Chia seeds have made quite the comeback. In Mesoamerican history, chia seeds were a staple in the diets of the Mayans and the Aztecs. In fact, they were right up there with corn and beans. It was eaten whole, put into medicine, ground into a flour, and used in religious rituals. Because of it’s close ties to religion, the Spanish banned chia seeds. And only recently has it seen such wide use once again.
These seeds were believed to have supernatural powers of strength and stamina. And according to their nutritional content, this is true. They are a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s what inside these tiny seeds:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Antioxidants
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Fiber
- Protein
They are easily digested, even when eaten as a whole seed. Among providing the benefits of it’s vitamins and minerals, chia seeds will also keep you full longer, boost your metabolism, and even help to regulate cholesterol levels and blood sugar. Do they stop there? Nope, there’s more. They contain all nine amino acids that our bodies need to build muscle. These are truly a superfood.
Chia seeds can be eaten in a variety of ways. The seeds get very gelatinous when mixed with liquid, both whole and ground. These tiny little gems have a very bland flavor, so they can be added to anything without changing the flavor. They can be made in puddings, mixed into smoothies and oatmeal, and sprinkled onto salads. Add just a little to a big glass of water with some squeezed lime juice for a refreshing drink. Or use as an egg replacer in baked goods. My favorite use for chia seeds is to use it as the thickening agent in jams.
However you eat it, this superfood delivers a lot of nutrition for such a tiny little seed.
