higher in iron content than many vegetables. It has thrice the iron content of spinach, 9 times the phosphorous content of whole milk, double the amount of potassium as bananas, 15 times more magnesium than broccoli, two times more dietary fiber than bran flakes, and 9 times more selenium than flax seeds.
6. also rich in antioxidants, the compounds that prevent cell damage, slow aging, and protect against the development of certain cancers.
7. a complex structure of dietary fiber that absorbs the water and turns into a gel. When this gel gets into our digestive system, it does two things: first, it effectively scours and cleans our intestinal tract, which improves our body’s nutrient absorption; secondly, it acts as a barrier between the walls of our intestines and any carbohydrates we consume. This barrier slows down and stabilizes the absorption of sugar into our blood stream. This means that the energy from this sugar lasts longer and is used more efficiently by the body. This is particularly beneficial to people suffering from diabetes.
8. quickly converted into a gel. This gel’s ability to hold water and make the body feel full for longer make chia seeds an attractive alternative for athletes and dieters alike.
The recommended daily dosage of this superfood, is that you should take at least 1 to 2 table spoons daily. I normally add it to my hot morning drink or blend it into a vegetable smoothie and it sets the tone for the day. If you have the time or the inclination, you might even bake them into cookies as snacks for the entire family.
Enjoy!
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