Although you’ve just recently heard about them, they exist for over thousands of years.
Because of their value, the seeds were also used as a currency.
The Chia seeds (Latin: Salvia hispanica) contain omega fatty acids, proteins, antioxidants and diet fibers. It has the mild aroma of a walnut and because they absorb liquids, they’re ideal for hydration and the sense of satiety which will last for hours!
The Mayas and the Incas treated this small but nutritious seed with a great respect. Actually, “Chia” is a Mayan word which means “strength”. You will find a lot of strength in Chia seeds, which contain numerous nutrients.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of healthy essential fatty acids – it contains eight times more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon does!
Chia seeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants (only one gram
of Chia seeds is richer in antioxidants even four times more than fresh
blueberries) and proteins which are very important for your health.
Studies have shown that the consumption of Chia seeds also influences the health of your hair and nails because of the fact that Chia is a great source of proteins (20%).
Chia seeds are also a source of the easiest digestible herbal proteins. They are an excellent source of diet fibers, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Chia seeds are excellent for skin regeneration, but also burn fats, strengthen your organism and have a positive influence on your digestion organs.
Nutritionists agree that Chia seeds are one of the best that you can consume if you feel weak, without energy, because it influences the work of your muscles and releases the energy in your body so it’s also often used by sportists. These seeds also contain 37% of nutritional fibers which stimulate the work of your intestines.
A diet e.g. a strict nutrition based on the consumption of these seeds is great in the treatment of colon cancer, as well as in the prevention of cancer.
Chia seeds have a superior ability of hydration, proteins and fibers which will maintain the sense of satiety and satisfy your organism for hours.
The consumption of Chia seeds affects the decreasing of
appetite, fastens the work of your metabolism and activates glycogen,
which is very important in burning fats.
HOW DO WE USE THESE MAGICAL SEEDS?
The seeds can have an excellent usage when you prepare a healthy lunch or a snack.
Add them into your salad to increase the intake of proteins. Add Chia seeds into grains like brown rice, quinoa, amaranth or millet or in the end of cooking and stir well. You can also use them in soups, meat balls or as a mixture for frying chicken and fish – instead of bread crumbs.
As a dessert, you can prepare a chia seeds pudding.
Mix these seeds with coconut or almond milk and add some of these suggested ingredients: dry coconut, blueberries, walnuts, raspberries, grinded almonds, cocoa, grated apples, grinded pistachios, rose hip or cranberries.
Prepare your own mix which you will leave in the fridge for 10 minutes together with the mixture and remember:
No matter which way you decide to add Chia seeds into your meals, they will certainly enrich them.