Chia seeds are an amazing superfood that contain numerous health and healing benefits.
Salvia hispanica, commonly known as chia, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. The word “chia” is derived from the Nahuatl word chian, meaning oily.
Chia seeds are a rich source of protein, vitamins E & B-complex and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, strontium, and iron.
They are higher in omega-3 fatty acids than any other food and are known to be particularly beneficial for chronic inflammation, heart disease, brain function, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
Chia seeds are a great “brain food” and they are known to help improve memory, sharpen focus and concentration skills, and reduce brain fog and forgetfulness.
Chia seeds are incredibly high in antioxidants and can help to prevent certain health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
They also contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties which makes them a good food for those who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiomyopathy, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic nerve pain.
Chia seeds are a fantastic food for diabetics since they help to stabilize and control blood sugar levels. They are also an excellent weight loss food due to their high fiber and protein content which can boost the metabolism and promote lean muscle mass.
Chia seeds are known to help soothe and cleanse the colon as well as absorb toxins while strengthening peristaltic action.
Chia seeds provides a great source of energy and can help you feel energized with sustaining energy all day long.
Consider preparing a chia pudding by stirring together 3 tablespoons of chia seeds and 14 oz coconut milk and allowing to sit overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, scoop the pudding into a bowl and top with fresh berries.
Chia seeds are easy to sprout to use in salads and on sandwiches.
It is a delicious and satisfying meal that will keep you energized and nourish all day long.
Chia seeds can be found online or at your local health food store.
During the 1980s in the United States, the first substantial wave of chia seed sales was tied to Chia Pets.
These “pets” come in the form of clay figures that serve as a base for a sticky paste of chia seeds; the figures then are watered and the seeds sprout into a form suggesting a fur covering for the figure.
About 500,000 chia pets a year are sold in the U.S. as novelties or house plants.
Growing
Chia seeds are tiny. Lightly ruffle an area of your weed-free garden with a rake or, simply loosen the earth with your fingers. Sprinkle a few seeds over the soil and rub gently to cover them.
Water the seeds daily, and within about a week you can expect to see chia sprouts. Chia plants grow to the size of a large bush or small tree.
If you grow herbs in small pots or tucked tightly together in an outdoor herb garden, you’ll need to find a new spot for chia. Chia grows taller than most herbs and takes up a lot of space, so give thought to where you’ll grow it.
Chia is not a ground-hugger like mint, and it will grow much taller than even the biggest parsley, sage, or rosemary plants. You need to provide sufficient space (and head room) for your chia to expand before it flowers.
Begin harvesting your chia as soon as most of the petals have fallen off the flower.
Give the heads time to dry in paper bags or on a drying rack. Expect at least some of the chia seeds will break free in the process. Do not hang the plants upside down in your shed as you could lose seeds.
Oh my…..A dog is dressed in a chia pet costume for a Halloween dog costume contest.
For more information:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/07/06/chia-seeds-benefits.aspx
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291334.php
http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-chia-seeds
Word of Caution:
Always research new foods before taking them. There is a right way and also a wrong way with most.... like this research….
Taking a spoonful of Dry Chia Seeds and chasing it with water can potentially block your esophagus, according to a patient case study from Carolinas HealthCare System. After one 39-year-old man swallowed a tablespoon of dry chia seeds and chased it with water, he experienced intense dysphagia, or difficulty of swallowing. It’s worth noting that the patient suffers from asthma and seasonal allergies and has a medical history that includes intermittent dysphagia to solids—but it worsened considerably after he consumed the chia seeds-water mixture. The blockage was so severe that the man had to seek medical treatment.
“When added to liquid, dry chia seeds immediately begin to form a hydrogel capsule, absorbing up to 27 times their weight in water,” write the study authors. The gel-like ball resulted in an esophageal obstruction that was hard to dislodge. Doctors tried various methods like using an endoscope and trying forceps, but it wouldn’t budge. Finally, they turned to a neonatal gastroscope and pushed pieces of the gel into the patient’s stomach until his esophagus was clear.
Could have been avoided?
Do your homework, it is your precious body, thank you!
