
Firstly, Chia seeds are so versatile and have been used for thousands of years for many different things! Chia was one of the main ingredients used by both the Mayans and the Aztecs, not only as a form of sustinance, but also as a component for making face and body paint. They would drink chia mixed with water, consume it as a grain, grind it to make flour, press it for oil and use it in medicines.
Our anicent ancestors were definately onto a good thing! Chia is dense in omega-3, high in dietary fibre, anitoxidants, protein and amino acids, as well as vitamins & minerals. So what does this all mean?
Dietary Fibre
Consuming someting high in dietary fibre is going to add bulk to your diet, make you feel full for longer and reduce your apetite.
Dietary fibre comes to us in two forms, soluble and insoluble in water - Chia seeds are both.
Soluble fibre will attract water and turn to gel during digestion, trapping carbohydrates, thus slowing the absorption of glucose. This in turn will assist in regulating blodd sugar levels, lower total and LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Insoluble fibre is what keeps you regular and can assist in alleviating constipation.
Omega-3
Omega-3 comes from the family of unsaturated fatty acids and the health benefits of consuming them has been documented for many years. Benefits of consuming omega-3 are lowered cholesterol & better artery function, which in turn will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer prevention; due to increased immune function, prevention of rheumatoid arthritis; due to the anti-inflammatory activity of omega-3 and lastly increased brain health. Omega-3 is said to aid in memory retention, as well as to assist with mood disorders, behavioural problems and depression.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants assist the body to maintain healthy cells. Oxidation occurs in the body due to the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that the body produces when it is exposed to radiation, tobacco, alcohol or when the body breaks down food. By consuming foods high in antioxidants, like chia, the oxidation process in the body is slowed down, which can reduce the risk of cancer and early ageing.
Vitamins & Minerals
Chia is also high in Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phospherous and Potassium. These vitamins and mineralsare key to keeping your teeth and bones strong, your heart and lungs healthy and your blood pressure down.
So, how should you consume chia?
Chia is great in drinks; throw some chia into your favourite smoothie, juice or water. You can sprinkle chia over salad or cereal and it's popular to use when baking bread or muffins.
Start enjoying the benefits of chia seed!