Chia Seed is a member of the sage family (Salvia Hispanica) and is an ancient staple long used for thousands of years by the Mayan, Aztec, Incan and many southwestern Native American cultures for increasing endurance, strength and energy. Ancient Aztecs carried chia seeds as food when they went into battle. Modern Tarahumara Indians, who are accustomed to running for days at a time, carry ground chia seeds as sustenance for their long runs.
Recent studies have had health experts turning their attention to this extraordinarily nutritious seed as it has so many benefits. Cell membrane health is vital for the absorption of nutrients and to prevent waste from re-entering the cells, that’s one of the roles of omega 3 in our diet. There is a strong belief in the community that fish oil is the only source of omega 3 but lets look at the problems this is causing, the evidence that our oceans are being depleted rapidly of life is shown by the growing number of dead spots in the worlds oceans today compared to 40 years ago. We don’t need to continue to risk the health of our planet for our own health… Whilst chia seeds do not contain EPA or DHA they do contain the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-lipoic acid that our clever body can convert to EPA and DHA.
Heres some of the other benefits of chia seeds…
- Help build muscles and other tissues
- Foster proper digestion
- An almost complete source of protein in an easily digestible form
- Supports cardiovascular and heart health
- Promote smooth skin, healthy hair and strong nails
- Is great for diabetics
- Effectively treat Hypoglycemia
- Help absorb fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A, D, E and K
- Contain up to 5 times the calcium of milk (plus Boron, which helps transfer calcium into your bones)
- Strengthens the immune system
- Contains double the amount of Potassium as bananas
- Has more antioxidant strength than blueberries
- Is an excellent source of Iron, Manganese and Magnesium
Now lets talk a moment about Chia Seeds for Omega 3 on a Raw food diet. This simple little seed should be an every day part of our diet. It is simple to add to food. Try sprinkling it on your salad, muesli or make a chia oatmeal. (one of our more popular dishes at the cafe).
- Mix 1/2 cup of chia seed with sweetened nutmylk and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Add more milk if needed. (remember chia seeds can absorb more than 10 times their weight) top with banana or berries and enjoy. You will feel sustained for a long time on this meal….
Have a wonderful week and have fun exploring chia seed…
Love Lucy
