Chia SeedsChia seeds are traditional food from Mexico and South America and were used by the Aztecs and Mayans. They are called "Indian runners food", because runners thrived while eating only chi seeds when running long distances. The seeds gave them strength, endurance and all the nutrition they needed.
Chia was lost for about 500 years, after the Native people were conquered by the Spaniards. They were rediscovered by Dr. Wayne Coates, a professor at the University of Arizona. Dr Coates is a chia expert who wrote the book, along with Ricardo Ayerza, Chia, Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztecs. Today the seeds ar grown in Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala and Australia. Dr Menet Oz calls chia a superfood, and Dr. Andrew Weil recommends it. We will see more of the chia in the future; I think it will be added to energy bars soon, like spirulina is. You might find the seeds at a natural grocer. I found some at Whole Foods Market. You can also buy them from Amazon, where you can check out reviews and view different size bags for sale. Nutrition of Chia Seeds-- The highest plant source of Omega 3 fats, more than Flax seeds--Good source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble --High in antioxidants, which prevent the oils in chia seeds from going rancid --Contains 19-23% protein, more than most grains --Contains iron and magnesium --Has a good balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids. The chia ratio is 3:1 of Omega 3 to Omega 6 --Is gluten free and easy to digest --Stays fresh longer than flax seeds --Contains hydrophillic colloids that keep you hydrated. This website, Nutivas, sells high quality chia seeds. I love chia in a pudding dessert with fruit juice.
The Health Benefits of Chia Seeds--Gives energy with a blend of protein, essential fats, antioxidants, minerals, and complex carbs.--Improves heart health with Omega 3 fats and soluble fiber --Stabilizes blood sugar; good for hypoglycemia and diabetes --Helps with weight loss --Reduces sweet cravings --Helps digestion and regularity --Improves mental focus due to essential fatty acids content --Lowers the level of fats in the blood --Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails --Lowers cholesterol Wow! Chia is certainly worth trying out in the natural foods kitchen.
In the KitchenI bought my chia seeds from Whole foods. They are tan colored and tiny, smaller than flax or sesame seeds. The seeds are almost tasteless but have a slight nutty flavor. You can eat them with a spoon, or add chia to anything: grain dishes, smoothies, salads, puddings, salad dressing. You can also grind the seeds in a nut grinder to add to smoothies.When you soak the seeds in liquid, it makes a gel. Some folks like making the gel ahead of time and keeping it in the frig to add to a smoothie or sauce. I made the gel by using 1 tbsp chia to 1/2 cup in a drinking glass and kept in my frig. It gels up after about 10 to 30 minutes. The gel will last 2 weeks in the frig. You can add the gel to your smoothie, soups or puddings. Also, I tried toasting them in a pan, and the taste is still bland, not much change.
In Mexico, chia soaked in water or fruit juice is known as chia fresca or agua fresca (fresh water). Here's my versions: Blueberry Fresca Makes 2 cups 1 cup apple juice 2 Tbsp ground chia 1 cup water 2 cups blueberries, frozen combine all in a blender and mix it up. Let fresca sit for 10 minutes to thicken. You can add in nuts, almond butter or yogurt, if you want for a thicker smoothie.
Lemon Fresca 1 packet sweet leaf stevia (1/2 tsp stevia powder) juice of 1/2 lemon 1 cup water 2 tbsp chia gel, or 1 tbsp ground chia Place all in blender, blend up and it's ready. This makes a creamy lemonade. Apple Aqua Fresca 1 Tbsp ground chia seeds 1 cup apple juice 1/2 tsp cinnamon Blend in blender, let sit 10 minutes to gel. Chia seeds are versatile. You can use them anywhere you would use flax or sesame seeds. Have fun making your own creations! Return to Home Page Learn more about healthy fats here. |
