Chia Seeds – Old Remedy or New Trend?
What are Chia seeds? Seems like everyone is swearing by these tiny goodies, so what good are they? and where do they come from? Whatever it is, chia seeds have definitely infiltrated mainstream, and it’s not without a good reason. Because of their mild flavor and superb content of necessities, it’s not wonder many people around the world are becoming more and more interested in incorporating chia seeds into their every day life.They are also a quick pick me up, and could potentially replace caffeine in the diet.
Chia Seeds are Old Remedies
A long, long time ago, about 3500 BC, the Mayans and the Aztecs, consumed chia seeds on almost a daily basis. They put a lot of stock into them and were surprised at the stamina and energy these tiny black (or reddish, green or purpleish) seeds held. They often would grind them into flour, or add them to their regular dishes. It wasn’t until recently that many people realized that this long forgotten seed is useful and quite amazing. It didn’t take long before the chia seed craze was full-blown. For only about the last 30 years, chia seeds became more and more well known in the Western cultures.
What are it’s benefits?
Chia seeds are small and black, and some say their purple-ish, not much unlike a poppy seed.They contain Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidant qualities, fiber, calcium, can help in losing weight, energy booster, stamina enhancer, balances blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, improves brain performance, can help aid in sleep, aids in digestion, is an anti-inflammatory, supports heart health, promotes healthy hair and nails, curbs appetite, prolongs hydration, helps eliminate acid reflux, and many more. The Vitamins contained in the small chia seeds are-Calcium, Potassium, Zinc, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, thiamin, and niacin.
How do you prepare them?
The amazing thing about chia seeds is that they are amazingly versatile. You can put them in smoothies, on top of a prepared dish, or add them to your herbal teas. chia seeds may be small, but adding them to your regular diet, can promote a good and healthy heart, as well as an overall good feeling in the body. Some say chia seeds are great for if you are looking to tone muscles. Combine this with their appetite suppressant abilities, can make for a great addition to any weight loss regime. Adding them to either fruit or veggie smoothies is another way to ingest these beneficial seeds. Put one to two tablespoons in your smoothie and mix in. Making an herbal tea infusion is another way chia seeds can be beneficial. You can either use it with or alone in either a loose tea ball or regular tea bag. It is very mild, so adding it to any herb you are currently taking, should not pose any problems. Other common recipes that people commonly use chia seeds in, are puddings and yogurts, omelets, shakes, salad dressings, porridge, or eaten raw.They can be added to soups and stews and will act as a thickening agent. It doesn’t take much to add these to any dish, and because of their mild flavor, makes for an easy and greatly beneficial seed to consume on a daily basis. A very simple and delicious recipe using chia seeds, is this. Combine 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, 1/3 c. chia seeds and a few tablespoons of honey. Put all ingredients together in a jar with a lid. Give the jar a good shake, and let sit for a few hours, or put in the refrigerator overnight. The end result is almost an oatmeal, or a thick, gel-like pudding. It is simple and delicious and could make an excellent breakfast to start your day.
Do they help with my disease?
Because chia seeds are considered food, the side effects are low, if not almost non-existent. Unless, you are specifically allergic to chia seeds or any of it’s close relatives, the instance of any adverse side effect, is slim. Because they carry so many vital minerals and vitamins, and are antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory, it’s safe to say, chia seeds could be greatly beneficial to those suffering from diseases. Because your body would be receiving an extra immune system boost, your body would have the ability, and the chance, not only to heal, but to also repair itself. chia seeds are good for that because of the Omega 3 fatty acids they contain. It’s always a good and wise idea to start incorporating more vitamins and minerals in the diet when addressing any disease. chia seeds are an excellent choice for that. Another benefit of chia seeds, is an improvement of the health of bones and teeth. Those who have lowered immune systems, have type 2 diabetes, or other diseases in a deficiency of protein, are great candidates for those who should consider chia seeds.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES
