Hydrate Your Body to become healthier with Chia Seeds
There is evidence that chia seeds were first used as a food as early as 3500 B.C., and served as a cash crop in central Mexico between 1500 and 900 B.C. Chia seeds were eaten as a grain alone or mixed with other grains, drank as a beverage when placed in water, ground into flour, included in medicines, and pressed for oil and used as a base for face and body paints. Aztec rulers received chia seeds as an annual tribute from conquered nations, and the seeds were offered to the gods during religious ceremonies.
In recent years chia seeds were only consumed by small groups of people. Primarily they were mixed in water, along with lemon juice and sugar, and consumed as a refreshing beverage in Mexico, Guatemala and Nicaragua as well as the southern USA (California and Arizona).
It is interesting to note that 500 years later, modern science has concluded that Pre-Columbian diets were superior to present day diets. Formerly forced into obscurity, chia seeds are now emerging as a new food, and offer a great opportunity to improve human nutrition by providing a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Did you know that the Aztecs used chia seeds as a primary food source?
They milled them into gruels and baked them into breads. And they weren't nuts! These little seeds pack a punch in terms of nutrients, fibre, and protein. Use them to boost your energy levels before your workout, or sprinkle some on your next salad for a burst of flavour - either way you're on track to be healthier than ever!
Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, antioxidants, iron, and calcium.
A 28-gram, or 1-ounce, serving of chia seeds also contains 5.6 grams of protein.
Mixed with water, they can replace eggs in vegan cooking.
Chia seeds can be eaten cooked or raw, but they should be added to other food or soaked before eating.
Chia seeds are rich in Dietary fibres. They promote deep hydration that enhances body metabolism and induces optimal health.
Supports deep hydration
Our body needs deep hydration for the well functioning of organs and keeps the pH level balanced.
Chia reduces Vata (the air and space element).
Optimizes pitta (the fire element).
Nourishes Kapha (the water and earth elements). These seeds are also sattvic, or pure, in nature.
Take our Dosha Quiz.
Nutritionally-packed chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which protect you from the damage of free radicals. Chia seeds may even help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and risks of type 2 diabetes!
Chia seeds are little black seeds that are being consumed across the world for their nutritional benefits. The most cited benefit is that of losing weight because these seeds do not break down in the stomach. They will expand up to 9 times of their actual size and hence, helping you feel full and satiated for a longer period of time. These healthy chia seeds, when combined with other herbs and nutrients like ginger can enhance their weight loss effects by an astonishing 25%.
Despite the somewhat lacklustre findings of the study discussed above, there are plenty of benefits to consuming Chia seeds. They're great sources of energy, and antioxidants, and are all-around healthy food options. And, who knows? Maybe they'll even help you lose weight as a result of their positive effects on your gut microbiome!
