Cha, cha, cha...chia!
Bite This: Chia seeds are a major food crop of the indigenous people including the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas. They were so highly regarded, they were once used as currency.
Have you ever tried chia seeds? Maybe not, but have you ever had a chia pet?
My husband and I thought it would be a great idea to start incorporating chia seeds into our daily fare. So far we have done a pretty good job - I incorporate them into my oatmeal every morning and on Saturday I made my husband French toast coated with chia seeds. The great thing about these little seeds is that they have very little flavor, but a whole lot of healthy components! What are these health benefits?
1. Fiber- in one tablespoon, these seeds contain ~ 15% of your daily fiber intake. Fiber helps keep your GI system regulated, as well as help keep your cholesterol in check.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids - Chia seeds contain these essential fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation and lower your cholesterol.
3. Protein - the protein in chia seeds is a complete protein which helps muscle repair after exercise. One tablespoon contains 2 grams of protein.
4. Calcium - Chia seeds contain 68 mg of calcium in 1 tablespoon.
5. Potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, B-vitamins, Vitamin C - Chia seeds contain all of these nutrients as well as an abundant amount of phytochemicals and antioxidants! Great for vegetarians who may be lacking in protein, iron and zinc. They may also be good for athletes because of the B-vitamins providing energy and potassium. If made in liquid form, they also keep athletes hydrated.
Chia seeds are definitely versatile and are an easy way to help improve your nutrition. They add so many nutrients in so few calories, there is no reason not to eat these super seeds.
Sound Bite: Try some chia seeds this week. You can buy them at Whole Foods or near the Flaxseeds at the grocery store. Add some to yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, baked breads, tofu, etc.
There are plenty of ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet.
Have you ever tried chia seeds? Maybe not, but have you ever had a chia pet?
My husband and I thought it would be a great idea to start incorporating chia seeds into our daily fare. So far we have done a pretty good job - I incorporate them into my oatmeal every morning and on Saturday I made my husband French toast coated with chia seeds. The great thing about these little seeds is that they have very little flavor, but a whole lot of healthy components! What are these health benefits?
2. Omega-3 fatty acids - Chia seeds contain these essential fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation and lower your cholesterol.
3. Protein - the protein in chia seeds is a complete protein which helps muscle repair after exercise. One tablespoon contains 2 grams of protein.
4. Calcium - Chia seeds contain 68 mg of calcium in 1 tablespoon.
5. Potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, B-vitamins, Vitamin C - Chia seeds contain all of these nutrients as well as an abundant amount of phytochemicals and antioxidants! Great for vegetarians who may be lacking in protein, iron and zinc. They may also be good for athletes because of the B-vitamins providing energy and potassium. If made in liquid form, they also keep athletes hydrated.
Chia seeds are definitely versatile and are an easy way to help improve your nutrition. They add so many nutrients in so few calories, there is no reason not to eat these super seeds.
Sound Bite: Try some chia seeds this week. You can buy them at Whole Foods or near the Flaxseeds at the grocery store. Add some to yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, baked breads, tofu, etc.
There are plenty of ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet.
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