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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Nutrition & HIV => Topic started by: friskyguy on January 27, 2013, 12:33:42 pm

Title: Chia seeds
Post by: friskyguy on January 27, 2013, 12:33:42 pm
Picked up my first batch of "CHIA SEEDS" the natural version (not in capsule). I bought a mix of the white and black seeds and had it tonight in my smoothie......really great texture!!!

I' m always the last to accept the science and spruiking of a natural product that's billed to solve health problems...........however I have relented in this case!!!! You all might be on to this product already? Old news?

CHIA SEEDS have been known as a fantastic Super Food for centuries in the Aztec world and after reading extensively about it......it does seem pretty amazing......like a rediscovered treasure for the 21 century!

Apparently taking the world by storm recently too! Hard to find in my part of the world cause as soon as its imported.....it doesn't stay long enough on the shelves!!!!

Seems perfect for us pozzies due to its abundance of antioxidants / calcium / omega 3 / fibre / energy boost / stable blood sugars etc.........

Anyone else consuming it for a while that can report first hand on its benefits to one's health?

Title: Re: The new "Super Food"
Post by: friskyguy on January 27, 2013, 12:36:58 pm
http://mychiaseeds.com/Articles/Top10ChiaBenefits.html
Title: Re: The new "Super Food"
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 27, 2013, 01:08:40 pm
I sometimes buy this cereal mix of pumpkin fig/ancient grains and it contains chia seeds, along with amaranth and quinoa flakes.
Title: Re: The new "Super Food"
Post by: Ann on January 27, 2013, 03:35:36 pm
EEP! That would be like eating my sweet little Chia Pet!!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzY7qQFij_M)

I PITY THE FOOL! (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRGPfEPP9s4/Ty3GJOKIzsI/AAAAAAAAAvE/OPYZEZWJ-MY/s1600/chia-pet.jpg)




heh. Couldn't resist.
Title: Chia seeds
Post by: RWR on February 02, 2013, 09:00:58 pm
Everyone in the kettlebell class is trying chia seeds.  They all have xtra energy.  I seem to feel a difference. 
Title: Re: The new "Super Food"
Post by: RWR on February 02, 2013, 11:51:00 pm
Hey Fiskyguy sorry I did not look for a post on the chia seeds.   Glad You love them too.  Big difference.  Also helps with digestion and I read one article where it helps acid reflux.  They are kindof slimy if they sit to long.

Hugs Bobby
Title: Re: Chia seeds
Post by: Ann on February 03, 2013, 04:16:38 am
Bobby, I merged your new thread into Frisky's existing thread, but used your more self-explanatory thread title. :)




But come on guys, don't any of you remember Chia Pets? Surely I'm not the only old fart around here who does. ???



Oh, and I meant to ask... do you ingest these seeds as they are, or do you sprout them first? I'm asking because there are so many seeds out there that you do sprout first in order to get maximum nutritional value (and digestibility) from them.
Title: Re: Chia seeds
Post by: friskyguy on February 03, 2013, 06:07:22 am
Had my crushed chia seeds (bought them this way) sprinkled over my pasta carbonara sauce tonite.......consistency and slight crunch and looks like regular course crushed black pepper. No need to buy the original beans and soak etc......and no need to eat is like alfalfa........just buy the course crushed black pepper looking ones in their container.

Had them in smoothies....great......and sprinkled on my greek salad. I bought a mix of white and black seeds and combined them. Store in fridge if you live in a clime with high humidity othewise last for years on the shelf when this is not a problem.

One tablespoon a day is enough.....no real taste so can add in curries and the if you soak (turns into a gel.....substitute for butter for baking if that your thing).

What I love about this 'superfood' is the unlimited variety you can use them. No more psyllium husk or flax seeds for me. Such a bloody great find!!!!!

Some fast facts below for those too busy to do some research......info easy to find on the net:

Chia is said to: provide 2x the protein of most other seeds and grains, provide 3x the antioxidant levels of blueberries, be a rich source of calcium and contain the mineral boron, which helps with the absorption and utilization of calcium, provide 3x the iron found in spinach, provide 2x more potassium than a banana. More commonly known about the chia is that it is an amazing source of essential fatty acids (the 'good' fats).

Additionally, adding chia seeds into the daily diet has shown to improve the nutrient absorption of all foods, including nutritional supplements.

FOR ANN-Is it better to grind or soak chia seeds or can you just eat them raw?

All species of Chia are from the Mint (Lamiaceae or Labiatae) family, this includes both the black and white species.  People use the Chia Seeds to help lower high blood pressure, increase High Density Lipoproteins (good cholesterol), prevention and reversal of insulin resistance and lowering of serum Triglycerides levels. 

This herb was a staple in the ancient Aztec diet and typically contains Omega 3,6 and 9 essential fatty acids (34% oil), anti-oxidants, protein (20%) and fibre (25%) content and for this reason many call it a complete food.

By grinding or soaking the seeds first it helps to break down the rough fibre and this makes it easier on the digestive tract and therefore the beneficial effects are improved.  Some companies recommend that a blend of Black and White Chia is the best option as a variety of foods and colours is a good overall way to improve health, and by combining both you will receive the benefits of both of these super foods.

You may even like to add the soaked or ground seeds to foods such as smoothies, cereal, yoghurt or sprinkled on top of a fruit salad.
Title: Re: Chia seeds
Post by: Ann on February 03, 2013, 07:14:55 am
Thanks for that Frisky. It's interesting that they come from the mint family. :)
Title: Re: Chia seeds
Post by: WillyWump on February 03, 2013, 09:48:44 am
I'm going to have to give these a try, thanks for the info

-Will
Title: Re: Chia seeds
Post by: Jeff G on February 03, 2013, 09:51:58 am
I'm going to have to give these a try, thanks for the info

-Will

Are you going to batter dip and fry them ?
Title: Re: Chia seeds
Post by: WillyWump on February 03, 2013, 09:58:24 am
Are you going to batter dip and fry them ?

No silly. They are for sprinkling in my salty gravy ::)
Title: Re: Chia seeds
Post by: RWR on February 03, 2013, 10:17:41 am
Thanks Ann
I have a tablespoon in the morning and afternoon with my protein drink.  I like the fact that they keep me feeling full so I do not snack so much.  Last night I put a few inside my turkey and cheese wrap.

Hugs Bobby
Title: Re: Chia seeds
Post by: RWR on February 03, 2013, 10:19:24 am
Oh yea Ann I do remember the chia pets. That is what I thought of when My instructor told us about them.

Hugs Bobby