Salvia hispanica, commonly known as chia, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Even though chia seeds have become popular recently, they exist for over thousands of years. Interestingly, they were used as a currency due to their value.
The chia seeds are rich in proteins, antioxidants, diet fibers and omega fatty acids. These seeds have the mild aroma of a walnut and thanks to their ability to absorb liquids, they are perfect for hydration. In addition, they provide a sense of satiety that lasts long.
The Incas and the Mayas treated these seeds with a great respect. “Chia” actually means “strength” in Mayan. Thanks to its numerous nutrients, Chia seeds provide a lot of strength.
These seeds are a great source of healthy essential fatty acids. They actually contain eight times more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon does. Moreover, they are rich in omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants (only one gram of Chia seeds is even four times richer in antioxidants than fresh blueberries). They contain proteins as well, another very important compound for our health. According to many studies, the consumption of Chia seeds positively affects the health of the nails and the hair due to the fact that Chia contains a lot of antioxidants (20%).
Chia seeds are great source of the easiest digestible herbal proteins as well. They contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and diet fibers. They are excellent for skin regeneration, have a positive influence on your digestive system, strengthen your organism and burn fats.
According to many nutritionists, Chia seeds are one of the best things you can consume if you feel weak and without energy. It is so because they influence the work of your muscles and release the energy in your body. As a matter of fact, they are often used by sportists. Finally, these seeds contain 37% of nutritional fibers responsible for the work of the intestines.
A strict diet which is based on the consumption of these seeds is very good for the treatment of colon cancer as well as in the prevention of cancer.
As mentioned in the very beginning, Chia seeds have a superior ability of hydration, fibers and proteins that satisfy your organism for hours and provide a sense of satiety.
To sum up, these seeds positively affect the overall health. They decrease the appetite, fasten the work of the metabolism, and most importantly, they activate glycogen which is very important compound in burning fat.
How to Use the Chia Seeds?
There are various ways of incorporation these seeds in your daily diet. They have a great usage in preparing healthy snack or lunch. You can add them in the salad you normally make in order to increase the intake of proteins. They can be added in grains such as millet, brown rice, amaranth, quinoa by the end of cooking. Another way of using these seeds is as a replacement for bread crumbs in soups, mixture for frying fish or chicken and for meat balls.
When it comes to desserts, you can prepare a healthy chia seeds pudding. All you need to do is to mix the seeds with almond or coconut milk and add some of the following ingredients
- Cocoa
- Cranberries
- Walnuts
- Raspberries
- Coconut
- Grated apples
- Grinded almonds
- Blueberries
- Rose hip
- Grinded pistachios
You can prepare your own mix and leave in the fridge for 10 minutes together with the mixture.
However, these seeds will enrich your meal regardless which way you decide to use them.
