Discovery: Chia Seeds

The first time I heard chia seeds mentioned as valuable, edible food my first comment was, "You mean chia pet chia seeds?!?!" And that's just what it is. It's actually quite sad to think of these nutritional seeds going to waste on a ceramic figurine.

Chia seeds are known to be another kind of "super food".

Here are some of the reasons why:

* Chia seeds, being rich in unsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid have a high oil content and are the richest vegetable source for the essential omega-3 fatty acid. They have a good ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 oils. (Provides more omega oils than flaxseeds do.)

* Chia seeds are a rich source of calcium as it contains the important mineral boron, which acts as catalyst for the absorption and utilization of the calcium by the body.

* Chia seeds have a vast amount of vitamins and minerals. (Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin and zinc.)

* Chia seeds have some of the highest antioxidant activity among whole foods.

* They can be used to relieve joint pain and skin conditions.

* They can be stored for a long time and don't require grinding.

* They provide fiber.

So what are some ways we can integrate this super food into our diet?

Well, chia seeds can be mixed into yogurts, cereals, granola bars or granola. You can sprinkle it on cereals or salads. You can munch on them as a snack or grind them up and mix them with flours for breads, muffins or such.

There's a popular drink originating from Central America called Chia Fresca which is how we intermingle this food into our diet most often.

Here's the recipe:

Chia Fresca

2 tsps of seeds

8 oz of filtered water

1 tsp raw honey

1 squeeze of lime

Mix together by stirring with a spoon and drink.

Image taken from http://www.hidalgofoods.com/functional-foods-chia-seeds-c-1_3.html