Ch Ch Ch Chia

Yesterday Erich and I were grocery shopping when we stumbled on a display in the Health Foods Section. It was for Chia...however not the cute little plant to grow. Apparently Chia seeds are an excellent food to eat. For centuries this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the south west and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. Some of the benefits that it claims:

• Slows the conversion of Carbohydrates to Sugars (by providing a physical barrier between the carbs and the enzymes that break them down.) This not only provides extended periods of energy, but it also helps stabilize metabolic changes. This is especially important for Diabetics.
• Chia seeds can absorb up to 12x their weight in water so they provide excellent hydration and stabilize your electrolytes so your body can absorb nutrients more efficiently.
• The seeds also absorb stomach acids which can prevent heartburn
• As a source of protein, it is absorbed quickly and can be utilized immediately by cells which is especially beneficial for children/adolescents, pregnant/lactating females, and athletes.
• The biggest benefit it boasts is an excellent source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids . It has 3-10x the amount found in most grains. I have been learning a lot about the Omega 3's in my nutrition class. There is evidence that it decreases the risk of autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, Rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, Coronary Heart disease, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Depression, & Dementia. Not only is this fatty acid essential (meaning we have to get it in our diet), most people are getting deficient amounts of it.
• Chia seeds contain long chain triglycerides in the right proportions to reduce cholesterol on the arterial walls
• Chia is a rich source of Calcium because it contains minerals that speed the absorption and utilization of Calcium.
• It can aid in healing a cut and preventing infection by placing a few seeds in the wound.
• It can also clean your eyes out.
  

It sounds like a wonder food! Chia seeds can be emulsified in water to create a gel that can be added to jellies, mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, cereal, yogurt, or as a substitute for oils in baking.
I think I might just have to go back and pick up some seeds!