Chia Seeds: A Modern Day Super Food
There has been resurgence in the popularity of chia over the last few years. But this time it’s not due to the fuzzy headed creatures it sprouted to amuse kids. This time chia has become known and used for the health benefits that were known as far back as the ancient Aztec warriors. The Aztecs carried these tiny seeds in their pouches for long distant journeys into battle for endurance and stamina.
Today with our fast-paced lives and the need for nutrient density, chia seeds give us a power-packed punch with just a small amount, and its super easy to incorporate into our daily diet. Today we’re going to talk about a few of the reasons that make chia seed our modern-day SUPER “Fast-Food.”
Chia seeds swell when soaked in water. This quality gives us a wealth of benefits including soluble and insoluble fiber which leads to:
- Better Digestion it keeps things moving and cleaned on the way down and out.
- Stabilized Blood Sugar slows down the rapid conversion of food to glucose.
- Healthier Heart
Inside of these seeds contain:
1. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) The Omega 3’s are helpful to:
- Boost our mood
- Help our brain and heart
- Decrease inflammation
2. CALCIUM and magnesium, boron, manganese and essential trace elements, rich in B vitamins and high in antioxidants.
Reasons these are helpful:
- Support healthy bones
- Helps with appetite control
- Protects from ill effects of aging including inflammation
Chia seeds are so easy to incorporate into any daily dietary regime. They are tasteless so will take on the flavor of what they are mixed with. Easy and simple ways to incorporate them into your diet are:
- Soak in water and keep in a glass jar in fridge them add a Tablespoon to smoothies
- Add to soups
- Sprinkle on salads
- Chia porridge: soak 2 T in coconut of almond milk for about 10 min. Stir well.
- Add favorite fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
Adding this amazing little seed into our diet is a fast yet effective way to get nutrient density as we become health “warriors” for ourselves and our kids!
Dotty Hagmier, BSN, RN, CHC
Founder and CEO of Moms In Charge
