Chia Seeds has been a popular ingredient in natural and homeopathic medicine for many years. These small edible seeds have been used by Native Americans for many medicinal purposes. In fact, it is estimated that the Inca carried many seeds from South America with them on their journeys as they traveled across the terrain. The Incan soldiers even used Chia Seeds in battles to help fuel their weapons.
Chia Seed Popsicle. One interesting way to use these edible (but edible-smelling) seeds is to make a Chia Seed Popsicle. This snack treat combines the texture and consistency of a traditional pudding with the convenience of a seed.
Chia Seed Recipes. Chia seeds can be used for cooking, for health boosting, for medicinal purposes and even to control appetite. The Incan warriors may have carried tiny pips of Chia seeds on their blades to give them an extra boost during battle. Others believe that eating chia seeds after a big meal may help curb one’s appetite and may also increase energy.
Smoothie Puddings. Chia seed puddings make a yummy, nutritious snack that can provide essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed for a healthy diet. These types of puddings are very popular at health events such as the Superfoods Expo throughout the summer. For example, smoothie ice cream and chocolate puddings make for a tasty treat that satisfies those cravings for dessert without gaining too much weight. The best part about these seed smoothies is that you can enjoy them any time of day!
Chia Seed Energy Boosters. Chia Seeds is an outstanding source of antioxidants, which are good for your body in a number of ways. They are high in fiber, which leads to regular, healthy bowel movements, and they are high in potassium, which helps you feel satisfied and less hungry throughout the day. A low-sugar content, which is also found in many fruits, makes chia pudding an excellent source of natural sugar and aids in managing your blood sugar levels. Some foods with a high amount of fiber and potassium also have good amounts of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, which are all important to maintain a healthy bone structure and strong muscles.
Chia Seed Supplements. If you are concerned about the high price of many common grocery store smoothies, it may interest you to know that you can make delicious, nutritious smoothies using only a handful of these little seeds. Simply buy a package of frozen or fresh chia seeds and chop them up into fine pieces. Then stir together a handful of them with one half cup of water. Drink the mixture within 15 minutes for a delicious and nutritious drink. Chia seed smoothies may be frozen and taken in capsules or liquid form.
Chia Seed Oil. Chia Seed contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are extremely beneficial to your health. It is the perfect addition to any diet, and the recommended daily intake is five hundred milligrams. However, chia seeds do not get properly digested in some people, which is why some companies add additional substances to enhance its nutritional benefits. Some companies use herbicides and pesticides to make it taste better. Always be sure to read the package of seeds before purchasing them, so that you get authentic, pure, organic products that have been tried and tested to deliver the best possible results.
Protein and Calcium. Like most fruits, chia seeds are packed full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iron, protein, fiber, potassium and calcium. All of these nutrients are needed to maintain strong bones. One of the nutrients that is especially important for improved bone health is calcium. Newer studies indicate that calcium plays a key role in preventing and fighting diseases like Alzheimer’s, which is why supplementing calcium should be part of any diet.