Organic Chia Seeds

 

Chia is familiar to most of us as a seed used for the novelty of the Chia Pet™, clay animals with sprouted Chia seeds covering their bodies. Little is known, however, of the seeds tremendous nutritional value and medicinal properties. For centuries, this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the southwest and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high-energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the southwest would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.

Chia Seeds Now Considered A Super Food

Because the question of what might be the optimum diet can, at times, be emotionally charged for many people, having had a significant emotional commitment in believing they know what’s best, here’s a “super” food that many agree on. It is known as the Chia Seed. Once valued so much that it was used as currency, this unique little seed has exceptional nutritive and structural benefits.

How Do Chia Seed Benefit Your Health?

Chia is an evidence-based registered variety of Salvia hispanica L. and is nutritionally superior to flax and soy. Chia is the richest non-marine whole food source of Omega-3 and dietary fiber currently known to man.

• Promotes Cardiovascular Health:
  According to the American Heart Association, Omega-3 fatty acids can normalize blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels, while helping promote healthy heart and blood vessels.
• Assists Joint Function & Mobility:
  With six times more calcium than milk, and with greater amounts of high-quality protein than the one found in soy, Chia also helps strengthen muscles and bones.
• Improves Digestion & Natural Detoxification:
  Chia can absorb a whopping 12+ times its weight in water – flax seed only absorbs 6-8 times its weight. Chia´s insoluble fiber reduces digestive transit time and removes toxins as it passes through the digestive tract.
• Supports Healthy Weight Loss:
  Chia´s high fiber content and its ability to reduce blood sugar levels after meals inhibits the appetite, thus making it the perfect food for healthy, effective weight loss. Thanks to its neutral flavor and color, Chia integrates seamlessly into any healthy recipe.

 

Organic Chia Seeds

 

Chia Seeds Health Benefits Include:

• Contain the highest plant source of Omega-3 on the planet!
• FDA Approved.
• Heart Health
• Mental Health
• Digestive Health
• Great for Diabetics
• Effective for Treating Hypoglycemia.
• Chia Seeds contain more Antioxidants than blueberries.
• Chia Seeds are a complete protein with all 9 amino-acids.
• Chia Seeds are an excellent source of Calcium, Magnesium & Iron.
• Chia Seeds are 100% natural and raw.
• Most Chia Seeds are Kosher, NON-GMO & GLUTEN-FREE, look for Organic Chia Seeds from your supplier.

Chia Seeds are an effective aid to healthy weight loss.  The fiber rich chia seeds and slowly metabolized carbs can help to curb the appetite and has been shown to help lose weight when included with a balanced and healthy diet.

Nutritional Benefits of Chia Gel:

If you try mixing a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leaving it for approximately 30 minutes or so, when you return, the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Researchers believe this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.

In addition to the obvious benefits for diabetics, this slowing in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar offers the ability for creating endurance. Carbohydrates are the fuel for energy in our bodies. Prolonging their conversion into sugar stabilizes metabolic changes, diminishing the surges of highs and lows creating a longer duration in their fueling effects.

One of the exceptional qualities of the Chia seed is its hydrophilic properties, having the ability to absorb more than 12 times its weight in water. Its ability to hold on to water offers the ability to prolong hydration. Fluids and electrolytes provide the environment that supports the life of all the body’s cells. Their concentration and composition are regulated to remain as constant as possible. With Chia seeds, you retain moisture; regulate more efficiently the body’s absorption of nutrients and body fluids. Because there is a greater efficiency in the utilization of body fluids, the electrolyte balance is maintained.

Example: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances occur when large amounts of fluids are lost resulting from vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, or more commonly from sweating. The loss of extracellular fluid occurs in these conditions. Intercellular fluid then shifts out of cells to compensate, causing abnormal distribution of electrolytes across cell membranes resulting in cellular malfunction. So, retaining and efficiently utilizing body fluids maintains the integrity of extracellular fluids, protecting intercellular fluid balance. The results of which ensure normal electrolyte dispersion across cell membranes (electrolyte balance), maintaining fluid balances, resulting in normal cellular function.

Why?

Hydrophilic Colloids for All Living Cells
Chia seeds are the definitive hydrophilic colloid for the 21-century diet. Hydrophilic colloids, (a watery, gelatinous, glue-like substance) form the underlying elements of all living cells. They possess the property of readily taking up and giving off the substances essential to cell life. The precipitation of the hydrophilic colloids causes cell death.

