Posted by Renee Bouvier on 5/30/2017 to
Chia seeds have hit the market hardcore lately, moving
past the gimmicky Chia Pet and back into the spotlight as a true
superfood. Chia seeds actually got their name from the Mayan word for
strength, and were thought to have first been used by Aztecs and Mayans for
their ability to increase stamina and energy over long periods of time.
So what is the magic behind the chia seed?
For starters, chia is extremely rich in omega-3’s, and very high in omega’6’s. These essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important for new cell growth and regulation of many processes in the body, as well as heart health, and healthy hair, skin and nails. This also makes chia a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Fiber is extremely important for digestion, and also for heart health and good cholesterol levels (insoluble fiber). Chia seeds contain almost 11 grams of fiber per ounce, which equates to 42% of the RDA of fiber per serving. Chia seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Another great benefit here is that chia seeds are extremely absorbent and can absorb 9-12 times their weight in liquid. This yields benefits in hydration by allowing kind of a “time-release” of water. Chia also helps turn any fast-burning food into a slow-burning food, thus lowering the glycemic response and providing more long-term energy and a more balanced appetite.
Amazingly, chia seeds are antioxidant powerhouses, containing more antioxidants than even Acai and blueberry! Antioxidants are touted for their role in protecting cells against free radical damage, and are important in the prevention (and even reversal) of cancer and heart disease.
Be aware of where your chia seeds are coming from! Many sources say that chia is not a target of pests and therefore not sprayed with any pesticides. We have, however, spoken with our suppliers and growers and have learned that chia is very widely treated by specific chemicals during normal processing, and should only be consumed when grown organically. Our chia seeds are certified organic and heirloom quality, making them a pristine superfood with the greatest nutrient profile as intended by nature.
For starters, chia is extremely rich in omega-3’s, and very high in omega’6’s. These essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important for new cell growth and regulation of many processes in the body, as well as heart health, and healthy hair, skin and nails. This also makes chia a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Fiber is extremely important for digestion, and also for heart health and good cholesterol levels (insoluble fiber). Chia seeds contain almost 11 grams of fiber per ounce, which equates to 42% of the RDA of fiber per serving. Chia seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Another great benefit here is that chia seeds are extremely absorbent and can absorb 9-12 times their weight in liquid. This yields benefits in hydration by allowing kind of a “time-release” of water. Chia also helps turn any fast-burning food into a slow-burning food, thus lowering the glycemic response and providing more long-term energy and a more balanced appetite.
Amazingly, chia seeds are antioxidant powerhouses, containing more antioxidants than even Acai and blueberry! Antioxidants are touted for their role in protecting cells against free radical damage, and are important in the prevention (and even reversal) of cancer and heart disease.
Be aware of where your chia seeds are coming from! Many sources say that chia is not a target of pests and therefore not sprayed with any pesticides. We have, however, spoken with our suppliers and growers and have learned that chia is very widely treated by specific chemicals during normal processing, and should only be consumed when grown organically. Our chia seeds are certified organic and heirloom quality, making them a pristine superfood with the greatest nutrient profile as intended by nature.