If you are like I was, you have heard of chia seeds and know that, for some reason that only you don't know about, they are good for you but you don't know why. You also think that you should learn to use chia seeds but don't have a clue about how to do this. I am here to clear this up for you.
First the why they are good for you: It's an extremely versatile seed - you can sprinkle it, grind it, mix it into foods and include them into any dish you may be making. Chia seeds have no deleterious effects. For example, a similar seed - flax - may have unwanted effects on some people like gas, itchy rashes, and digestive issues.
I remember years ago blending ¼ cup of ground flax in skim milk and drinking it down every morning. Why? Because someone like me told me that it would be good for me! Every morning for weeks I did this. I liked the taste and was congratulating myself that I was doing such a good thing for myself. I started noticing an itchy rash on both of my arms. I kept drinking the flax drink. My rash got worse and spread to my shins. I kept drinking the flax drink. I became an itching, scratching mess. It took me awhile but finally I got smart and realized that I am one of those people who can't process the plant-based omega 3's in flax seed. I stopped the flax and the rash went away.
Chia seeds - which are actually a grain - were the Aztec super food. Chia was consumed by Aztec warriors for strength, endurance and vitality and is the most nutrient dense grain known to man having more protein than wheat or corn. It has its own natural antioxidants which helps with product stability and preserves it from rancidity unlike flax which is very unstable and gets rancid quite easily. This makes chia a good survival food as it can last up to 5 years from the date of harvest without the need for any special storage. And, good news for us gluten intolerants - it is a non-gluten grain.
Chia lowers fats in the blood. (Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, Vol. 51;27-34) while anecdotal evidence includes increased energy, better digestion, improved skin tone. Consumers of chia report more endurance, and brainpower, especially in the mid-afternoon lull time. Chia seeds are filled with balanced essential fats- 3's, 6's and 9's. It also contains a lot of fiber - 5 grams of insoluble and soluble per tablespoon. It's considered to be a nutrient-dense super food, a complete food and a food that functions well in the body. Aside from the balanced essential fats, it contains minerals (calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium), vitamin C and 2 grams of protein per one tablespoon.
Chia seeds are hygroscopic and will become mucilaginous when you put them in liquid. Chia will absorb maybe 9 times its dry weight. Then it is called chia gel and is great for weight loss because it fills you up so that you don't have room anymore for the chocolate covered almonds and the Jelly Bellies. You will be less hungry, too. Chia slows the impact of sugars and carbs on the system and if eaten together; the gel helps slow the conversion of carbs into sugar so that the energy is released steadily and in a more usable fashion. The gel will also clean out your bowel, acting like psyllium, and will help you to stay regular.
Now that you are sold on chia, here's how you can use it:
Lisa's Chia Tapioca: Thanks to my patient, Lisa, this super treat couldn't be easier. Get a one quart, wide-mouthed Mason jar. Add one can of coconut milk plus a ½ can of water. If the coconut milk has a lot of fat in it and is sort of chunky and unmanageable, I will blend it for a few seconds along with the water until it is smooth. Add ¼ to 1/3 C. whole chia seeds and as much agave as you want. Stir or shake it all up and store it in the fridge. The chia will do its hygroscopic thing and will look like tapioca in an hour or so. Enjoy for a low-cal, very healthy, satisfying snack or dessert. I've been eating a lot of this ( ½ C to a cup per day) and I feel great.
Chia Pudding: 1-2 t chia seed, whole or ground, 1 scoop protein powder, 1 T. almond butter, 4 oz milk of some sort, fruit of your choice and cacao nibs if you wish. Mix all and let sit for a few minutes. You might want to play with the amounts and the ingredients until you get something you really like.
Energy Smoothie: 2 T ground chia seeds, 12-16 oz. water. (Always add the chia to the liquid, not vice versa.) Then add protein powder and fruit of your choice. Let stand for 5-10 minutes. Then blend more. The longer it stands, the thicker it will get.
And lastly, here's one for your dogs: Give them this special Power Dog treat a couple of times a week: ½ to 1 scoop of protein powder, ½ scoop of powdered greens, 1 can sardines, ½ C. good dog food (Evo is good), shredded raw vegetables, like zucchini or carrot, or cooked sweet potatoes or canned pumpkin. Add 1-2 t. ground chia seeds. Mix. You will have one happy and healthy dog.
Whole Foods has its own chia "exclusive" called Ultimate CHIAlife. It's organic, about $20 for a 1 lb. canister and you can find it in the case where the refrigerated oils, like flax, are kept.
No statement or content in this web site shall be construed as offering diagnosis, cure, mitigation or prevention of any disease. Anyone having questions regarding the content of this site should contact their own health care provider for verification.