The foods we eat, in the raw state, consist largely of hydrophilic colloids. When cooked on the other hand, precipitates its colloidal integrity. This change in the colloidal state alters the hydration capacity of our foods to interfere with their ability to absorb digestive juices. If we were to eat a raw diet, we wouldn’t need to introduce the addition of any hydrophilic colloid to our diet. Uncooked foods contain sufficient hydrophilic colloid to keep gastric mucosa in the proper condition. But, even with raw foods, they must first be partially broken down by the digestive juices, beginning in the mouth and continuing through the upper tract, to allow the gelatinous reaction to take place. Because of this upper tract digestive process, those who suffer from slow digestion, gas formation, relaxed cardia and heartburn in which the burning is due to organic acids instead of an excess of the normal hydrochloric acid, which frequently accompanies chronic inflammation disease affecting such organs as the heart, lungs, gall bladder and appendix, are usually restricted from eating raw foods. A hydrophilic colloid incorporated with these foods may be used either in connection with the patient’s regular food or with whatever diet the physician feels is best suited for his patient. The patient with gastric atony or nervous indigestion who complains of heartburn and/or vomiting four to five hours after eating is often helped. There is a lessening of emptying time of the stomach and an improvement in gastric tone.

Chia Improves Digestion
Chia seed may be used in conjunction with almost any diet your doctor or nutritionist feels is necessary for your condition. The Chia’s hydrophilic colloidal properties aid the digestion of any foods contributing to the patients suffering as a result of a sour stomach. Even if you have sensitivity to certain foods, they may be tolerated with slight discomfort or none at all if a hydrophilic colloid is made a part of your diet. The positive effects on the digestion in the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract often leads to puree their foods may find benefits from hydrophilic colloids which may lead to eliminating the necessity for pureeing. Even raw vegetables, green salads and fruits, which are largely restricted, may often be given to these patients with little or no discomfort after a short time.

There are several hydrophilic foods available that offer these natural benefits. Cactus juice, beet juice, agar, the edible seaweeds, and many proprietary preparations, which include the silica gels, mucilaginous substance of vegetables origin, are among colloids that prove effective. Each one of the above mentioned substances have one or more drawbacks. They are either too expensive, they may produce toxic side effects, are bad tasting, not readily available, have insufficient hydration capability or are indigestible.

Chia seed, a muscle and tissue builder and an energizer of endurance with extensive hydration properties, possesses none of the above disadvantages, and because if its physiochemical properties, supports effective treatment in immediate problems of digestion. Exactly why this should be true may be puzzling at first. However, if we consider the effect of unusual irritation upon the nerves of the gastrointestinal canal, it is reasonable they think that a less violent and more balanced digestion might quiet the activity of the otherwise hyperactive gut. Inasmuch as the same foods, which formerly produced irritation, may frequently be continued without harm when hydrophilic colloids are used. The relief to nerve irritation seems to offer a logical explanation.

The change, in the lower gastrointestinal tract, is due to the effect of the hydrophilic colloid and to a more complete digestion-taking place along the entire tract due to physiochemical alterations. Both factors are important, as there is undoubtedly a better assimilation of food that supports enhanced nutritional absorption while significantly extending necessary hydration as well as encouraging proper elimination.

Excellent Protein Source
As a source of protein, the Chia, after ingestion, is digested and absorbed very easily. This results in rapid transport to the tissue and utilization by the cells. This efficient assimilation makes the Chia very effective when rapid development of tissue takes place, primarily during growth periods of children and adolescents. Also, for the growth and regeneration of tissue during pregnancy and lactation, and this would also include regeneration of muscle tissue for conditioning, athletes, weight lifters, etc.

Essential Omega 3 Oil
Another unique quality of the Chia seed is its high oil content and the richest vegetables source for the essential omega-3 fatty acid. It has approximately three to ten times the oil concentrations of most grains and one and a half to two times the protein concentrations of other grains. These oils, unsaturated fatty acids, are the essential oils your body needs to help emulsify and absorb the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, & K. Chia seeds are rich in the unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic, which the body can not manufacture. When there are rich amounts of linoleic acid sufficiently supplied to the body through diet, linoleic and arachidonic acids can be synthesized from linoleic acid.

Unsaturated fatty acids are important for respiration of vital organs and make it easier for oxygen to be transported by the blood stream to all cells, tissues, and organs. They also help maintain resilience and lubrication of all cells and combine with protein and cholesterol to form living membranes that hold the body cells together.

Unsaturated fatty acids are essential for normal glandular activity, especially of the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland. They nourish the skin cells and are essential for healthy mucus membranes and nerves. The unsaturated fatty acids function in the body by cooperating with vitamin D in making calcium available to the tissues, assisting in the assimilation of phosphorus, and stimulating the conversion of carotene into vitamin A. Fatty acids are related to normal functioning of the reproductive system. Chia seeds contain beneficial long-chain triglycerides (LCT) in the right proportion to reduce cholesterol on arterial walls.

The Chia seed is also a rich source of calcium as it contains the important mineral boron, which acts as a catalyst for the absorption and utilization of the calcium by the body.

