What Are Chia Seeds And How Do They Contribute To Health?
Chia seeds are the very seeds used in the famous Chia Pet, however, they also have superior nutritional and medicinal value, and at one point in history were even used as a form of currency.
In history, they have also been used as an endurance food, supplying plenty of energy for long runs or hunts.
Today they are a staple among raw foodists and other conscious eaters.
Possible Benefits For Diabetics When mixing the seeds with water, much like flax seeds, after some time, a gel-like substance forms (called chia gel).
It is suggested that when consumed this gel-like substance creates a barrier between carbohydrates and their corresponding digestive enzymes, consequently slowing the conversion into sugar.
This also contributes to this being an "endurance" food as mentioned above, as it creates a steady stream of "fuel" for our bodies.
How Can Chia Seeds Contribute To Health? These seeds are digested and assimilated very easily, which makes the nutrition readily available to the body.
Being a source of protein, for example, make chia favorable in situations where tissues require rapid development or regeneration.
This occurs during regular growth periods, during pregnancy and lactation, and after any muscle conditioning by athletes and bodybuilders.
Chia seeds are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, the "good" fats, particularly ALA (alpha-linoleic acid).
These fats help your body abosorb fat soluble vitamins, as well as potentially provide relief for arthritis.
Unsaturated fatty acids are also essential for normal adrenal and thyroid glandular activity, among many other health benefits.
Incorporating Chia Into The Diet Chia can be added to plenty of foods and recipes.
They can be sprinkled onto yogurts, salads, cereals, etc.
When soaked, chia seeds can absorb 9-10 times their weight in water.
This allows the resulting chia gel to replace some undesirable ingredients in foods, often without compromising flavour, and sometimes even enhancing flavour.
For vegans, or, converting vegans, chia gel offers a great egg replacement in recipes.
Simply mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for about 10-15 minutes.
An egg can replaced with about 1/4 cup of hydrated chia seeds.
In history, they have also been used as an endurance food, supplying plenty of energy for long runs or hunts.
Today they are a staple among raw foodists and other conscious eaters.
Possible Benefits For Diabetics When mixing the seeds with water, much like flax seeds, after some time, a gel-like substance forms (called chia gel).
It is suggested that when consumed this gel-like substance creates a barrier between carbohydrates and their corresponding digestive enzymes, consequently slowing the conversion into sugar.
This also contributes to this being an "endurance" food as mentioned above, as it creates a steady stream of "fuel" for our bodies.
How Can Chia Seeds Contribute To Health? These seeds are digested and assimilated very easily, which makes the nutrition readily available to the body.
Being a source of protein, for example, make chia favorable in situations where tissues require rapid development or regeneration.
This occurs during regular growth periods, during pregnancy and lactation, and after any muscle conditioning by athletes and bodybuilders.
Chia seeds are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, the "good" fats, particularly ALA (alpha-linoleic acid).
These fats help your body abosorb fat soluble vitamins, as well as potentially provide relief for arthritis.
Unsaturated fatty acids are also essential for normal adrenal and thyroid glandular activity, among many other health benefits.
Incorporating Chia Into The Diet Chia can be added to plenty of foods and recipes.
They can be sprinkled onto yogurts, salads, cereals, etc.
When soaked, chia seeds can absorb 9-10 times their weight in water.
This allows the resulting chia gel to replace some undesirable ingredients in foods, often without compromising flavour, and sometimes even enhancing flavour.
For vegans, or, converting vegans, chia gel offers a great egg replacement in recipes.
Simply mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for about 10-15 minutes.
An egg can replaced with about 1/4 cup of hydrated chia seeds.
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