EVER HAD A CHIA PET?

EVER HAD A CHIA PET?

Our children did have chia pets. I wish I had known back then, just how WONDERFUL those little seeds were that grew that green hair!

CHIA SEEDS are the next on my list of THE BASICS.

So far we have discussed GREENS, COD LIVER OIL, RAW HONEY, TEETH and HEMP SEED.

Where did CHIA come from?

Chia was known by Mayas and Aztecs as mega-energy food. Native Americans in Mexico used the plants hundreds of years before they were used in Europe and other continents.

Chia is the Mayan word for 'strength'. Chia seeds were used to greatly increase endurance and give an incredible sustaining surge of energy. In Mexico it is said that one tablespoon of Chia seeds can sustain a person for 24 hours. If I could only take one cup of food for a few days, I'd choose Chia!! The food value is astounding, you don't need much.

In traditional cultures, Chia was also used as a medicine- for cleansing the eyes, helping to heal wounds, healing injuries, relieving joint pain, constipation, prostrate problems, body odours, colds and sore throats.

Chia is a sustainable and environmentally friendly crop.

The high oil content of its leaves acts as an extremely potent insect repellent and eliminates the need for pesticides being used to protect the crop! This opens up the possibility of obtaining organically grown seed.

LET ME TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THIS LITTLE CHIA SEED:

A balanced blend of Protein, Essential Fats, Fiber, Complex Carbohydrates, Antioxidants & other Nutrients.

High in Protein:
- 19% - 23% protein.
- the seeds are a complete protein source, with all the essential amino acids in appropriate balance. Chia seed proteins are easily digested, which results in rapid transportation to tissues and fast utilization by the cells.

High Amount of Essential Fats:
- Excellent quality oil content of 31% - 34% of the seed.
-2 TBSP of Chia seeds supply 3.5 - 5.2 gr. of omega-3 fatty acid- approximately 64% in the oil.
-the seeds also contain some omega-6 and exhibit a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of 3:1.
- these oils , unsaturated fatty acids, are the essential oils your body needs to help emulsify and absorb the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, & K.
-In addition, Chia has NO cholesterol.
-Sadly Omega-3 and 6 are generally lacking in Western diets, and without EFA's life is impossible.

Fiber:
-about 35% of Chia seed is fiber
- 5% - 10% of soluble dietary fiber (helps lowering cholesterol and managing diabetes)
- 90% - 95% of insoluble dietary fiber (helps prevent constipation)
- Chia seeds bulk up and then work wonders on your digestion, helping to dislodge and eliminate old accumulated waste in the intestines.
-Chia seeds are able to act as a sort of sponge, absorbing toxins whilst also lubricating the colon and strengthening the peristaltic action of the intestines.

Complex Carbohydrates:
-Chia seeds are covered with a highly absorbent hull. They can absorb 9 - 12 times their weight in water. Research believes that, when eaten, they form a gel in the stomach, which creates a physical barrier between the carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down. This causes a slow release (digestion) of the carbohydrates. Also the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar) for energy is slowed down. This means that you won't feel so tired after eating, as there is no surge in blood sugar levels after intake of Chia.
-Chia seeds are very filling. Many people are full quicker, having had to eat fewer calories than usual and they stay full longer.
-Chia slowly and steadily releases glucose into the blood stream, increasing endurance.
-the Chia gel is able to hold moisture, soaking up 9 - 12 times their weight in water keeping you well hydrated and also retaining electrolyte balance.
- Chia seeds are gluten free. Chia is therefore an excellent food for individuals having gluten sensitivity, carbohydrate intolerance, hypoglycemia, Celiac Disease, Chron's Disease etc.
-a nutrient- dense alternative to grain-source proteins.

Antioxidants
- Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, which guard the omega fats from oxidation.
- Chia seeds can be stored for years in a dry place without impact on flavour or nutritional value. I have a friend who has stored it for over 25 years successfully.
- there is strong antioxidant activity from chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, flavanol glycosides, myricetin and quercetin.

Nutrients
- Chia has-Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B15, B17, C, D, E, K, choline, folic acid, inositol, PABA
- Chia has- Minerals: boron, calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, sodium, strontium, sulphur, zinc.

CHIA IS ONE OF NATURES MOST NUTRITIOUS FOODS!

Here is a list of some of the benefits you can expect from regular intake of this tiny black and white seed.

CHIA SEEMS TO:

-provide long sustainable energy
-boost strength
-fight fatigue
-increase brain power
-increase endurance
-regenerate
-level blood sugar
-induce weight loss
-increase nutrient absorption
-improve and slow down digestion
-encourage better elimination
-balance thyroid conditions and hypoglycemia
-be good for diabetics
-reduce acid reflux
-lower cholesterol
-improve arthritis (omega-3 help with inflammation)
-facilitate growth and regeneration of tissue and muscles

I don't know about you but I am IMPRESSED!

Chia actually tastes great. It does not need processing but can be prepared into a gel to use as a great food extender, calorie cutter and nutrient-enricher. Added to mayonnaise or butter, chia gel doubles its volume without changing taste. Chia is ideal for enriching a number of products such as infant formulas, baby foods, baked goods, nutrition bars, yogurt, sauces, etc.
When used as animal feed, omega-3 enhanced products such as eggs, poultry, beef, milk and cheese etc. are produced.

Prepare the gel with 1 part of chia seeds and 9-10 parts water. Whisk well frequently for 5-10 minutes to prevent clumping. Can be stored as a gel in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Chia seeds have a nut like flavor and they should be considered to be a healthful and interesting addition to our diets. They can be sprinkled, ground or whole on cereal, yogurt, or salads; or just eat a handful of whole seeds as a snack.

My favorite way to take Chia seeds is "CHIA FRESCA", a popular drink in Mexico and Central America.

Just add 3-6 TBSP of chia to your favorite juice, smoothie or to lemon water (about 8-10 ounces), whisk or shake for 5 minutes and enjoy. This mixture can be take with you as you go about your day. I find it keeps me full and gives me energy to do the day.

Chia seeds, whole, ground, mixed or in drinks. An ancient SUPER FOOD for today's health conscious consumer. Most people notice a difference in about a week of regularly taking Chia. The longer you take it, the more you"ll appreciate it!!

Please feel free to contact me by email if you have questions or concerns.