Dieters Dream Food
Chia, as an ingredient, is a dieter’s dream food. There are limitless ways to incorporate the Chia seed into your diet. Chia can be prepared with pure water before using in recipes. The seed will absorb 9 times its weight in water in less than 10 minutes and is very simple to prepare.

Food Extender/Calorie Displacer: The optimum ratio of water to seed, for most recipes, is 9-parts water to 1 part seed. One pound of seed will make 10 pounds of Chia gel. This is the most unique structural quality of the Chia seed. The seed’s hydrophilic (water absorbing) saturated cells hold the water, so when it is mixed with foods, it displaces calories and fat without diluting flavor. In fact, I have found that because Chia gel displaces rather than dilutes, it creates more surface area and can actually enhance the flavor rather than dilute it. Chia gel also works as a fat replacer for many recipes.

How to Make Chia Gel?

Making Chia Gel (9 to 1 ratio): Put water in a sealable plastic container and slowly pour seed into water while briskly mixing with a wire whisk. This process will avoid any clumping of the seed. Wait a couple of minutes, whisk again and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk again before using or storing in refrigerator (Gel will keep up to 2 weeks). You can add this mix to jams, jellies, hot or cold cereals, yogurts, mustard, catsup, tartar sauce, BBQ sauce, etc… Add the gel, between 50% to 75% by volume, to any of the non-bake mentioned foods, mix well and taste. You will notice a very smooth texture with the integrity of the flavor intact. In addition to adding up to 50% to 75% more volume to the foods used, you have displaced calories and fat by incorporating an ingredient that is 90% water. Use as a fat replacer, for energy and endurance, or for added great taste, buy substituting the oil in your breads with Chia gel. Top your favorite bread dough before baking with Chia gel (for toping on baked goods, breads, cookies, piecrust, etc., reduce the water ratio to 8 parts water to 1 part Chia seed) for added shelf life.

There are additional benefits from the Chia seed aside from the nutritive enhancements when used as an ingredient. It was also used by the Indians and missionaries as a poultice for gunshot wounds and other serious injuries. They would pack the wounds with Chia seeds to avoid infections and promote healing. There is a wealth of benefits beyond the information outlined in this article and treasure-trove of benefits yet to be discovered. Chia seed, having a qualitatively unique situational richness along with a profound nutritive profile is one of man’s most useful and beneficial foods and is destined to be the Ancient Food of the Future.

 

Organic Chia Seeds

Chia Seed Nutritional Data and Facts
Nutritional Content
Nutritional Facts
Serving size: 20g (About 2 tbs):

Calories (Kcal) = 66
Protein (g) = 4.14
Total Fat (g) = 6.56
Saturated Fat (g) = 0.64
Trans Fat (g) = 0
Monounsaturated Fat (g) = 0.44
Polyunsaturated Fat (g) = 5.44
Omega-3 (ALA) (g) = 4.2
Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid) (g) = 1.24
Cholesterol (mg) = 0
Carbohydrates (g) = 7.5
Total Dietary Fibre (g) = 8.25
Soluble (g) = 1.07
Insoluble (g) = 7.18
Sodium (mg) = 0.42
Potassium (mg) = 140
Calcium (mg) = 142.8
Iron (mg) = 3.28
Phosphorus (mg) = 213.4
Magnesium (mg) = 78

Characteristics:
Light nutty taste, odorless, easy to add to recipes.

Daily intake recommendation:
The WHO (and USDA) recommend a daily intake of at least 1200 mg ALA Omega-3 for a healthy diet.
We recommend 2 tablespoons (20g) daily of chia seed, providing over 4000mg of Omega-3, to help you restore the lost balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber:
Thanks to its water retention capacity (WRC), its cationic exchange capacity (CEC), its organic molecule absorption capacity (OMAC), and its water absorption capacity (WAC), the fiber in Chia seeds has the ideal characteristics for the food industry, compared to other fiber sources such as flax seeds, vanilla sheath waste, and wheat bran.

Mucilage in Chia seeds as a food ingredient:
Due to its physics-chemical characteristics, mucilage can be used as thickener in a series of applications, because of its excellent hydrating capacity.

Chia seeds as a protein source of high biological value:
Chia seeds contain 20% protein with all essential amino acids, which makes it a vegetal protein alternative with high nutritional, economic and versatile value.

How Do I Take Chia Seeds?

I take it daily, mixed in my breakfast shake.

 

Organic Chia Seeds

Where Do I Get My Organic Chia Seeds!

I get my Organic Chia Seeds from this website.

 

Here’s the recipe for

“Morning Glory Shake”:

 

 

To Get Your $10.Off Coupon, any variety and any size Urthbox, Use code: SUMMERSNACKS  (through June)

 

 

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