Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Seeds
Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 11:49AM 
I know. You are probably thinking of that hideous plant (dare I even call it a plant?) from the 90s. The ones were you sprinkle chia seeds on a head, pet, or of course, Garfield. Guess what, they added Shrek and Sponge Bob to the mix. Why not?
Well, I not exactly talking about those Chia products. I really don't need anymore plant decor in my house that I can murder. Instead I am talking about the little seed they use, the Chia Seed. It is magical. I mean it can make Shrek grow hair.
Hey, I have an idea! Do you think it can help baby M...
Other than its mystical ability to transform clay pottery into plant "hair" growth, it does wonders for your body.
Chia seeds were known to be part of the Mayan and Aztec diets. They thought that consuming 1 tablespoon could sustain a person for 24 hours. It was referred to as the "running food". Aztec warriors relied on the seeds heavily to sustain them through battle. I know there are plenty of wellness warriors that are mad about them as well.
Chia seeds are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids; even more so than its homeboy, flax. Fatty acids help protect against inflammation and heart disease. Dr. Oz says that, "they have among the highest antioxidant activity of any whole food–even more than fresh blueberries." They also have more calcium than a glass of milk. It is 20% protein and has a ton of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Christopher McDougall, author of Born to Run, the true story of the astoundingly fit and healthy Tarahumara barefoot runners in Mexico, (who take off on 50-100-mile running runs as if they were evening strolls) likened the nutritional value of chia to making a 'smoothie of wild salmon, spinach and human growth hormones.'
Do you need more reasons to dig the seed? When part of a regular diet, Chia seeds help:
- cardiovascular health
- muscle energy and endurance
- joint function and mobility
- digestive regularity and detoxification
- maintain healthy blood sugar level **important for me since finding out I am hypoglycemic
- memory and mental clarity
- hormone modulation
- libido function
- improved in skin complexion
If you consume 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds, you are getting the same amount of Omega 3 content as eating 2 slices of salmon, 11 eggs with Omega 3, and 50 glasses of milk with Omega 3.
Do you need another reason? Here is a big one! It helps you lose weight. For real. I know from first hand experience. They kill cravings. When I make a Chia Fresca I feel full and satisfied for hours. I praise the high fiber content and nutritional density. No deprivation, no binges, no guilt, no stress.
You can make your own healthy version of Red Bull with Chia seeds. Many athletes and endurance runners use this drink. Warning- it's pretty hardcore. It's part slimy and bumpy but actually super refreshing and delicious.
Chia Fresca (Power Drink)
8-10 oz of water
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Mix seeds and water thoroughly
let it sit for 15 minutes
Yes it gets slimy and gel-like but once you add lime, lemon, honey, or sugar to taste it is superb!
--or--
Another option if you don't like the texture but want the benefits, is to blend baby blend.
let chia seeds soak 10 minutes
add to blender with water, ice, lemon, and agave.
If you still can't stand them, grind them in a coffee grinder to make them smaller. I don't think it is necessary but whatever floats your boat or gets you eating these magic seeds.
Chia seeds, have very little flavor. It is just a bit nutty, but more than anything, it has a seed like texture. Not bad at all, but can take some peeps getting use to.
Ways you can bond with your chia...
In your favorite oatmeal with blueberries and almond butter
In baking
Sprinkled in salads
To top smoothies or blended in them
