Ch-Ch-CHIA

Remember that song? Did you have a Chia Pet? Come on!! Those things were SO cool in the 80′s. I recently was researching other ways to ensure that my son gets adequate amounts of protein, Omega3’s and Calcium in his diet. Chia seeds are making a come back and thankfully not as a plant growing in a ceramic pot shaped as a porcupine. I’ve been tossing these precious seeds in all sorts of things I make for my family. Cream of Wheat, Berry Smoothies, Almond balls and pancakes… the list goes on. Luckily, Chia seeds are something that you can sneak into any diet, usually with out any one even noticing. Here are some other sneaky places to toss in a table spoon or two.

Sprinkle over a salad Blend into veggie, soup Mix in to dips or salsa Add to yogurt Bake with it (breads, muffins, lasagna!) Add into your protein shakes Blend in your ice cream smoothies

***Basically if you eat it or drink it you can add Chia seeds to it***

Here are some way cool quick facts about the CHIA seeds: -

Chia Seeds are a complete protein with all 9 amino-acids. This is important for babies especially that are not eating meat, or for any vegetarian for that matter. You need a complete protein in order to receive all the benefits (Legumes, grains, nuts and seeds are only partial proteins and you need to eat 2 or more together in order to create a “Complete Protein” -

Put a table spoon in some water, and let them hang out for a few minutes. It will actually turn into a GEL. The theory there is that the gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. This enables you to use the carbs longer for energy, and also prevents those high/lows you feel -

CHIA is muscle and tissue builder, it is digested and absorbed easily, meaning that it transports and is used by your cells and tissue quickly -

It is one of the richest vegetables source for the essential omega-3 fatty acid (helps you to absorb the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, & K) -
Rich source of calcium -

Antioxidants that aid in reducing inflammation

**Athletes: This is a no-brainer! Athletes are constantly building, tearing-and-repairing their muscles and growing!

30 second comparisons that will make you go CHIA!

2x the amount of protein of any grains

3x the amount of antioxidants of blueberries

5x more calcium than milk

2x the amount of potassium in a banana

3x the iron of spinach

Still not convinced? Here are some other “scientific facts” I pulled from other sources:

• Chia seeds have thousands of years of safe historical human consumption.

• Chia seeds are 100% cholesterol free, and trans fat free.

• Chia seeds are not genetically modified (GMO).

• Chia seeds are one of the highest overall antioxidant containing foods.

• Chia seeds are gluten free, and can be eaten by people suffering from celiac disease.

• Chia seeds aid in increasing nutrient absorption and utilization.

• Chia seeds are a complete, whole and natural food, not a supplement.

• Chia seeds are a perfect digestive aid, creating better assimilation of food and excess stomach acids.

• Chia seeds are a dieters dream, fat replacement, food extender and create a full satiated feeling.

• Chia seeds encourage healthy and gentle bowel elimination