Chia seeds: who are you and why must I love you so? By Jonathan Berman

Here's some quick info on chia seeds and why i love them

10 FACTS:

1 oz of these little things contains
As much omega-3 as 8oz of salmon
As much calcium as 8oz of milk
As much vitamin C as 2 oranges
As much iron as 1/3 cup of spinach
As much fiber as 1/3 cup of bran
As much potassium as half a banana
Complete protein 19-23% by weight
Absorbs 12x its weight in water to remain hydrated and prolong endurance.
Aid in muscle regeneration and digestion
Regulates blood sugar

PREPARATION:

16 oz of water for 1 tablespoon of seeds, close in airtight container, frigerate for 5 minutes,
and then shake for 15 seconds, do this twice, then fridge overnight, this shaking stops them from clumping,
by next day you get this cool chia gel where all the essential oils and nutrients are enriched and pulled into the water...
then add to smoothies, etc...

~*~

Organic Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are extremely high in Omega 3 and are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Chia seeds can be eaten raw as a dietary fiber and omega 3 supplement. The soaked seeds are gelatinous in texture and are used in gruels, porridges and puddings. Ground chia seed is used in baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits.

The Chia seeds are organic, raw, Non-GMO, non-irradiated, and produced in the wild without pesticides.

30% of Chia seed oil is Omega 3 oil. 10% of its oil is Omega 6 oil. This is the perfect balance of essential fatty acids.

Chia seeds are great for athletes because they are highly hydrophilic, meaning they can absorb large amounts of water. They can hold 10 times their weight in water making them a great enhancer in hydrating our bodies.

Studies show that eating chia seed slows down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars. This leads scientists to believe that the chia seed may have great benefits for diabetics.

The chia seed gels when becoming wet and this gel, when in our digestive systems, helps prevent some of the food, hence calories that we eat from getting absorbed into our system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes the chia seed a great diet helper. Eating the seeds also helps dieters by making them feel fuller faster so they will be less hungry.

You do not need to grind the Chia Seeds to digest it. It is a relatively easy to digest seed, whereas flax seeds are not. Often, one has to grind flax seeds to be able to process them in their digestive system. That is not the case with chia seeds.

Chia seeds can be eaten raw as a dietary fiber and omega 3 supplement. Chia seeds soaked in water or fruit juice are also often consumed and is known in Mexico as chia fresca. The soaked seeds are gelatinous in texture and are used in gruels, porridges and puddings. Ground chia seed is used in baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits.

[Source: Nuts Online]

Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to your daily

diet will give you approximately 7 grams of fiber,

4 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, and

5 grams of omega-3!
Chia
More Omega-3 than Atlantic Salmon

More Antioxidants than fresh blueberries

More Fiber than bran flakes

More Calcium than 2% milk

More Protein, Fiber & Calcium than flax seed

Top 5 Reasons to Eat Chia Seeds

1.Chia Seeds Are Nutritious

On top of the fact that chia seeds have more omega-3 than any

other natural source, they are loaded with antioxidants, calcium,

protein, fiber, and many other vitamins & minerals.

2.Chia Seeds Are Energizing

Not only do chia seeds give you a boost of energy that lasts,

they also provide stamina and endurance. A single tablespoon

could sustain Aztec warriors for an entire day.

3.Chia Seeds Reduce Cravings

Because chia seeds absorb so much water and have high soluble

fiber levels, they help release natural, unrefined carbohydrate

energy slowly into the bloodstream.

4.Chia Seeds Are Easily Digestible

Unlike flax seed, chia seeds do not have to be ground up before

you ingest them. The human body can easily digest chia seeds,

and with about 7 grams of fiber per serving, they actually help.

5.Chia Seeds Are Convenient & Versatile

You can eat chia seeds straight from the bag, mix them with your

favorite drink, add them to your cereal or salad, and just about

anything else. Chia seeds last for years so stock up now!

10 Of The Easiest Foods To Add Chia Seeds To:

Cereal
Yogurt
Salad
Muffin, Cookie, & Pancake Recipes
Cottage Cheese
Soup
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
Oatmeal
Salsa & Dips
Smoothies

Recipe from Jessica on Facebook

Chia Seed Milk

4 Tbsp Chia seeds
2 Tbsp Raw Unsalted Almonds

Soak in 3 cups of spring or purified water overnight/24 hours
Add 1 cup of water
2 Tbsp Tahini
2 Tbsp Honey (or 1-2 packets of Stevia)
Vanilla to taste

makes 36 oz... store for up to 2 weeks in frigerated.