Chia – The Champion Of Seeds

Chia pets were common when I was growing up. They were sold in stores everywhere and came in a little terra cotta pot, all you had to do was add water and it grew into the shape of an animal overnight. Now, chia has gained popularity again, but not just as a grassy green animal shaped plant. Chia seeds, readily available in gourmet grocery and health stores, are turning up in mainstream supermarkets too.

Chia is the champion of seeds. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds also contain antioxidants, fiber and protein. It requires very little processing and doesn’t turn rancid as quickly as other seeds. However, its nutritional values is greatly increased when it is milled before consumption rather than eaten whole.

Chia is gluten free and can be used in gluten-free breads and other foods. It’s also a great alternative to flax seeds, which many women find undesirable due to its taste. Chia seeds also offer a substitute for people with nut allergies as they provide just the right amount of crunch and nutty like texture.

When you add chia seeds to your fruit smoothie or cereal, they expand in your tummy to make you feel fuller longer. An old diet secret used in Mexico for many years, chia seeds will fill you up and keep you satisfied making them an excellent choice for anyone who is dieting to lose weight.

Super foods for your diet are those foods like chia seeds, which are nutrient packed and keep you feeling fuller longer. Foods that digest too quickly may be lower in calories, but if they don’t satisfy your hunger they aren’t much good when it comes to losing weight. Although you don’t need to feel stuffed, it is important to feel satiated after eating a meal. A sense of satisfaction should follow and sustain you for at least a couple of hours. As it becomes time for your next meal, your appetite should return making you feel hungry again.

Try adding chia seeds to yogurt, scrambled eggs (they’ll make them fluffier), vegetable dishes and your favorite smoothies. It’s a great way to get your antioxidants, daily fiber and protein with just about any meal.

One word of advice when eating chia seeds, it has been noted that as the seed swells, it absorbs excess liquids. You may need to drink more water or other low calorie beverage to avoid dehydration if that becomes an issue.