Chia Seeds

The chia seed is an ancient dietary staple that has recently regained prominence in naturopathic circles. Historically, native peoples of North, Central, and South America have used this seed from the salvia hispanica plant because it was found to enhance endurance, provide long-lasting energy, and served as a source of medicinal remedies. A core element of the diet of pre-Columbian civilizations, specifically of the Aztec warriors, this natural product served not only as a staple of their diet, but it proved to be especially beneficial during hunting expeditions, battle, and everyday running between villages for trade. Today, scientists and health specialists are rediscovering this food’s naturally occurring nutritional benefits and are encouraging its use among people of all health levels and goals.

Chia seeds offer a plethora of health benefits. Chia seeds naturally contain:

60% Omega-3 fatty acid (3.5oz of chia = same amount of Omega-3s as 28oz. salmon)
No trans fats
As much calcium as 3 cups of milk(per 3.5oz serving)
As much iron as five cups of raw spinach(per 3.5oz serving)
21% protein (higher than that of wheat, corn, rice, oats, and barley)
30% of your daily requirement of fiber (in one serving)
No gluten
Vitamins B, C, and E, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and copper
Natural antioxidants (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and flavanol glycosides)

What does this all mean? Incorporating chia into your daily diet will enhance nutrient absorption of food and nutritional supplements. Chia seeds are not only a great supplement in anyone’s diet, but can also aid in weight loss, blood pressure management, aids in the control of diabetes, and bone support. Chia seeds also offer many of these benefits to your four-legged friends.

Weight Loss

Chia has a gel-forming property that slows digestion and allows the body to sustain balanced blood sugar levels. This means that by implementing chia seeds into your diet, you will feel full for longer amounts of time because it is steadily being absorbed by your body. This is unlike how often we eat and then are hungry 20 minutes later due to rapid digestion. Chia seeds decrease the peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels, granting continual energy and decreasing cravings.

Blood Pressure

Annual usage of chia seeds have been found in many studies to lower systolic blood pressure at an average of six points. The use of chia seeds have also been found to make blood thinner and thus less prone to clotting. This decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke; however, we do caution that you should especially consult with a doctor if you are on blood pressure medications before adding this to your diet. Because of the seeds’ known ability to lower systolic blood pressure, scientists are currently conducting research to substantiate chia seeds’ ability to prevent or even overcome Type 2 diabetes.

Bone Support

Chia seeds have a notably high amount of calcium and boron which aid in bone maintenance and repair. Much of our nation’s soil is boron depleted, making it difficult to get enough boron in our daily diets. By implementing chia seeds into your diet, you will gain this material that aids in the metabolism of calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and increase levels of natural estrogen that permit peak awareness and learning propensity.

Pets

Implementing chia seeds into your pet’s diet offers numerous health benefits as well. Like you, Omega-3 is necessary in your animal’s diet. Aside from helping dogs and cats maintain a healthy body weight, Omega-3 also promotes healthy skin and soft, shiny, coats. Chia seeds help regulate your pet’s cholesterol level and maintain ideal metabolic functions.

Directions

We recommend using three tablespoons of gelled chia seed three times a day. There is no set recommended amount of clean water to add to your seeds; you work to your preference. Once you add the clean water to the seeds, allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you will find that the seeds have become gelatinous, similar to the consistency of tapioca. You can add tablespoons of the gel to just about anything: juice, smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, baking goods, anything! You can also sprinkle dry seeds on foods such as sandwiches or salads. Chia seeds are rather tasteless so they do not impact the flavor of the foods you mix them with. Chia has no odor, doesn’t go rancid, and can easily be stored in your refrigerator. It is also not contaminated with pesticides or chemicals.