Celebrating National Chia Seed day on March 23, 2020. Full segment click HERE.
They are the edible seeds of a flowering plant from the mint family. Native to Mexico and Guatemala. It is believed Aztecs, Mayans, and Incans used chia as a staple of their diet and as an energy food. Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language, and they were known as the “Running Food” because runners and warriors would use them for sustenance while running long distances or during battle.
Chia seeds also have a unique ability to “gel” due to the soluble fiber content and the fact that the outer shell is hydrophilic and has the ability to absorb over 10 times their weight in liquid. They contain the highest level of Omega-3s compared to any other nut or seed. It is important to note that they contain Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) form found in plant foods but not docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the form found in fatty fish. The body can convert some ALA to DHA, but it is relatively inefficient at this process, so ideally, we should consume both ALA and DHA from food sources. The ALA fatty acid helps to promote a lower omega-6 to omega 3 fatty acid ratio — a lower ratio is associated with reduced risks of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions.
A 1-ounce (or 2 Tbsp) serving of chia seeds has 39% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber (10 g) and provides about 18% of your daily recommended allowance of calcium. Fiber may help lower LDL “bad” cholesterol and slow digestions, which can prevent blood sugar spikes after eating meal and promote satiety. Chia seeds are also a good source of protein and other minerals minerals including iron, magnesium and zinc.
Chia seeds are a highly versatile ingredient. They have little if any distinctive flavor, so they don’t compete with other flavors in a dish. Normally, it is recommended to store them in the fridge to extend their life and to prevent their volatile oils from becoming rancid or from oxidizing. However, Sunfood Super Foods Chia seeds are packed in 100% UV, moisture, and oxygen-proof pouches. It means your superfoods will remain fresh and delicious longer! They are also cultivated sustainably – meaning no pesticides have been used during their growth, harvest or processing and do not risk damage to air, water, land or soil. Good for you and good for the Earth too. They are non-GMO and organic. You can buy them directly on their website, click here.
Disclosure: paid partnership with Sunfood Superfoods.
