Chia - Novelty or Nutritional Powerhouse?

When traveling abroad, I love the opportunity to experience new and different foods. While on a trip to Central America, I had the pleasure of partaking in a delicious and very unique drink that was prepared for me by my host family. The drink was made with Chia seeds. I happened to see Chia seeds last night in a Kroger grocery store. I was surprised and reminded of this wonderful little kernel.

 

Yes, the very same Chia seeds found in your Cha-Cha-Cha-Chia Pet!

 

My favorite has to be Chia Homer Simpson. (Homer did always want a full head of hair, right?)

It turns out the tiny Chia seed has many health benefits. My host that prepared the drink for me, suffered from high blood pressure and was borderline diabetic. She drank Chia seeds in an effort to lower her blood pressure and help her control her metabolism. Chia slows down how fast we convert carbohydrates into simple sugars. It's thought that Chia has great potential benefits for diabetics.

 

Additionally, the seeds help to control cravings, helping in weight loss. This tiny powerhouse absorbs 10 times its weight in water, providing a feeling of fullness and hydration - great for both dieters and athletes.

 

And if that wasn't enough, Chia is the richest plant source of Omega-3, that crazy fat that is good for you and helps fight heart disease. Chia contains more Omega-3 than salmon! Chia is easier to digest than flax seeds and can be eaten as-is. I love them sprinkled on salads.

 

The drink my host swore by is a Chia seed fruit drink - here's the recipe.

 

Chia Fresca

Ingredients:

 

• 1/4 Cup fresh lime or lemon juice (2 large limes or 1 large lemon)
• 1/4 - 1/2 Cup sugar or 1/4 to 1/3 Cup of Agave Nectar
• 1/4-1/3 Cup Chia Seeds
• 10 Cups Water

 

Preparation:

 

1. Add all ingredients to a pitcher or a sealable container.2. Wisk ingredients well in pitcher or shake sealed container well. Wisk or shake well again after 10 - 15 minutes.3. Chill for 30 minutes or more.

 

Note: It will last in refrigerator for about 5 days. 

 

You can find lots of recipes to enjoy Chia seeds - just search for Chia +recipes. Here's a few links you might enjoy-

 

Chia Seeds
Chia Seed Recipes
Quick and Easy Chia Seed Recipes
Superfood: 10 Delicious Chia Recipe Ideas