The Benefits of Chia Seed, Nature's Wonder Nutrient
Society today is more aware than ever about how we treat our bodies and what we're putting into them. Current dietary trends lean more towards supplementing our diets with anti-oxidant and high nutrition foods, as well as taking advantage of the earth's natural grains and seeds that have been around for centuries, such as the chia seed.
The chia plant is an herb indigenous to Mexico and Guatemala, and is harvested for its seeds, which provide rich health benefits. For its tiny size, the chia seed is a nutritional powerhouse. It's packed with heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, calcium, and other essential minerals. Unlike other seeds such as flax, the chia seeds is easily absorbed by the body. And consuming a plant based diet has been associated with lower levels of cholesterol, heart disease and obesity. One ounce of chia seed contains a whopping 10 grams of fiber, which can help lower blood pressure.
So what to do with this tiny wonder seed? The beauty of chia is that it's extremely simple to consume in order to reap the benefits. Because of its mild and almost non-existent taste, chia can be added to just about anything. Chia on its own isn't very flavorful, but it can add a nutty flavor to yogurts and cereals, and it has the unique ability to act as a thickening agent. When mixed with water or liquids, chia will turn to a gel like substance. This can be useful for naturally thickening foods like shakes and desserts. In fact, adding chia to raw cacao, banana and avocado can make a quick and delicious natural pudding, without all the added artificial flavoring. It goes especially well with breads and muffins, and can be used in place of other toppings like wheat germ or granola.
The benefits of this nutritious little seed are great. It's a quick, easy staple to add to any pantry and can be found in most health food stores and online. As we move towards a greater understanding of what natural foods we can add to our diet, it's not hard to see why chia remains high on the list.
