Ch Ch Ch Ch Chia – They’re not Just Pets Anymore!

Chia seeds are small black and sometimes white seeds from the mint family.  They are native to Mexico and Guatemala. 

You may remember chia from the 1970s when chia pets were all the rage  - terra cotta figurines in the shapes of animals used to sprout chia, and the resulting sprouts looked like animal fur.  The television commercial went “Ch Ch Ch Ch Chiiiaaa”.  Recently chia has come back in fashion but this time as a food, for its health benefits.

Chia seeds have been eaten by man for thousands of years and were once a staple of the diets of the Incas, the Mayans and the Aztecs.  The seeds were eaten as energy food, especially for their running messengers, who would carry a small pouch of it with them.

Chia’s health benefits are numerous.  First they are high in the essential fatty acid, Omega-3.  Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body, which is the start of all disease, and, thus, lower our risk of chronic illnesses.  They also improve brain memory and performance.  Chia seeds are one of the best non-animal sources of Omega 3s.  These wonder seeds are also full of antioxidants, substances that can counteract the effects of free radicals, highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons.  If not held in check, free radicals can damage cells, proteins, and DNA (genetic material). As we age and our cells age we have more and more free radicals in our bodies that need to be neutralized by antioxidants.

Chia seeds are also very rich in essential minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. And chia is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the amino acids essential to humans and is comparable in protein quality to beef.  Chia also has strong hydrophilic properties which means that it can hold 9-10x its weight in water.  When it is soaked in a liquid it bulks up and forms a gelatinous type substance.  This substance acts like a broom, moving throughout our digestive tract where it dislodges accumulated waste and toxins and moves them out.  Many people find that their digestion becomes more regular once they eat chia.

This bulking up of the seeds also provides satiety more quickly so that you feel full faster and keep this feeling longer.  Chia seeds can augment a weight loss program as when the seeds are incorporated in a meal portion sizes can be smaller, as you will feel full faster. 

You can now find chia seeds in many grocery stores.  If you aren’t familiar with them I hope you will give them a try.  Here are two simple and delicious recipes.

Chia Fresca
2 tsp chia seeds
10oz pure water
juice of one lemon or lime
agave syrup or raw honey to taste

This is still a popular drink in modern-day Mexico. Simply stir the ingredients together and enjoy.

Chia Pudding
4-5 tbsp chia seed
2 cups almond milk
raw honey or agave syrup to taste

Combine the ingredients and let it soak overnight.  Feel free to add flavors such as vanilla, cinnamon or cardamom.

Enjoy!

Martha Rebour is a Certified Nutritional Consultant and a member of The American Association of Nutritional Consultants. She is also a Certified Health Coach by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.