The chia or salvia hispanica is found mainly in central and south Mexico as well as Guatemala.
It belongs to the mint family of flowering plants and derives its name from the ancient Mayan meaning strength.
In the old days the chia was consumed by errand boys sent to deliver a message to neighboring tribes as when consumed it is known to give instant energy. It was therefore called the Indian running food back then.
Chia seeds have a satisfying mild taste and can be used as a seasoning for various meals. It will not be detrimental to the taste of the food but will compliment it. You can use chia seeds in bread butters, sauces and even smoothies.
The health benefits of chia seeds
– Chia seeds have five times the amount of calcium found in milk.
– They have twice the amount of protein found in any known grain or seed.
– They have thrice the amount of iron than spinach.
– These seed are reported to have about three times more antioxidant strength than blueberries.
– They also have twice the amount of potassium than that found in bananas.
– They are rich in essential fatty acids – omega 3 and omega 6.
– They have soluble fibre, essential amino acids and easily digestible proteins.
– They are also highly hydrophilic.
Rich in antioxidant
They are rich in antioxidants. They can also be stored dry for as long as 4-5 years, they will neither lose their flavor nor their nutritional value.
Chia seeds help with weight loss
They will dislodge fat and calories. When added to your meal you will reduce your calories intake while still being satisfied with the taste of your food as chia does not adversely affect the taste of food.
Other benefits of chia to your health include;
– It boosts energy
– It regulates blood sugar
– It regulates digestion
– It is very useful in accomplishing your weight loss objective
Your body strength will be increased
Its aids heightened endurance levels
Chia seeds also help in the following medical complications;
– Acid reflux
– Irregular bowel syndrome (IBS)
– Hypoglycaemia
– Reduces cholesterol levels
– Thyroid conditions
– Diabetes
– Weight loss/balance
– Celiac disease
Chia seeds are easy to digest
Your body will digest and absorb the nutrients of this seeds easily when they are soaked in water.
Chia seeds will retain and absorb water
During excretion the chia seeds help as they retain electrolytes and prolong hydration thereby helping if you have irregular bowel syndrome (IBS).
Relief from acid reflux
– Just a mixture of water and one tablespoon of chia seeds is all you need to relieve you of that acid reflux; the chia seeds will absorb the excess acid.
– You will drink lots of water because chia seeds are hydrophilic and will absorb fluids from your body tissues if they don’t have sufficient water.
Flexible taste
Chia seeds have a mild taste and so are good for inclusion in several meals. Such as sauce, salad dressings, crackers, cookie mixtures, smoothies, juices and ice creams.
Detoxify your intestines
They are good for eliminating waste in the intestine and they help regulate your bowel movement; great for IBS.
Cellular regeneration
They help with quick healing especially after an injury or childbirth as they promote tissue growth.
Sugar Absorption
The chia gel acts as a buffer between carbohydrates and your digestive enzymes whose duty is to break these carbs down. Therefore reducing the rate by which the carbohydrates are converted to sugar.
Chia seeds are inexpensive
A bag weighing a pound of chia seeds will cost about $8. About 1/3 cup of chia seeds that are dry (which is about 2 ounces) gives us almost 17 ounces of the chia gel that costs $1. The 17oz is estimated to last for about 4 days so their estimated cost will be about 25 cents per day; that should be affordable.
Using chia seeds
Basic Gel
– Mix two cups of water with 1/3 cup of chia seeds (2oz),
– The mixture should be placed in a jar and its lid should be put on it.
– Refrigerate the mixture.
– Prepare about 17oz chia gel in this way also.
– It takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and it can be consumed instantly.
– However chia seeds nutrients only become active in the body after a few hours.
– The prepared gel should last for about 3 weeks.
Mix chia seeds with whole seeds
– You can mix chia seeds to whole seeds by grinding them in a coffee grinder.
– These seeds are useful as an added spice to your salad, sauce and smoothies.
Chia seeds can be added to your drinks
– You can add chia seeds to your natural healthy fruit juices just incorporate them to your juices.
– However, it is advisable for you to wait for about 10 minutes before drink the juice..
Six chia recipes you can try:
The basic chia gel recipe
– Chia seed
– Clean water
– Just add about 1/3 cup of chia seeds in about two cups of clean water and mix very well. You should then refrigerate and make use of it as desired.
Recipe 1
Raw Rice Pudding
– Almond milk – 2 cups
– Chia seeds – 4-5 tablespoons
– Raw honey or agave syrup for flavor
Make sure that the chia seeds are soaked for about 10 minutes prior to use. You then mix all the ingredients stated, you can also improve the taste by adding vanilla, cinnamon or cardamom.
Recipe 2
Banana-nut bread
– Grounded chia seeds – 8 tablespoons
– Chopped walnuts – ¼ cup
– Vegetable juice pulp -2 cups
– Bananas – 5 qty
– Raisins – ½ cup
Use a food processor to incorporate the bananas and veggie juice pulp. Achieve a homogeneous blend by adding the grounded chia seeds to the mixture. You then take a bowl and mix the walnuts and raisins in it. Add the mixture to the top of a homemade loaf.
Recipe 3
Chia Fresca
– Chia seeds – 2 teaspoons
– Agave syrup or raw natural honey for flavor
– Clean water – 10 0z
– Lemon or lime juice – 1 qty of either
– Bana-paya Chia
– Dried Turkish figs – 6
– Papaya flesh -1 cup
– Banana – 1
Add the banana and the papaya flesh to the figs. Allow this mixture to soak overnight. Stir very well early the next day then add the grounded chia seeds.
Recipe 4
Fruity Chia
– Chia seeds – 4-5 tablespoons
– Apples – 3 small or 2 big ones
– Dates – 8 (get rid of the pits)
– Drids Mulberries – ¼ cup
– Chia Gel Muesli
– Basic chia gel – 1 cup
– Lucuma powder – 1 tablespoon
– Pumpkin seeds – ¼ cup
– Raisins – ¼ cup
– Mashed bananas – 2 (use a fork)
Just mix all the ingredients well using a fork and then you can consume it.
Recipe 5
Green Chia
– Chia seeds – 1/3 cup
– Spirulina powder – 1 tablespoon
– Dried prunes (8) that has been soaked in a pint of clean water
Strain the soaked prune then put the chia seeds in the water. Incorporate the spirulina powder, prunes and water. Make sure you stir very well then allow the chia to soak for a minimum of 10 minutes before you consume it.
Recipe 6
Persi-nana Chia
– Chia seeds – 4-5 tablespoons
– Maca – 1 teaspoon
– Pumpkin seeds – one handful
– Bananas – 1 or 2
– Persimmons – 1 or 2
– Goji berries – one handful
– Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
Get a bowl and mix the bananas and persimmons. You then include the cinnamon, maca, gojis, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds to the mix. Remember allow the chia to soak for about 10 minutes before you consume it.
Read the full original article here: Soak Chia Seeds To Supercharge Their Metabolism, Weight Loss And Inflammation-Fighting Like Never Before
Sources and References:
www.justnaturallife.com
news.therawfoodworld.com
www.healthy-holistic-living.com
www.healthyfoodadvice.net