Chia

Chia:

About:

Chia (Salvia hispanica) is a species of flowering plant in the mint family.  The word "chia" translates from the Mayan word for "strength".   Chia seeds are grown and commonly used as food in several countries in western South America, western Mexico and the Southwestern United States.  Typically , chia seeds are small oval and mottle colored with brown, gray, black and white.  The seeds are hydrophilic absorbing  up to 12 times their weight in liquid when soaked.  Chia is a naturally gluten-free grain.  

History:

Chia is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala.  Chia seeds were one of the staples in Mayan and Aztec diets as early as 3500 B.C.   They were used in these ancient cultures as medicine and food.  They were consumed by warriors to produce strength and stamina.

Nutrition:

A 1 ounce serving of chia seeds contains:

• Fiber...............11 grams
• Protein............4 grams
• Fat..................9 grams (5 of omega-3)
• Calcium,,,,,,,,,,18% RDA
• Manganese.....30% RDA
• Phosphorus....27 % RDA

Also contains lesser amounts of Zinc, Vitamin B3,  Potassium,  Vitamin B1 and B2.

Health Benefits:

 Chia seeds are considered a super food because of the variety of valuable nutrients in them that give you so many of the daily nutrients your body needs, like protein, calcium, iron, and magnesium.  Chia is grown commercially for its seeds, a food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.   Chia seeds are  high in antioxidants which fight production of free radicals which can damage molecules in cells and  contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.  Chia seeds are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acid.  They are rich in valuable amino acids, antioxidants, and flavonoids including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, kaempherol.

Freshness:

Chia seeds can be kept for years because their natural antioxidants prevent deterioration of their important essential oils.

Uses for Chia Seeds:

Chia seeds can be eaten alone or added to smoothies, protein shakes, yogurt, cereal, salads, energy bars, granola bars, tortillas, or bread.   They have a very mild flavor that is slightly nutty, but mostly neutral.  When hydrated or mixed with water they form a clear gel.

So..... East up !  Enjoy !  I'll show you how.

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