How to Use Chia Seeds for Health

Chia seeds are grown from the salvia hispanica plant, which was first discovered thousands of years ago by the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations of Central and South America. The Chia (Salvia hispanica) is part of the mint family.

It served as the power food of the ancient Aztec’s. The Aztecs ate the seeds to improve their endurance. They called it their "running food" because messengers could run all day on just a handful. The Aztecs honored this seed more highly than gold and they even used it as medicine.

These amazing seeds have more antioxidants than blueberries or cranberries and they have a significant source of protein. They contain more Omega 3 and Omega 6 than salmon or flax seeds and they are loaded with Iron. Chia seeds more fiber than whole wheat pasta, black beans, and most food you can find! Is it any wonder why the Chia Seed is rapidly being recognized as a Superfood? It’s clear to me.

Chia seeds are known to expand 9 times their size into a gel like substance. This can help release carbohydrates slowly, helping to regulate blood sugar. It’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars.

This new Superfood has been proven to assist with preventing diabetes type 2 and help those who already have diabetes maintain good health and control. Adding Chia Seeds has been proven to work really well when combined with a sensible diet and any necessary medications.

There is no research to suggest that consuming Chia Seeds can replace any diet or medication prescribed by a doctor . Please consult your physician before making any drastic dietary changes.

There are other benefits to the chia seeds expanding 9 times their original size when mixed with liquid.

1) The seeds help by making you feel fuller faster and less hungry

2) The blockage of calorie absorption makes the chia seed a great diet helper

3) They absorb the water we drink holding it in our system longer so it’s extremely effective for hydration. Our bodies will frequently send out hunger signals when we are dehydrated in an attempt to get liquid.
4) When used in recipes or sprinkled on top of a meal, they will turn your food into a constant, steady source of energy so there won’t be any sugar spikes and mood swings.

Antioxidants include flavonol aglycones: quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin; and flavonol glycosides: chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid

Benefits ;

Antioxidants significantly boost energy and they have fatigue-fighting properties. They could protect against a host of chronic diseases like ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, lung cancer, prostate cancer, asthma, and type 2 diabetes. The most common known benefit of antioxidants is that they help the flow of bile, thus reducing bile stagnation and promoting liver and gallbladder health,

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient that the body cannot make itself.

It has been shown that omega-3s are better absorbed from food than supplements.

Omega- 3 has been proven to help with depression, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, lack of concentrate, and joint pain.

In partnership with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function and growth and development. They also help stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system.

There should be a balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The ratio should be in the range of 2:1 - 4:1, omega-6 to omega-3

Iron helps carry oxygen into the blood.

Deficiencies in Iron have been associated with ailments such as anemia, period problems, fatigue, and even concentration.

Fiber isn't digested by your body. It passes relatively intact through your stomach, small intestine, colon and out of your body.

Some of Fiber’s invaluable benefits include lowering blood cholesterol levels, it helps control blood sugar levels, and of course it can prevent or relieve constipation.

Proteins are the building blocks of any living organism.

Protein is essential for body development, replenishing lost blood, healing wounds, hair and nail growth, and supports our nervous and immunity systems.