The Many Chia Seed Benefits You Need To Not Know About

Chia Seed benefits you should know about + Recipes

Chia seed benefits are many.  These Chia seeds are truly amazing and an ancient superfood. They are full of energy and give us power. Chia seeds are a source of protein, calcium, and many other minerals. They are gluten-free and good for our gut.

Chia seeds are inexpensive, and there are a lot of recipes to use them. Below you can read the whole story about these amazing seeds’ use and unbelievable benefits. Get some recipes as well here.

The Many Chia Seed Benefits You Need To Not Know About

What is Chia Seed?

by Angela Stokes

Chia seed is an ancient superfood that is currently experiencing a glorious renaissance. It is a member of the sage family (Salvia Hispanica). The little black and white seeds were once a staple of the Incan, Mayan, and Aztec cultures, along with the Native Americans of the southwest.

“Chia” is actually the Mayan word for strength. The seeds were used by these ancient cultures as mega-energy food, especially for their running messengers, who would carry a small pouch of it with them. Chia has been called ‘Indian Running Food’ and gives an incredibly ‘sustaining’ surge of energy. I’ve definitely noticed for myself the ‘running energy’ that chia seems to impart. If I eat chia, then run later that day, my endurance and ability to run further are greatly enhanced – pretty impressive stuff… ?

NEED A BOOST TO HELP YOUR STAMINA?

Why would you want to eat Chia?

Chia seeds have:

• 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain
• 5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that
  helps transfer calcium into your bones
• 2 times the amount of potassium as bananas
• 3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries
• 3 times more iron than spinach
• copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids…

They are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form. They are also a fabulous source of soluble fiber.

Like flax, chia is highly ‘hydrophilic‘ – the seeds absorb water and create a mucilaginous gel. They can hold 9-12 times their weight in water and absorb it very rapidly – in under 10 minutes.

Antioxidants

One advantage of chia is that because it has such a high antioxidant content, the seeds stay stable for much longer, whereas flax, for example, may turn rancid. Chia seeds you can easily store dry for 4-5 years without deterioration in flavour, odour or nutritional value. You can substitute chia in any recipe that calls for flax.

Mild Taste

The taste of chia is very mild and pleasant. That means you can easily combine it with other foods without changing the taste dramatically. People add chia to their sauces, bread batters, puddings, smoothies, and more. The flavour is retained, plus masses more nutrition is added.

The ‘Dieter’s Dream Food’

Chia is a dieter’s dream food because when added to foods, it bulks them up, displacing calories and fat without diluting the flavour. Thus, someone can eat a typical serving yet only consume about half the calories they might have eaten because the food has been bulked up with chia. PLUS, the eater gets a bellyful of nutrient-rich superfood goodness, which hydrates and sustains them – magic?

What are some other Chia seed benefits?

• Provides energy
• Boosts strength
• Bolsters endurance
• Levels blood sugar
• Induces weight loss
• Aids intestinal regularity

Sugar Absorption

Chia slows the impact of sugars on the system if eaten together. Chia gel creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, which slows the conversion of carbs into sugar. That means the energy from the food is released steadily, resulting in more endurance. This is clearly of great benefit to diabetics in particular. Does it also mean that I can combine chia with super-sweet tastes like apple juice and not get super-spiked?

Absorb and Retain Water

Due to the exceptional water-absorption quality of chia, it can help you prolong hydration and retain electrolytes, especially during exertion.

Easy to Digest

Whole, water-soaked chia seeds are easily digested and absorbed. Their tiny dinosaur-egg-like shells break down quickly. They feel light in the body, yet energizing. Their nutrients can be quickly assimilated into the body.

Intestinal Broom

Chia seeds bulk up, then work like an incredible digestive broom, sweeping through your intestinal tract, helping to dislodge and eliminate old accumulated waste in the intestines. Many people find their stools also become more regular once they eat chia.

Versatile

You can use Chia in so many kinds of recipes – savory, sweet – it works with anything. Also, you might want to try them in salad dressings, cookie mixtures, smoothies, crackers, ice creams, juices, and so on.

Gluten-Free

Chia seed protein contains no gluten. This makes it ideal for anyone with gluten sensitivity or simply wanting to find a replacement for gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, rye, and oats.

Recipes with Chia Seeds

Raspberry Hibiscus Chia Pudding

Craving something refreshing and fruity? This Raspberry Hibiscus Chia Pudding is delightfully light and packed with flavor. It’s made with hibiscus tea, a brightly pigmented tropical flower with many benefits, including lowering high blood pressure, decreasing inflammation, acting as a natural diuretic, aiding digestion, relieving menstrual pain, and boosting metabolism, and helping with weight loss. […]

Gluten Free Chia Bircher Muesli

This Gluten-Free Chia Bircher Muesli is will make an amazing addition to your breakfast menu. It is full of healthy ingredients, is really easy to make, and tastes delicious. If you’re looking to add more plant-based protein or fiber to your mornings, this recipe gives you a delicious option – chia is […]

Raw Vegan Caesar Salad Recipe

A raw vegan Caesar salad recipe that will make you love dairy-free, oil-free salads. This recipe uses chia seeds to thicken it, not gunky emulsifiers and thickeners often found in processed, store-bought stuff. Chia is such an easy, omega-3-rich way to make your salad dressing stick to your salad greens. Which is always […]

Super Power Chia Bread [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

This super-powered crisp bread is perfect for snacking or light lunches when you pair it with hummus. Made from an awesome blend of nutrient-packed seeds and oats, this crisp bread is great for when you’re on the go or craving a healthier snack. You can make it thin and crispy, like a cracker, or denser, like bread.

Vegan chia recipes that are not pudding

Vegan Thai Fishcakes

Not all Thai curry paste is vegan. It’s always worth checking the label because some brands will include shrimp paste and other unwanted ingredients.

Sweet and Spicy Golden Chia Pizza by Bo’s Kitchen

That’s the neat thing about a gluten-free pizza crust; it can be very quick to make. No kneading either!  This crust is thin and crisp, and you can slice it. The sauce is sweet, spicy, and slightly sticky. It’s a simple recipe. I’d love to know if you give it a go. Just grab some gram flour and chia seeds, and we’re halfway to pizza time..

Which medical conditions can Chia help relieve or support?

Chia is beneficial for a vast range of issues, for example:

• weight loss/balance
• thyroid conditions
• hypoglycemia
• diabetes
• IBS
• celiac disease
• acid reflux
• lowering cholesterol

Ancient Remedy

In the traditional cultures that consumed chia, like the Aztecs, chia was also regarded as a medicine. It was used in myriad ways – from cleaning the eyes to helping heal wounds, topically, to relieving joint pain, and so on. It was considered extremely valuable for healing.

Acid Reflux

One woman we know uses chia therapeutically to manage her acid reflux. Because of the highly absorbent properties of chia, she can swallow a Tbsp of dry seeds with just a little water, and they go into her stomach and absorb the excess acid. She makes sure to drink a glass of water a few minutes later, as the seeds are so hydrophilic that if they do not find enough to absorb in the stomach, they will draw from the tissues instead. By allowing the seeds to absorb the acid first and then drinking some more water, our friend can very simply, effectively, and cheaply handle her condition. 🙂

Regeneration

Chia aids the rapid development of tissue due to its incredible nutrient profile and easy assimilation. It can be very beneficial for those healing from injuries, people like bodybuilders who are always re-forming tissues, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Read more about Nutritional facts and health benefits.