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The Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a powerhouse full of nutrition. They are derived from a desert plant called Salvia hispanica, which is a part of the mint family. It is predominately found in Southern Mexico. The Aztec and Mayans were accustomed to including it in their diet. In fact, the Aztec warriors used it essentially as their survival ration. It is believed that one tablespoon was able to sustain the Aztec warrior for an entire day. They also used it as medication to alleviate joint pain, sores and to stimulate the flow of saliva.
Dieters love the Chia Seed; not only as a weight loss ingredient, but also to optimize their health. The small seeds have a gel-like action when water is added; so when they are consumed; it makes you feel full for longer periods. They do not have any calories to be concerned about because the gel that is formed contains only water. They help you to avoid overeating.
Chia seed is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants; much more so than flax seeds are. They provide the body with a lot of fiber and other nutrients that the body requires to stay healthy such as magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, protein, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium.
Chia seed has a very mild, nut-like taste. Therefore, you can mix it with water, lime and sugar; and add ice to make a refreshing drink. Whether you grind it or not, you can sprinkle it on cereal, yogurt or even your salad. You can put it in smoothies and baked goods to make a tasty muffin or cake. You can eat it by itself as a snack when it is whole. The gel in the chia seed can be a great substitute for butter in many recipes.
If you want to balance your blood sugar level, then this seed is perfect. It will optimize your health and give you the increased energy that you need to get through your day. This tiny seed helps to balance your blood sugar and prevent diabetes. The gel-like action of this seed as well as its distinctive combined soluble and insoluble fiber helps to slow down how the body converts starch to sugar. If you include chia in your meal, it will help turn the food into energy.
With it, you can prevent Diverticulitis and maintain regularity because of its fiber benefit. Like blueberries and other exotic fruits, chia seed also has an antioxidant/anti-aging effect. It is also packed with the essential minerals and vitamins that you need so you no longer have to crave for specific foods. For example, if your body is low on calcium, you will crave certain foods like ice cream and cheese. With chia seed, your body will be receiving sufficient calcium to avoid this.
Other nutritional and health benefits of Chia seed are:
- Excellent for weight loss!
- Boosts endurance
- Protects and maintains a healthy heart
- Rheumatoid Arthritis relief
- Reduction of Menopausal Symptoms
- Stronger bones, hair, and nails
- Increased mental health
- Prenatal health
- Healthy prostate
- Loaded with protein
Here are some statistics about Chia seed that are quite astonishing but true:
- It has 700% more Omega 3 fatty acid than Wild Salmon does
- It has 500% calcium than whole milk does
- It has 1400% more magnesium than broccoli does
- It has 200% more iron than Spinach does
- It has 100% more potassium than banana does
- It has 100% more fiber than bran flakes does
- It has 800% more phosphorus than whole milk does
- It has 300% more selenium than flax seed does
If you are looking for a higher level of health and nutrition; to reach your weight loss goal, or to have more energy and to ward off disease and illnesses, then Chia seeds are the best solution.
You should try to eat at least one tablespoon per day, but 3-4 times a day is ideal. They have almost no taste at all, so eating them is easy! Try this simple recipe, put 2 tablespoons is a large glass of water with a little honey for flavor (or put it in vanilla rice milk), wait 2 minutes, they'll start to swell up and gel. Then give it a quick stir, drink it down and say ahhhh. You'll now have enough energy to face the day.
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Great in Healty Baking Too! 
