Change Your Life With CHIA
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by Stephanie Martin
Taking the health world by storm, the amazing Chia seed is certainly proving itself to be one of the most exciting superfoods on the market! Not only incredibly nutritious and full of antioxidants, Chia is rich in fibre, gluten-free, diabetic friendly and highly beneficial to almost everyone regardless of age, gender or nationality! And the best part is, you can add Chia to almost any meal, any time of the day to enhance flavour, lower the GI and of course give your meal a super nutritional boost! 

Chia History 
chialovePronounced CHEE-ah, this tiny seed was once a central part of the Ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures. Together with amaranth, maize (corn) and beans, Chia was one of the four key elements that formed the basic components of their daily diet. Even more interesting is the fact that these four grains alone have such an outstanding nutritional profile that they meet every present-day dietary requirement as set out by the Food and Agriculture Organization-World Health Organization (FAO-WHO). This means that with only 4 crops these ancient tribes had a far superior diet compared to what most people have today! 

Although Chia was almost completely lost in history after the Spanish Invasion, it is finally being recognised as an outstanding superfood with the potential to greatly improve human nutrition and health.  

10 Reasons why Chia can change your life

chiaplantpur1. Omega 3 
Did you know that your body can’t produce Omega 3 on its own but that it must come from your diet!? This would not be such a huge statement until you learn that every single cell membrane in your body requires omega 3 to be able to function properly (hence it is called an essential fatty acid). 

This is where Chia starts to get exciting… As a single whole-food, it contains one of the planet’s highest concentrations of omega 3's around (about 8 times more than salmon). It also has a near perfect ratio of Omega 3 (30%) to Omega 6 (10%) of 3:1, to help keep your cells healthy. And unlike other sources of Omega 3, chia seeds can be eaten every single day in their raw form; no grinding, soaking, processing or extracting needed! 

2. Weight Loss
Per serving (15g) Chia has 6.3g of carbohydrates of which 6.2g is fibre! This means Chia is high-fibre and low-carb, with minimal calories - a dieters dream! In fact per 100g of Chia there is only 1g of usable carbohydrates.
chiagel
Also, one of the unique things about chia is its ability to soak up water. If you add one part chia seeds to nine parts water, and leave it for about fifteen minutes, you’ll get a mixture with a gel-like consistency. This Chia ‘gel’ keeps you feeling fuller for longer, thereby suppressing your appetite and preventing overeating. 

Furthermore, the chia gel slows down the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar providing a sustained release of energy and keeping blood sugar levels under control… great news for diabetics!

3. Fibre
As previously mentioned Chia is an amazing source of fibre, both soluble and insoluble. The extra fibre acts like a broom ‘sweeping’ toxins out of the intestinal tract for a safe detox, as well as helping lower cholesterol levels and regulating bowel movements. Chia’s fibre even promotes the growth of friendly bacteria, or probiotics, which boost the immune system and maintain the natural balance of a healthy digestive system.

4. Protein
Chia seeds are a complete source of protein. They actually have 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain – about 23% protein per seed. All essential amino acids are present (including Lysine) and appropriately balanced for optimal absorption and assimilating in the body. 

5. Energy
chiarunning2In the Mayan language the word “chian” means “energizer” or “fortifier.” Chia's fibre and healthy fat content provide consistent energy. Known to the Aztec culture as 'the running food,' just one tablespoon of Chia was believed to sustain an Aztec warrior for a whole day! Think what this means for you... All you need to do is sprinkle a little Chia over each meal and you've got your self a natural energy kick. 

6. Athletes (Hydration)
Another benefit of the chia seed gel is that it helps endurance athletes stay hydrated. Any liquids drunk before, during, or after exercise will stay in the body for longer. High in protein, chia seed also helps build strong muscles the natural way. 

7. Antioxidants
Chia is a great antioxidant source with an ORAC of about 9900 (exceptionally high for a seed!). Not only do these antioxidants help you to fight disease and defy age naturally, they also naturally prevent the seeds from going off, giving Chia an amazingly long shelf life when stored in its natural, dry state. 

chiaseed8. Environmentally friendly
The high oil content in the leaves of the Chia plant acts as an extremely potent and natural insect repellent, eliminating the need for the use of nasty chemicals and pesticides to protect the crop. 

9. Nutrition Packed
As well as Omega 3, fibre and protein, Chia is packed full of vitamins and minerals including most B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron and copper. Adding to this Chia has 5x more calcium than milk, 3x more iron than spinach and 15x more magnesium than broccoli! This truly is one amazing superfood that packs a punch so strong it is virtually unmatched in its nutritious profile!

10. Taste, Flavour & Fun
Just when you thought Chia couldn’t get any better, it is arguably one of the most diverse superfoods available. Since they have virtually no flavour of their own and actually enhance the flavours of the foods with which they are combined, the uses for chia are limitless!!! You can even bake with less fat by exchanging half the amount of butter in your recipe for the Chia gel! Perfect for making any Christmas treats more nutritious AND low GI. 

chia_puddingSo far we at Lifestyle Health have used Chia in smoothies and cereals, on eggs, avocado and toast, on salads, soups and vegetable dishes, on chicken, fish, sushi and in curry. We have even sprinkled Chia on chocolate mousse, ice-cream and sorbet! For recipes and more ideas on how to use Chia join Lifestyle Health’s Facebook page or visit www.somama.co.za 

Chia is definitely life-changing. It is a true superfood, easy to use, easy to digest, with little taste, and absolutely bursting with incredible nutrition. Anyone can use it! Simply sprinkle your way to better health.